Warning: Spoilers for Justice League Unlimited #1The Justice League is back in action after a prolonged hiatus, and its roster has expanded to include every superhero - which means there must be a leader to unify them. Most may expect a popular character like Batman to fill that position, but instead, a lesser-known hero has stepped up to succeed as the Justice League's new leader: Red Tornado.
In Justice League Unlimited #1 by Mark Waid, Dan Mora, Tamra Bonvillain, and Ariana Maher, the reformed Justice League has assembled in the Watchtower to commence their operations, and the Flash gives newcomer Air Wave a tour of the base's facilities. As he races through the space station at super-speed, he surprises Air Wave by revealing that Red Tornado is in charge of asg missions to heroes.
Rather than having Batman call the shots, DC has made the bold choice to enlist a more underrated superhero to command the team, and it's a choice that reinforces the central theme of the Justice League's new era.
Red Tornado Calls the Shots in the New Justice League, Taking Batman's Place
An Overlooked Icon Plays a Part That Even Batman Can't
When the Flash informs him that Red Tornado commands heroes in the Justice League, Air Wave expresses his confusion, stating that he "figured Batman and Mr. Terrific would be calling the missions." This assumption makes sense, seeing as they are both widely regarded as the smartest characters in the entire DC Universe. If someone were to wager a guess as to who the Justice League's leader is, they would likely settle on one of those two because of their intellect and past leadership experience. However, the Flash clarifies that Batman and Mister Terrific's constant disagreements led to Red Tornado replacing them.
Superman Names the 1 Hero He Needs to Hold the Justice League Together (& It's Not One of the Trinity)
When the Trinity is not enough to save the Justice League from collapse, who is the superhero that Superman trusts most to be their problem solver?
Red Tornado undoubtedly lacks the mainstream recognition of many heroes in the Justice League, but he proves in this first issue that he's more than worthy of the role he's been given. His new A.I. hologram form grants him full access to Watchtower facilities and to servers beyond the station's metal walls, making him the eyes and ears of the hero community. Furthermore, not only does Red Tornado send carefully curated teams on missions tailored to their skill-sets, but he also aids those heroes on their missions via comms. The Justice League is in safe hands with Red Tornado at the helm.
Who Is Red Tornado? A Brief History of the Justice League's New Mission Commander
Red Tornado Has Earned His Leadership Role After His Past with the Justice League
Red Tornado debuted in Justice League of America #64 by Gardner Fox and Dick Dillin as a creation of the supervillain T.O. Morrow. He's an android by definition, but he's also merged with a tornado entity who grants him the power to manipulate wind, as evidenced by his name. Upon his induction into the Justice League, the heroes are initially wary of him because a villain brought him into existence.
Over time, Red Tornado shoots down their worries by fighting valiantly alongside them as a key member of the Justice League, becoming a consistent part of the team's ever-changing lineup and showing that he's as "human" as his fellow heroes.
For a modern story starring Red Tornado, check out "Robots Are Red, Androids Are Blue" by Aaron Waltke and Ivan Shavrin, collected in How to Lose a Guy Gardner in 10 Days #1.
In recent memory, Red Tornado has faced tumultuous times leading up to his Justice League promotion. The Absolute Power event in particular, by Waid and Mora, forms a rift between Red Tornado and the other heroes as they accuse him of betrayal due to his similarity to the Amazos who stole their powers - mirroring their suspicion of him when he first ed their ranks. To make matters worse, Red Tornado's body is ultimately destroyed during the battle against Waller's forces, hence why his consciousness has been ed to the Watchtower. His Justice League role is therefore a means of making the best of a grim situation.
Red Tornado's Promotion in the Justice League Encapsulates the Team's New Era
At Long Last, Red Tornado Has Fully Earned His Teammates' Trust
Red Tornado's advancement in the Justice League might not be under the happiest circumstances, but he's no less deserving of his newfound status - and the fact that he can attain it at all is a testament to how the team has evolved. If a character as overlooked as Red Tornado can ascend to the top, then any of DC's forgotten heroes have a shot at greatness in the new and improved Justice League. After all, the team's new roster is intended to welcome any and all heroes into the Watchtower. It's fitting, then, for Red Tornado to be the hero in charge during this initiative.
Rather than doubting his heroism at every turn, Red Tornado's allies turn to him for guidance during missions in a heartwarming development from their former difficulties.
The best part about Red Tornado guiding the Justice League is that he doesn't need to fight to earn his comrades' respect anymore. Rather than doubting his heroism at every turn, Red Tornado's allies turn to him for guidance during missions in a heartwarming development from their former difficulties. Seeing the likes of Superman and Wonder Woman obey Red Tornado's orders showcases their respect for him and his leadership, and even Batman can agree that Red Tornado leading the Justice League is the right call.
Justice League Unlimited #1 is available now from DC Comics.
