“Ghosts of the Past”
Writer: Mark Waid
Artists: Dan Mora
Color Artist: Tamra Bonvillain
Letterer: Dave Sharpe
Review by Bryant Lucas
The cosmos is in chaos, as the identity of the terrorist organization Inferno is revealed in this month’s Justice League Unlimited #5.
An interdimensional kidnapping turns political chaos into cosmic catastrophe when six Justice Leaguers and the world’s most powerful leaders vanish from Earth. With the Inferno organization launching global attacks and the League reeling from the loss of Martian Manhunter’s powers, the race to rescue the missing turns into a psychedelic slugfest across multiple realities. But as the pieces fall into place, one thing becomes clear — the old enemies are back, and they’ve brought new tricks.
Waid’s Interdimensional Terror Tour
Mark Waid proves once again that he knows how to balance superhero spectacle with sharp, character-driven writing. There’s a lot going on in this issue — multiversal travel, political intrigue, psychic sabotage, and the setup for a six-part crossover — and yet it all flows organically. Bart Allen shines as the unlikely MVP, with his emotional arc delivering genuine payoff. Waid’s dialogue is clever and layered, especially as he plays with themes of memory, identity, and trust. The pacing is tight, and the cliffhanger? Classic Waid. He masterfully sets the stage for the return of the Legion of Doom without ever making it feel like table-setting.
Mora Madness in the Multiverse
Dan Mora continues to be a revelation. His crisp, kinetic linework elevates every panel, and his action sequences are a masterclass in controlled chaos. The dimension-hopping visuals — swirling vortexes of color, mind-bending layouts, and monstrous designs — explode with creative energy. Mora makes even dense exposition scenes feel dynamic. Tamra Bonvillain’s color palette deserves a standing ovation — the hallucinogenic purples and electric greens bring alien intensity to the otherworldly setting, while warmer earth tones ground the Watchtower scenes. The two are in perfect sync, delivering pages that are as narratively clear as they are visually jaw-dropping.
Conclusion
Justice League Unlimited #5 is a pulse-pounding kickoff to something much larger. Mark Waid and Dan Mora are firing on all cylinders, weaving espionage, cosmic horror, and superhero drama into a tight, thrilling package. With strong character moments, ambitious stakes, and a final splash that promises even more madness ahead, this issue is a must-read for any Justice League fan.
Final Verdict: Buy it, read it, then read it again.
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment
