Justice #21

Justice #21, released by DC Comics in 2007, represents the penultimate installment of the twelve-issue limited series written by Jim Krueger and Alex Ross, with pencils and ink work by Doug Braithwaite. The series was conceptualized by Ross as a modern reimagining of the classic Super Friends aesthetic, aiming to bring a grounded, cinematic weight to the Justice League's confrontation with the Legion of Doom. The narrative structure was designed to showcase individual character arcs amidst a massive, interconnected conflict, reflecting the team's evolution through the Silver Age of comics.

The visual design of the series is defined by Alex Ross's iconic painted covers and intricate layouts, which were intended to evoke a sense of realism and permanence rarely seen in superhero media of that period. By grounding the fantastical elements of the DC Universe in detailed, textured environments, the creative team sought to create a definitive epic that honored the legacy of the characters while critiquing their archetypal roles. Upon its release, the series was largely lauded for its artistic ambition, becoming a hallmark example of high-concept comic storytelling.