REVIEW: Justice League Unlimited #22

Things are finally quiet aboard the Justice League Watchtower following the Brainiac Queen’s escape and return, thanks to the Atom, Ryan Choi. But in Justice League Unlimited #22, “Escape from Planet Powers: Part Three,” things have gotten much worse on the planet Dronnda as Despero arrives and seeks to take the displaced superpowers for himself.

Writer Mark Waid, along with artists Dan Mora and Fico Ossio, colorist Tamra Bonvillain and letterer Ariana Maher, throws us right into the battle between “The Justice Gang” — Guy Gardner, Hawkgirl, Mr. Terrific and Metamorpho — and Despero.

On the standard cover by Dan Mora, Wonder Woman takes center stage as she uses her bracelets to deflect incoming fire. Batman, Green Arrow and Captain Atom leap into action behind her. Mora fills the cover with movement and energy, making “Justice Invasion!” look every bit as explosive as it sounds.

Bruno Redondo’s variant cover puts Detective Chimp on top of a massive pile of costumes, weapons and other items belonging to DC’s heroes. He scratches his head as if even one of the world’s greatest detectives does not know what to make of the mess beneath him. A mystery is raised in this issue, and this cover fits it perfectly.

Gerald Parel’s variant cover features Batman and Superman standing side by side aboard the Watchtower. Superman folds his arms while Batman stands ready for whatever comes next. The shadows and mixture of blue, green and red lighting give the World’s Finest an intimidating presence.

There are also variants available from Nathan Szerdy, Karen S. Darboe and Serg Acuña.

Mora, Ossio, Bonvillain and Maher work so well together and bring Waid’s script to life. From the calm aboard the Watchtower to the devastating battle on Dronnda, the team captures the intensity of every moment, especially as the League faces Despero.

The way Despero is depicted in this issue, from his villainous monologue to showcasing his powers and holding absolutely nothing back, made me think, “I really want to see this guy in a live-action movie.” People are excited to see Brainiac brought to the screen and an all-out fight between Superman and Darkseid, but Despero would be a great villain on the road to Darkseid. Besides making Despero look ruthless and terrifying, something even more frightening happens near the end of this issue. It is captured in such an exhilarating way that I immediately wanted a miniseries featuring this character and what they are now in possession of. I can’t wait to talk more about this next month, but you’ve got to see it for yourself.

Waid, who I brag on all the time — and rightfully so — just gets every character he writes. No one is wasted or simply added to move the story along. He also introduces two new mysteries: one stemming from the joint vision Batman and Lex Luthor shared and investigated in Justice League: Knight Vision Special, and another concerning the visions the King Omega tournament participants had.

Up until this issue, I assumed Superman gave the visions to the participants. Maybe he did, but this issue raises a question that makes me reconsider that assumption and the true intentions behind those visions. I know the answers are coming, and I want them. I have no doubt Waid and his team will answer those questions while leaving us with even more to think about. Also looming in the background is Darkseid. He’s on the way back, and we have no idea how he’s coming back, who he’s coming back with or if the League and its new partners in the Villains Amnesty Program can stop him.

This series is one of DC’s most exciting team books. Waid balances blockbuster superhero action with strong character moments and mysteries that make the larger story feel more dangerous with every issue. Mora, Ossio, Bonvillain and Maher make every battle and revelation hit with the energy it deserves, while Despero reminds us just how terrifying a Justice League-level villain can be. With Darkseid waiting in the wings, this issue delivers a thrilling chapter that makes me even more eager to see what comes next.

(10/10) Justice League Unlimited #22 is an action-packed, mystery-filled powerhouse that makes Despero feel like a major threat, deepens the intrigue surrounding the League and leaves the door wide open for something even bigger on the horizon.