As Justice League Unlimited hits its third issue on January 22nd, writer Mark Waid sat down with AIPT to talk about the monumental task of balancing a massive cast, developing fresh threats, and creating a book that feels truly “unlimited.” With his signature enthusiasm and insight, Waid gave us a glimpse into the creative process behind one of DC’s most ambitious series.
Courtesy DC Comics
Going Wide: Lesser-Seen Characters Take Center Stage
One of the defining features of Justice League Unlimited is its commitment to showcasing the vast number of superheroes in the DC Universe. Waid explained his approach to highlighting lesser-seen characters like Xanthi and Dr. Occult:
“A large part of the process is, who do I have a take on? Who do I have something to say about? What can I do to make them not just be window dressing?” Waid said. “It’s also a matter of trying to go wide, to—as [artist Michael Janin] said—make it feel unlimited. Go to the huge depth and breadth of the DC Universe.”
But striking a balance between fan-favorites and obscure characters is no small feat. “I have to be willing to put my emotional attachments aside for the greater good,” he admitted. “Otherwise, I’d be filling this book with nothing but Silver Age characters, and that’s not the goal. The goal is to teach myself, as well as the readers, about the broader cast of the DCU.”
Inferno: A Villainous Threat on a Global Scale
Issue #3 marks a turning point as the terrorist group Inferno ups the ante. Waid detailed what makes them a compelling threat:
“They’re not just a terrorist group — they’re a super-terrorist threat,” he explained. “They’re playing on a much bigger scale. In issue #1, they were making a play to take over the world’s economy. In issue #3, they’re making a play for the Green, which gives them control over the world’s ecosystem. It’s not just about power; it’s about thinking big.”
Waid also teased that readers will get their first significant clues about who might be behind Inferno’s robes. “Issue #4 gives a bigger clue, and issue five reveals it in a way that leads into the next big storyline.”
Balancing Action, Character, and Scale
With a team as sprawling as the Justice League Unlimited, Waid relies on a meticulous process to keep the story engaging. “Every issue is 30 pages of plot crammed into 20 pages of story,” he laughed. “I start with the story I want to tell, then figure out which characters fit the menace. It’s easy to write 20 pages of action, but it’s more interesting to write a scene with Plastic Man and Phantom Girl. That’s the character stuff that keeps readers coming back.”
The series’ globetrotting nature also adds to its grandeur. From Costa Rica in issue #2 to the G20 Summit in issue #5, Waid collaborates with his artistic team to bring diverse settings and characters into the mix. “A lot of it is driven by the international characters I want to play with,” he said. Of course, that’s not to mean they can’t get locations in for fun too, as Waid said artist Dan Mora lives in Costa Rica, so it was a logical location to use.
Martian Manhunter’s Emotional Journey
While Justice League Unlimited is undeniably an ensemble book, Waid acknowledged Martian Manhunter’s central role in the first arc. “His loss of telepathic powers is a big part of Inferno’s story,” he revealed. “That leads into the reveal of where Inferno comes from and what they’re up to. It’s something we’re building toward.”
The emotional weight of Martian Manhunter’s journey hasn’t gone unnoticed. Reflecting on the character’s standout moment in issue #2, Waid noted, “Stuff happening just because I want it to happen is a terrible reason for it to happen. It’s about earning those moments, and that’s something I’m very mindful of.”
Courtesy DC Comics
What’s Next for Justice League Unlimited
With two issues left in the current arc, Waid assured fans that there’s plenty more to come. “We’re building toward a kicker at the end of issue #5 that leads directly into the next big storyline,” he said. He also teased Supergirl’s pivotal role in the climactic issue, as Inferno executes a plot involving the G20 summit. “She plays a big role in issue #5, where Inferno kidnaps the entire G20 summit,” Waid revealed. Meanwhile, Robin’s presence on the Watchtower raises eyebrows. “Robin has less interest in the Justice League Unlimited,” Waid shared. “If I were Superman, I’d keep an eye on him—he might just be sniffing out information for his own ends.”
Justice League Unlimited is a series we need more than ever, especially during this political climate. Waid reflected on the challenge of writing superheroes in today’s complex political climate. “The values I grew up with and the values that I believe our superheroes represent are not universally shared anymore, and that’s heartbreaking,” he said. “But I’m trying to remember that there are still people out there who understand that truth and justice are valuable assets.”
For Waid, the enduring appeal of superhero comics lies in their ability to inspire. And with Justice League Unlimited, he’s crafting a story that feels as expansive and thrilling as the DC Universe itself.
Justice League Unlimited #3 releases on January 22nd. Stay tuned for more coverage from AIPT!
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