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Warning: contains spoilers for Justice League Unlimited #1!
After 82 years, the Justice League is finally recruiting a classic hero. With Absolute Power now in the DC Universe’s rearview mirror, the League has reformed, stronger and bigger than ever. In this bold new era for the Justice League, everyone is a member, and as seen in a preview for Justice League Unlimited #1, one classic hero is overwhelmed at their first time on the Watchtower.
Justice League Unlimited’s
Mark Waid and Dan Mora previously collaborated on
Absolute Power.
Justice League Unlimited #1 is written by Mark Waid and drawn by Dan Mora. The preview opens with the League heading into battle against a powerful, and malevolent, alien force. The action then cuts to an hour earlier. Air Wave beams aboard the Justice League’s new Watchtower in Earth’s orbit. Air Wave watches as Aquaman and others head off to their respective (and clearly urgent) missions. Awestruck at the sheer number of heroes assembled, Air Wave can barely contain his excitement when the Flash approaches, offering him a high-speed tour of the Watchtower.
The Origins of ‘Air Wave’ in DC Comics, Explained
Air Wave Has a Surprise Tie to Another Justice League Icon
Air Wave may not be a high-profile DC icon, but he has a long and storied history at the publisher, as well as a familial connection to one of the League’s “Big 7.” There have been two Air Waves throughout DC history, with Harold Jordan being the incumbent. Cousin to Green Lantern Hal Jordan, Air Wave has been the epitome of a “just under the radar” character, one in need of just the right creative team to make him shine, and the preview for Justice League Unlimited #1 shows this time has come.
DC Is Reinventing Its Most Underrated Team, And the Justice League Is Taking Note
A forgotten DC team is being revitalized with a new purpose, as the Justice League recruits them for the most important job in the Watchtower.
Waid and Mora have positioned Air Wave as the “audience identification” character for Justice League Unlimited. Air Wave cannot believe he has been asked to join the Justice League. The League has also given Air Wave one of their new membership cards, capable of teleporting him to the Watchtower. He is in a state of disbelief over this alone, but when he arrived at the Watchtower, and saw all the heroes congregated, he fell speechless. Air Wave’s response is realistic, and he becomes a surrogate for the fans.
Air Wave’s Giddiness Over Joining The Justice League is Infectious
Air Wave’s Induction Is a Harbinger of Good Things for This New Version of the Justice League
Air Wave’s excitement over finally making it to the team not only makes him a stand-in for fans, but also puts on display the optimism that will drive Justice League Unlimited. Absolute Power, which saw Amanda Waller nearly defeat Earth’s heroes for good, has left a deep scar on the psyche of the DC Universe. Justice League Unlimited looks to repair rifts and heal wounds. For the first time, every hero is a member of the League. This expansion of the ranks fulfills one of the Justice League’s main tenets: that there is strength in numbers.
And this expansion will allow characters like Air Wave, who have never received the spotlight in any substantial fashion, their chance in a high profile role. Promotional materials for Justice League Unlimited #1 have revealed that Black Lightning and Star Sapphire are among the new recruits. The Question: All Along The Watchtower #1 also showed how deep the new League runs, and fans get glimpses throughout the preview for Justice League Unlimited #1. Air Wave benefits from this expansion, as after 82 years he joins the Justice League.
Justice League Unlimited #1 is on sale November 27 from DC Comics.
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