Mark Waid, the lead writer and creative force behind DC’sJustice LeagueUnlimitedseries, recently shared a powerful insight that goes beyond comics, shedding light on today’s societal values and moral climate. His perspective highlights why series likeJustice League Unlimitedare more relevant than ever—something fans should take to heart.
Through characters who are anything but human, these stories reflect what it truly means to be human.
Mark Waid, currently writing DC’s ongoing titlesBatman/Superman: World’s Finest,Batman and Robin: Year One, andJustice League Unlimited, recently sat down with AIPT Comics to discuss the latter. With three issues ofJustice League Unlimitedalready released, Waid teased what’s ahead, hinting at a major story arc kicking off in issue #5 and Supergirl playing a significant role in the narrative.
While these exciting developments grabbed attention, the most striking moment of the interview came whenWaid reflected on the values embodied by DC’s heroes—and how those ideals seem to be fading in today’s real world.
Mark Waid Reveals Tragic Truth About the Values Our Favorite Superheroes Represent
Cover J 1:50 Wraparound Card Stock Variant by Edwin Galmon forJustice League Unlimited#1 (2024)
It’s no surprise that Waid holds a strong and respectable stance on values, given his legendary status in DC Comics, particularly in writing characters like Superman and Batman—two icons of peak morality, especially the former. As Waid shared, he grew up embracing the same values superheroes represent, such astruth and justice—principles he believes“are not universally shared anymore.”He described the decline in the importance of these values as“heartbreaking”but acknowledged that“there are still people out there who understand that truth and justice are valuable assets.”His words are both profound and poignant, echoing a sentiment that many likely share.
A follow-up discussion with Waid on this insight would be fascinating, as many would be interested in hearing him elaborate on where he perceives this decline in truth and justice—whether on a societal level, an individual level, or both. One thing, however, is clear:Waid is actively upholding these values by making them central to his narratives.While some may dismiss comics and fiction as mere escapism, these mediums have the power to shape perspectives, influence individuals, and impart valuable lessons in ways that resonate deeply.
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Why Narratives LikeJustice League UnlimitedAre More Important Than Ever
Cover B Card Stock Variant by Jim Lee forJustice League Unlimited#1 (2024)
As mentioned above, the representation of values and morals in fiction is more important than one might think. Fiction has the power to influence and inspire, making it one of the most effective ways to impart invaluable lessons, introduce meaningful ideas, and spark productive discussions among readers. This is precisely whyJustice League Unlimitedis more relevant than ever. As a society, we are drifting further from the ideals that once defined us,allowing vices like self-centeredness to overshadow virtues such as truth, justice, heroism, and self-sacrifice.
Justice League Unlimiteddelivers a powerful narrative that places these values at the forefront, reminding readers of their importance. While comics are works of fiction, their messages about choosing to do what is right simply because it is right remain profoundly valuable.Through characters who are anything but human, these stories reflect what it truly means to be human.And with today’s political climate growing more volatile than ever, narratives that reinforce these ideals have never been more essential.
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DC’s ALL IN Initiative Is a Beautiful Celebration of the Values We Need to Bring Back
Main Cover by Dan Mora forJustice League Unlimited#1 (2024)
While DC’s storylines and heroes have always been deeply rooted in values and morality, the publisher’s newALL IN initiativeis making these themes more central than ever. This initiative has introduced new titles such as Mark Waid’sJustice League Unlimited, Scott Snyder’sAbsolute Batman, Kelly Thompson’sAbsolute Wonder Woman, and Jason Aaron’sAbsolute Superman. Though vastly different in tone and narrative, each of these series places a strong emphasis on the core values that have defined these heroes for decades. With stories likeJustice LeagueUnlimited,DCis doing its part to remind us of the ideals we should hold dear—now it’s up to readers to listen.
