JLA : Justice #2

Released in 2005, JLA: Justice issue #2 is part of a twelve-issue limited series written by Alex Ross and Jim Krueger, with illustrative artwork by Ross and Doug Braithwaite. The series emerged from a desire to modernize the classic DC Comics tropes of the Silver Age, blending high-concept superhero action with a grounded, cinematic visual aesthetic that defined Ross’s career. The narrative focuses on the Justice League facing a global threat orchestrated by their greatest villains, who attempt to 'save' the world through radical, authoritarian means.

The design of this series is heavily influenced by Ross's signature painted style, which emphasizes realistic anatomy, tactile textures, and a sense of weight often missing from traditional comic book illustration. Upon its release, the project was highly anticipated as a prestige-format event, receiving critical acclaim for its ambitious scope and its ability to treat iconic characters with a level of gravitas typically reserved for classic literature. It remains a hallmark of 2000s comic book storytelling and a definitive example of painted interior art.