REVIEW: Justice League Unlimited #21

The members of the Justice League already have to look over their shoulders because of the Villain Amnesty currently in effect, but Justice League Unlimited #21, “Escape from Powers Planet: Part Two,” takes the paranoia of a villain appearing at any moment to several new levels.

Last month, Lex Luthor completely disrupted Air Wave’s successful attempt to reason with Brainiac Queen, who escaped the Watchtower in search of her “mother,” Amanda Waller. Meanwhile, Guy Gardner, Metamorpho, Hawkgirl and Mr. Terrific attempted to safely transport a repository containing the superpowers of the entire Justice League to Oa. After their ship was clipped by a fleeing spacecraft, the repository crashed onto a planet populated by alien life-forms and granted them the powers of the Justice League.

Things went from bad to worse, and superstar writer Mark Waid continues the journey alongside artists Dan Mora and Fico Ossio, colorist Tamra Bonvillain and letterer Ariana Maher. From the tense banter between Batman and Lex Luthor to the terrifying return of an old enemy, this issue gives readers plenty to enjoy and even more to consider. Before diving further into the story, however, these fantastic covers deserve some attention.

Despero makes his terrifying return on the standard cover by Mora. The cover announces that the classic DC villain has been reborn while displaying the skeletal remains of Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, Batman, Wonder Woman and Blue Beetle. His new design may be the most frightening version of Despero we have ever seen. His enlarged third eye, menacing expression and monstrous appearance practically demand that his enemies tremble in their super-powered boots.

Seb McKinnon’s variant delivers classic science-fiction imagery as Batman, Shining Knight Sir Justin atop Winged Victory and Hawkgirl keep watch outside the Watchtower while staring into the vastness of space. Parts of the Justice League’s headquarters resemble the remains of an ancient castle floating high above Earth, blending medieval fantasy with cosmic adventure.

Don Aguillo’s variant showcases three powerhouse superheroes: Zatanna Zatara, Hawkman and Martian Manhunter. Magic radiates from Zatanna’s hands while Martian Manhunter unleashes his Martian vision with tremendous force. Hawkman flies between them with an Nth-metal weapon in hand, ready to charge into battle and bash a few heads.

In its own way, each cover warns readers that the Justice League must remain alert and prepared for whatever—or whoever—might emerge next. There are also variants available by Bruno Redondo, Nathan Szerdy and Kaare Andrews.

Mora, Ossio, Bonvillain and Maher deserve tremendous credit for bringing Waid’s powerful, action-packed script to life. The creative team balances an enormous cast, extensive dialogue and explosive action without allowing the issue to become visually confusing. Every panel flows naturally into the next, and there is always a clear distinction between the two adventures unfolding in different locations.

Waid continues to demonstrate why he is considered one of the industry’s greatest storytellers. He understands these characters, their relationships and the complicated dynamics that exist between them. Although readers are supposed to be focused on the search for Brainiac Queen, I found myself completely invested in the exchanges between Batman and Lex Luthor. Their scenes feel like a tense interrogation between two brilliant men who know exactly how to get under each other’s skin. Batman barely tolerates Lex’s presence, while Lex remains as cocky, devious and calculating as ever. I wanted even more of their verbal sparring, and the joke was apparently on me because their interactions help set the stage for the upcoming Justice League: Knight Vision Special.

Elsewhere, the League works together to track down Brainiac Queen while Red Tornado demonstrates exactly why he remains one of the team’s most intelligent and calculating members. Readers who followed Justice League: Red will understand why he no longer has a physical body and how dangerous his strategic mind can be. I also cannot help feeling sorry for Brainiac Queen. Amanda Waller misled her, manipulated her and used her for her own purposes. That betrayal makes Brainiac Queen more sympathetic, even as her actions continue to endanger everyone around her. Guy Gardner, meanwhile, is finally paying the price for his arrogance. I love that Waid was able to quietly reunite Guy’s “Justice Gang” from 2025’s Superman for this story arc. Their personalities clash, their teamwork is far from perfect, and they function together in much the same chaotic way they did in the film.

Justice League Unlimited #21 succeeds because it gives readers two compelling adventures without allowing either one to overshadow the other. The search for Brainiac Queen carries genuine emotional weight, Guy Gardner’s mission continues to spiral out of control and Batman’s growing frustration with Lex Luthor creates some of the issue’s most entertaining moments. The artwork remains incredible, the action is easy to follow, and the dialogue captures the personalities of every hero and villain involved. Waid and the creative team continue to prove that a massive Justice League roster does not have to feel overcrowded when every character has a clear role to play.

(10/10) Justice League Unlimited #21 delivers tremendous action, amusing dialogue, incredible artwork, two simultaneous adventures and a promising preview of Batman and Lex Luthor’s upcoming assignment together. As Lex Luthor and Otis famously asked in Superman: The Movie, “What more could anyone ask?”