Release: May 2026 | Writer: Mark Waid | Artist: Dan Mora & Sean Izaakse | Colorist: Tamra Bonvillain
Lex Luthor has broken the news to the public about VILLAINS being in the Justice League. Can the JLU team try and clean up the mess left by Lex Luthor?
Justice League Unlimited #19 SPOILERS ahead!*
PARDON ME?!
Villains have been pardoned!
And Jim Gordon is not happy about this. He understandably is concerned about having villains as a part of the Justice League. But Batman reaffirms him that this is okay and this is all going according to plan. But Lex Luthor decided to take the announcement into his own hands unexpectedly, which Batman isn't happy about.
The League has to take it to the public directly to clear up any confusion or fears. Reassuring them that this is a very well thought out plan that they are hopeful for. But even members of the Justice League that weren't a part of the decision are becoming to have their thoughts split on this situation.
The villains are making the decision to spread false news. Felix Faust is one where he tries to convince the public that the League is forgiving ALL villains, meaning all the crimes he commits is okay'd by the League. Which just isn't true.
Batman sees this live broadcast and tries to shut down the live feed. His anger with Lex is growing rapidly. This situation is growing out of control very quickly because he decided to go against his orders. Superboy, Steel and Atom try to offer help, but Batman doesn't want them out there yet. He thinks it would confuse the public even more.
Up in space, Guy Gardner, Hawkgirl, Mr. Terrific and Metamorpho are taking their power bank they created with a mixture of all heroes power off-world. They know that this can't be kept at the Watchtower anymore with villains now being present in the building. Right on queue, the ship's alarm begins going off due to a collision and the orb goes flying outside of the ship.
They do everything they can to try and grab the power ball, but it appears to have crash landed on a planet. This planet appears to have dinosaurs that have obtained the powers of the Justice League. No bueno.
Lex, Starro and their crew that includes Wonder Woman and Captain Marvel are trying their harder to keep Faust and Neutron who are causing a ruckus. As Starro takes down Faust, Wonder Woman and Captain Marvel make easy work of Neutron. Leaving Lex to take the spotlight as the press is present. Who better to try and clean up the PR nightmare then the man who caused it. Batman pleads with him to stop, but Lex turns off his ear piece.
He shockingly handles it very well, reassuring everyone that this is seen as a rehabilitation effort. Giving a helping hand to those villains that they believe can be saved. Villains like Dr. Polaris.
These villains have a chance to pass these new scorecards that can help them in achieving long term goals when trying to right their wrongs.
And this works. Even to Batman's surprise. But things aren't all rainbows and sunshine yet. Air Wave is experiencing some issues. A voice is speaking through him. His electromagnetic waves cause him to break apart and form into the Braniac Queen who is in search of her mother.
CONCLUSION
Business is heating up in the JL and not the way that Batman was expecting. As I predicted, Lex's actions are causing a huge ripple effect. The team is divided and seeing where everyone lands on the argument of villains or no villains in the Justice League is an intriguing conflict to see unfold.
The villains taking advantage of this is a genius move honestly, you almost have to commend them. I also have to commend Mark Waid for the little wink and nod of Mr. Terrific going on a mission specifically with Metamorpho, Hawkgirl and Guy Gardner. The group of people that the new DC audience has come to know and love from the recent Superman movie. Fun little addition to this story. This issue was a great detailed insight into the gameplan of the Justice League with this initiative.
Justice League Unlimited continues to be a prime example of why DC has been a comic juggernaut recently The stories don't feel rushed and are given time to play out. Interested to see the Batman/Lex Luthor conflict unfold over the next few issues.