WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for Justice League Unlimited #3 (2025)! The newly formed Justice League is struggling against their formidable opponent, Inferno. Compounding their challenges, discord within the ranks has already led to the disappearance of several key members, leaving the team’s integrity in jeopardy. As the clock continues to tick, the prospects for the Justice League Unlimited become increasingly bleak with each unfolding issue.
As events unfold, it seems that the Justice League could face total disarray before confronting Inferno directly.
In Justice League Unlimited #3, crafted by Mark Waid and Dan Mora, the League confronts Inferno, a devastating foe from an extraterrestrial super-terrorist organization. Inferno launches a ruthless assault on the Amazon rainforest, shrouding the entire area in a magical inferno. This critical situation calls for an immediate response from all available members of the Justice League.
However, the chaos reveals deeper issues within the team—despite a roster that includes nearly every hero on the planet, the League appears to be on the brink of collapse. With several members reported as ‘missing’ or ‘indefinitely unavailable, ’ including Batman, Martian Manhunter, Swamp Thing, Aquaman, and Dr. Occult, their operational capacity is drastically compromised.
Martian Manhunter’s Disappearance and Its Impact on the League
Comic Panel from Justice League Unlimited #3 (2025) – Art by Dan Mora
The previous issue, Justice League Unlimited #2, dropped shocking revelations about Martian Manhunter. It was unveiled that he had been hiding the fact that he lost crucial abilities, including his ocular powers and telepathic skills. His breakdown during a confrontation with a Parademon raised alarms among his teammates, and rather than addressing their concerns, J’onn chose to abandon them entirely. As revealed in Justice League Unlimited #3, it is now clear that his departure was not a fleeting issue, but a calculated withdrawal from the League.
Without J’onn, the League suffers greatly, as his expertise would have been essential in combating Inferno’s magical flames, a fact noted by Red Tornado. Consequently, the absence of Martian Manhunter not only weakens the League’s abilities but also exacerbates existing fractures within the team.
The League Faces Further Attrition: Batman, Aquaman, Swamp Thing, & Dr. Occult
Comic Panels from Justice League Unlimited #3 (2025) – Art by Dan Mora
In light of Martian Manhunter’s disappearance, Batman is forced to divert his focus to finding J’onn, effectively removing him from contributing to League operations. This situation leaves the team in a frail position as they are down to just five key members, not considering the upcoming absence of Aquaman due to events outlined in Aquaman #1 (2025), which are confirmed to occur after Justice League Unlimited #3, despite its earlier release.
The issues do not end there; Justice League Unlimited #3 hints at the possible death of Swamp Thing. While not an official member of the League, his role as a protective ally has been paramount, especially as Earth’s plant life comes under attack. Furthermore, Dr. Occult’s impulsive decision to pursue Inferno alone leaves his fate uncertain as well. With these developments, the League appears further depleted—down four core members, and five if Aquaman’s exit is considered.
Challenges Beyond MIA Members: Air Wave & the Titans
Comic Panels from Justice League Unlimited #1 (2024) – Art by Dan Mora
The Justice League’s predicament extends beyond mere availability issues.New member Air Wave has been suggested to serve as an internal saboteur, potentially working to undermine the team from within—a plot hinted at in the conclusion of issue #1. Although his exact motivations remain shrouded in secrecy, this storyline introduces the daunting realization that the Justice League is not just fighting external threats but facing possible treachery among its own ranks.
Moreover, the escalating tension between the Justice League and the Titans—who, while part of the League, operate independently—adds to the turmoil. Although not extensively tackled in Waid and Mora’s series, this friction is explored in the current Titans saga by John Layman and Pete Woods. The Titans, particularly led by Donna Troy, believe the Justice League has overstepped its boundaries, resulting in growing discord and yet another factor that threatens the League’s stability.
“We’re Losing”: Mister Terrific Concedes the League Is in Decline
Comic Panels from Justice League Unlimited #3 (2025) – Art by Dan Mora
In a poignant moment, Mister Terrific, coordinating from the Watchtower, acknowledges the situation’s severity, stating, “Now we’re a Leaguer down when we’re losing!” While his assessment may underestimate the number of absent members, his comments resonate with the reality the League faces. Despite their enhanced roster and capabilities, the team is unfortunately witnessing its decline in effectiveness against mounting adversaries. If the current trajectory continues, the Justice League risks total obliteration before they can adequately confront Inferno.
Justice League Unlimited #3 is now available at your local comic book store and online from DC Comics!
Related Articles:
First Look: Wes Anderson’s ‘The Phoenician Scheme’ Stuns at CinemaCon
4:46
‘Because I Knew You’: My Perspective After Watching ‘Wicked: For Good’ Footage
4:42
Cast of ‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’ Discusses Filming Challenges for Their New Dinosaur Adventure
23:47
Leave a Reply