DC Comics has been making waves lately with its new initiatives, including the expansion of the Justice League under the Justice League Unlimited title. This new iteration brings nearly every hero in the DC Universe into the League, ensuring that Earth and the universe are always protected from any threat. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to powerful new villains, high-stakes battles, and internal conflicts that shake the very foundation of the Justice League. Let’s dive into issues #2 and #3 of Justice League Unlimited and explore what makes them so compelling.
The Growing Threat of Inferno
In the first issue, the Justice League faced a new super-terrorist group called Inferno, which vowed to annihilate humanity. Batman and Blue Beetle discovered a mysterious nest of alien eggs in Costa Rica, but things took a dire turn when Blue Beetle was captured. Meanwhile, a new recruit, Airwave, infiltrated the League with an ulterior motive—he was there to kill them.
Issue #2 picks up right where the first left off, throwing us straight into the action.
Parademons Invade Costa Rica
The issue opens with Blue Beetle being dragged into the forest by monstrous creatures, screaming for Batman’s help. On the streets of Costa Rica, police enforce a curfew, warning civilians about the creatures lurking in the night sky. As one of the civilians mocks the idea of monsters, she is snatched up—confirming their worst fears.
The Justice League arrives just in time through a Boom Tube. Superman identifies the creatures as Parademons—Darkseid’s shock troopers. However, they appear different than usual—unarmored, chaotic, and uncontrolled. The question arises: If Darkseid is dead, who is commanding them?
Batman, wounded and bloodied, informs the team that he and Blue Beetle had discovered a nest of alien eggs. Worse yet, locals claim that children have been disappearing. With a plan in place, the League splits up: Wonder Woman and Mary Marvel head toward the nest, Superman and Black Lightning hold the perimeter, and Martian Manhunter teams up with Dr. Ault to search for the missing children.
The Adams and the Power Shuffle in Singapore
Meanwhile, in Singapore, we are introduced to a new subplot. A giant man, seemingly infused with stolen superpowers, is confronted by police. Adam Smasher arrives on the scene, explaining that when Amazo stole and redistributed superpowers, not all of them returned to their rightful owners. This man had absorbed Adam Smasher’s powers, making him a significant threat.
With the help of Ray Palmer and Ryan Choi (both former Atoms), they deploy a device designed to restore powers to their rightful owners. While the process is excruciatingly painful, it works, returning Adam Smasher’s abilities. However, Ray Palmer warns that the process isn’t stable, and they will need more help to fully correct the power imbalances worldwide.
Martian Manhunter’s Shocking Revelation
In the search for the missing children, Dr. Ault and Martian Manhunter venture into a dark cave. As they investigate, Ault casually mentions that Manhunter was Superman before Superman, referencing his vast array of abilities. However, Manhunter reveals a shocking truth—when Amazo redistributed powers, many of his never returned. He has lost his telepathy and ocular abilities, making him significantly weaker than before.
Inside the cave, they find the missing children, guarded by a self-aware Parademon. This creature, unlike the others, speaks and reveals that it was exiled from Apokolips long ago. To gain favor and return home, it had been preparing human children as offerings. When Manhunter informs the Parademon that Darkseid is dead, it flies into a rage.
Manhunter, driven by anger, brutally beats the Parademon. His growing instability becomes evident, and when Wonder Woman and Superman arrive, they intervene to stop him. Ashamed, Manhunter flees, leaving his teammates deeply concerned about his mental state.
Airwave’s Secrets Exposed
Issue #3 shifts focus to the Justice League Watchtower, where The Question is conducting security checks. Green Arrow jokes about his chili being considered a weapon, but the real surprise comes when The Question discovers Airwave hiding in the walls, watching Back to the Future.
When confronted, Airwave panics, thinking his cover has been blown. Instead, The Question assumes he is just a lost and forgotten sidekick with nowhere else to go. She reassures him that he is welcome to stay and even suggests that he could be of help. However, we know the truth—Airwave is still an active threat to the League, and his real mission remains undiscovered.
Inferno Attacks the Amazon Rainforest
The Justice League is soon called to another crisis—massive fires consuming the Amazon Rainforest. As heroes arrive to help, Superman identifies the source of the flames: magical pillars embedded in the soil, radiating ethereal fire. When he attempts to remove them, he discovers that they burn even him, forcing him to use his frost breath instead.
Wonder Woman, realizing the fire is magical, calls for sorcerers to assist. Meanwhile, the Red Tornado deploys the Metal Men—Gold, Iron, and Platinum—since they can withstand the extreme temperatures.
The League quickly realizes that the fire is intentional, part of a larger plan by Inferno. Zatanna, using her magic, attempts to force Inferno’s members to reveal themselves. When they do, they taunt the heroes, declaring that their goal is far greater than conquest. Instead, they seek vengeance.
What is Inferno’s True Purpose?
The villains of Inferno claim they are agents of vengeance, but what does that truly mean? They explain that the destruction of the Amazon will lead to ecological disasters—floods, hurricanes, and famine affecting billions. But why target the planet this way? What grudge does Inferno hold against humanity?
Before the League can get more answers, the portal through which Inferno speaks begins to close. Dr. Ault, unwilling to let them escape without answers, jumps inside—disappearing with them.
The Justice League Faces an Uncertain Future
As issue #3 ends, the Justice League is left scrambling for answers. Martian Manhunter has vanished, his psychological state in question. Airwave remains a hidden threat within their ranks. The world’s powers are still out of balance. And Inferno has declared war on humanity with an agenda that remains a mystery.
The Justice League Unlimited series is shaping up to be one of DC’s most ambitious storylines, featuring a vast array of characters, complex moral dilemmas, and high-stakes battles. With issue #4 on the horizon, fans can only speculate on what will happen next.
Stay tuned as we continue to follow the League’s fight to save Earth from threats both external and internal. One thing is certain—the Justice League has never faced anything quite like this before.
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