***Contains Spoilers***
Mark Waid’s JLA run (#42-60) is one of those collections of superhero stories that explores big ideas with bold execution. The centerpiece of his time on the title is undoubtedly “Tower of Babel,” a tale that perfectly encapsulates how Batman views his role within the Justice League—and, frankly, the superhero community at large. However, Waid’s run isn’t limited to just one arc, as he introduces intriguing concepts, from split identities to sneak attacks by White Martians.
What worked best for me in this run was the thought-provoking nature of the key moments and concepts. “Tower of Babel” is an excellent exploration of Batman’s paranoia and pragmatism, showing how he has contingencies in place to deal with any of his teammates if they ever go rogue. This betrayal is deeply personal, not just for the League but also for Bruce, especially because it forces a confrontation with Clark about trust—and identities. I loved the reveal of their secret identities to each other, which added a layer of vulnerability to their relationship. Until then, they’d been the only two who knew each other’s identities. Waid’s stories also play with ideas like the fractured identities of heroes and villains and the fragility of trust within the League. And let’s not forget the White Martians—classic, formidable foes that bring a real sense of danger.
The art, too, was a highlight. It’s dynamic and clean, with strong visuals that make even the most chaotic battles easy to follow. Whether it’s a big league showdown or smaller, more intimate character moments, the art does a great job of capturing the story’s tone.
Where the run fell short for me was in the execution of its ideas. While the concepts were solid, the storytelling sometimes felt too dense or scattered, making it difficult to stay engaged. It wasn’t that the stories were bad, but they didn’t quite pull me in or demand my attention. I found myself having to re-read certain sections to fully grasp what was going on, which pulled me out of the narrative. For a Justice League run, which thrives on epic scope and emotional intensity, this lack of clarity was a letdown.
Overall, while I appreciated JLA for its strong ideas and impactful moments, and is a strong follow-up to Morrison’s run. It had some brilliant highs—Batman’s betrayal, the Bruce and Clark reveal—but it lacked the cohesion or emotional pull I needed to fully enjoy it. For me, it’s a solid 3 stars: a good read with memorable moments and one to revisit on occasion.
Feature Image JLA #57 cover art Todd Klein, Paul Neary, Bryan Hitch, and Laura Depuy
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