WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for DC ALL IN SPECIAL #1!The debate between Avengers—has raged on for years. While both teams have undeniably shaped pop culture and left an indelible mark on comics, only one can claim the title of the Best Superhero Team Ever. With their latest, boldest revamp yet, the Justice League has firmly earned that distinction.
DC's ALL IN initiative kicks off with DC ALL IN SPECIAL #1 by Joshua Williamson, Scott Snyder, Daniel Sampere, and Wes Craig. This issue marks a pivotal moment for DC Comics as it ignites a new era for the publisher and brings lore-changing developments, particularly for the Justice League.
Among these changes for the League are a new base, a complete mission overhaul, high-tech upgrades, and fresh faces ing the team. While these changes are undeniably exciting, what they represent—unity—is what truly positions the Justice League to sur the Avengers as the best superhero team in comics.
The Justice League’s Watchtower Is Back, Baby! (& It’s Better Than Ever)
DC ALL IN SPECIAL #1 Brings Back the Justice League’s Most Iconic Base
The Justice League’s space-based headquarters, the Watchtower, is one of the team’s most iconic pieces of lore, appearing across various comic continuities and other media. However, Superboy-Prime destroyed this legendary base during the Crisis of Conscience storyline in JLA, stripping the League of its most advanced base of operations right before Infinite Crisis. In its absence, the Justice League operated out of the Hall of Justice until their eventual disbandment after the events of Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths, where they were replaced by the Titans.
In Tom Taylor’s Beast World saga, Amanda Waller took control of the Hall of Justice, renaming it the Hall of Order, leaving the Justice League without a base when they were forced to reunite during the crisis event Absolute Power. Absolute Power #4—the final issue of the Mark Waid and Dan Mora-led crisis event—ended with Batman unveiling blueprints for a new Watchtower, hinting at the Justice League’s plans to reunite with a new base of operations. Fans have now seen this teaser come to fruition with the official debut of the new Watchtower in the “Alpha” half of DC ALL IN SPECIAL, written by Joshua Williamson and illustrated by Daniel Sampere.
Narrated from Superman's perspective, the new Watchtower is introduced as the League’s “biggest base ever,” combining magic and technology to create a place where the greatest minds of the DCU can collaborate. Superman lists several features of the new headquarters, including Boom Tubes for rapid transportation to missions, communications set up by Barbara “Oracle” Gordon, and security headed by The Question. With the debut of this upgraded base, the Justice League gains a powerful foundation that positions them to grow stronger than ever before.
DC's New Event Was Designed to Give Fans Another Rebirth AND the New 52, All at the Same Time
DC has gone through several different eras over the decades, and it seems the next one will be a mix of both Rebirth and the controversial New 52.
Justice League's hip Cards Embody The Team's True Unity
EVERY Hero On Earth Receives a League Invitation and hip Card
In addition to the Justice League's new base, the ALL IN Special has also introduced Justice League hip cards. On the surface, these cards serve as an official symbol of hip, granting holders access to the Watchtower. However, as Mister Terrific explains, "they are so much more than they seem." The resident DC genius elaborates, revealing that each card is personalized to enhance an individual hero's abilities and strategically pair them with other heroes whose powers complement their own. This represents one of the most significant and expansive power upgrades DC’s heroes have ever received—especially considering that cards have been offered to every hero on Earth.
From Superman’s perspective, fans gain further insight into the creation of these cards. He describes the intricate forging process, which began with advanced technologies from WayneTech, Steelworks, Queen Industries, and TerrificTech. However, the cards' true power extends beyond Earth's technology, incorporating magic and alien tech. The Kryptonian and Thanagarian technologies are powered by the Speed Force, while John Stewart’s architectural expertise and Green Lantern willpower helped bring them together. To complete the process, Wonder Woman blessed the cards, imbuing them with magic and divine forces from realms beyond Earth. As a result, these cards are far more than mere identification—they are a source of immense power.
The Justice League's Bold New Team Name Changes DC's Universe
“The Biggest League Ever”: The League’s Roster Gets an Unprecedented Expansion
Every hero on Earth has received a Justice League hip card because every hero has been invited to the new Justice League, now officially named Justice League Unlimited. The core extended this invitation in response to their realization of how vulnerable both they and Earth are when they’re not working together—the Absolute Power Crisis being the key eye-opener, as they nearly lost everything due to their lack of coordination. Superman narrates that it became clear the Justice League needed to return, but as something different.
That change was expanding the League’s ranks to include all of DC’s heroes, regardless of past affiliations, age, past mistakes, or social standing. Superman and his fellow heroes recognized that their strength isn’t just in numbers, but in their connectedness. The name Justice League Unlimited reflects the belief that there will always be room for the next hero to . This sentiment is further emphasized by Mister Terrific displaying a blank Justice League hip card in the Watchtower, representing open hip. Hence, fans have just witnessed an unprecedented change to DC's premier superhero team.
Justice League's New Mission is Something Marvel Can't Compete With
DC's Heroes Vow to Never Repeat the Mistakes of Absolute Power ( From Absolute Power #4)
The new team roster, which includes every hero on Earth, alongside the debut of the Watchtower and power-enhancing hip cards, significantly boosts the Justice League, elevating them to an unprecedented level. However, what truly sets this reunification apart—and solidifies their status as the leading superhero team in comics—is the team's renewed focus on unity and fostering stronger connections with one another.
As Mister Terrific explains, the Watchtower and Justice League Unlimited are far more than just a headquarters and a team—they're a home where Earth's heroes come together to share resources and each other. In this way, the Justice League, much like Marvel's Avengers, is evolving into something more like a family than just a team—an exciting and significant shift.
DC ALL IN SPECIAL #1 is available now from DC Comics.
