Justice League of America #242

Justice League of America #242, published in September 1985, arrived during a transitional period for DC Comics as the publisher prepared for the seismic shift of Crisis on Infinite Earths. This issue serves as part of the 'Justice League of America' series' final stretch, featuring the team in a narrative landscape that was rapidly approaching a complete reboot of the DC multiverse. It reflects the creative efforts of writer Gerry Conway and artist Luke McDonnell, who were tasked with maintaining the momentum of one of DC's flagship titles while the company pivoted toward a more streamlined editorial direction.

The cover art, illustrated by Chuck Patton, captures the dynamic, ensemble-driven aesthetic that defined the mid-1980s Justice League. At the time of its release, the title was experiencing a decline in critical favor as readers gravitated toward more modern, decompressed storytelling styles. Consequently, this era of the series is often viewed by historians and collectors as an earnest effort to conclude a long-standing status quo before the landmark changes introduced in the subsequent months transformed the League's composition and continuity forever.