DC’s ALL IN initiative introduced significant changes to the DC Universe, including the revival of the Justice League with a roster expanded to feature every hero on Earth. With the first issue of Justice League Unlimited already released and the second issue on the horizon, it has become clear that the Justice League now operates with subteams, including the recently revealed “Elite Strike Force” lineup.

Mark Waid revealed in an interview with AIPT Comics, the subteams are also structured creatively based on a three-tier system.

Set to release on December 26, 2024, fans can get an early look at Justice League Unlimited #2 through a four-page preview provided by DC. The preview brings readers back to Blue Beetle and Batman’s investigation in a small South American village, where locals are being abducted by winged creatures and taken into the surrounding jungles.

However, it’s clear much has happened between issues #1 and #2, as Blue Beetle is shown being dragged into the forest by what is later revealed to be Darkseid’s infamous Parademons. Fortunately, the League is sending in their elite strike force—Superman, Star Sapphire, Wonder Woman, Mary Marvel, Martian Manhunter, Black Lightning, and the Doctor Occult—to save the day.

Justice Debuts New “Elite Strike Force” in Justice League Unlimited #2 (2024)

Superman, Mary Marvel, Martian Manhunter, and More Make Up the League’s New Elite Strike Force

After a page showing locals and tourists under attack by a swarm of Parademons, the scene shifts to the League’s elite strike force arriving via Boom Tube transportation. Leading the charge is Superman, who, upon seeing Darkseid’s creatures, shouts, “Parademons! Justice League—Attack!” Close behind him are Wonder Woman, Black Lightning, and Doctor Occult, with Mary Marvel, Star Sapphire, and Martian Manhunter bringing up the rear. With such a powerhouse of a lineup, it’s no surprise this team is considered one of the League’s most elite units.

It’s worth noting that the Superman-led group isn’t directly referred to as the Justice League’s “elite strike force” within the story itself. Instead, this designation comes from the issue’s synopsis, which states: “A strange alert brings the team to the jungles of South America... and a horrific discovery. Can the elite Justice League strike force save a village from total slaughter?” While the summary doesn’t explicitly name Superman, Star Sapphire, Wonder Woman, Mary Marvel, Martian Manhunter, Black Lightning, and Doctor Occult as the elite strike force, the context strongly s this conclusion.

Mark Waid Explains Tier System for Individual Justice League Teams

Cover H 1:50 Card Stock Variant by Lucas Meyer for Justice League Unlimited #2 (2024)

In Justice League Unlimited #1, it was revealed that the subteams are far from random; their lineups are carefully selected by Red Tornado based on mission parameters. With these parameters in mind, Red Tornado deploys heroes best suited to the specific crisis at hand. This approach allows for flexibility, as the subteams aren’t fixed, with heroes moving between them as needed. By the preview for issue #2, fans have already seen several team configurations, including the League’s Elite Strike Force, the “Alpha Wave” team—which also featured Superman, Wonder Woman, Black Lightning, and Star Sapphire—and an Aquaman-led team.

From a narrative perspective, these lineups are tailored to match mission requirements. However, as Mark Waid revealed in an interview with AIPT Comics, the subteams are also structured creatively based on a three-tier system. According to Waid, each team includes two or three A-list heroes—the icons most associated with the Justice League—alongside a couple of B-list heroes and at least one character intended to be newer or less familiar to readers. This system ensures a balanced and intriguing team dynamic, adding depth and variety to the lineup choices.

Looking specifically at the Justice League’s Elite Strike Force, Waid’s tier system is evident. Superman, Wonder Woman, and Martian Manhunter represent tier-one heroes, while Mary Marvel, Black Lightning, and Star Sapphire fit into tier two. Lastly, Doctor Occult likely serves as the character who is new to many readers. This thoughtful assembly of heroes not only makes the debut of the Justice League’s elite task force exciting but also showcases the layered logic behind their formation, blending narrative necessity with creative intent.

Justice League Unlimited #2 is available December 26, 2024, from DC Comics!