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This article is about the tie-in comics. For the eponymous TV series, see Young Justice.

Young Justice is the name of a spin-off comic book series published by DC Comics and based on the television show of the same name. Young Justice: Targets is the name of the limited six-issue series that takes place after the fourth season of the show.

History[]

The series debuted on January 19, 2011 with issue #0, less than one week after the airing of the second episode of season one. It was written by the show's producer Greg Weisman and staff writer Kevin Hopps. For the following six issues, Weisman delegated the writing to Art Baltazar and Franco Aureliani, so that Weisman and Hopps could focus on the scripting, pre-production and post-production of the animated series. However, Brandon Vietti, Weisman and Hopps supervised the writing of the comics to make sure everything was kept in continuity. Mike Norton provided the cover art for these six issues, as well as the interior art for the first four.[1]

Starting with issue #5, Christopher Jones took over as the full-time illustrator for the series. He provided interior art and cover for all of the following issues, except for issues #5, #6 and #21, for which he only did the interior art, and issues #12 and #19, for which he only did the covers.

It usually took between four and six months between one issue being plotted and getting published (for instance, issues #13, #14 and #15 were plotted by October 4, 2011 and they were released in February, March and April of the following year, respectively).[2]

By June 13, 2012 and starting with issue #20, the comic was rebranded Young Justice: Invasion to match the title of the shows second season.[3] The series was cancelled in November 2012, as issue #25 was touted to be the "final issue".[4]

The stories are mostly set during the events of season one, with the exception of issues #20-25, which precede the events of season two. However, they don't fit exclusively between the episodes of the show. While some issues do take place between the events of the episodes, others are set during an elapsed period of time within an episode. For instance, issue #0 takes place before, during and after the three days gap at the end of "Fireworks", while the subsequent two issues take place entirely between "Fireworks" and "Welcome to Happy Harbor". Also, some issues expand on the events of the show, like issue #0, whereas others depict events referenced in the episodes, such as issues #1 and #2.

Changed plans[]

There were originally intended to be five or six more issues released prior to the comic being rebranded Young Justice: Invasion to match the second season of the show,[5] which would have been set during season one. However, since the show had already reached the second season, DC wanted the comic to move forward sooner. Writer Greg Weisman wanted the rebranded comic to launch with a big story featuring the whole Team, so the planned stories for those issues were shelved with plans to return to them later on in the run, and issue #20 became the first issue of Young Justice: Invasion.[3]

Milestone characters Icon and Rocket were originally to be featured in the Young Justice: Invasion comics arc. Icon was meant to be one of Kylstar's captives, and Rocket would be part of Zatanna's contingent.[6] Rocket even appeared in issue #20 and Icon was featured on the solicited covers of issues #21 and #23, but he was later removed from the dressed covers, and Greg Weisman was forced to rewrite both characters out of issues #21-25. The writer ascribed this decision exclusively to DC Comics,[6] but the reason behind it remains undisclosed.

Unpublished stories[]

Since its cancellation, Greg Weisman and Christopher Jones have revealed some details about planned but unpublished stories, some of which have since appeared the revived comics:

Revival campaign and Young Justice: Outsiders prequel[]

Following the show's revival for a third season in November 2016, Greg Weisman and Christopher Jones have been lobbying DC Comics to revive the comics series as well, spurring fans to show their support by buying the comics digitally.[11][12][13]

On October 10, 2018, it was announced that the tie in comic would return for a one-shot prequel to the third season, with Greg Weisman and Christopher Jones returning as writer and penciler, respectively. The comic would be digital-only, exclusive to the DC Universe streaming service.[14] It was subsequently announced that the comic would be released in two ten page chapters, on January 2 and 3, 2019, immediately leading up to the premiere of the show's third season on January 4.[15] "Torch Songs, Part 1" was noted as being the first comic created especially for DC Universe.[16]

Weisman and Jones continue to hope for a full renewal of the comic, encouraging fans to subscribe to DC Universe and read the old and new issues to demonstrate demand.[17] To help promote awareness of the comics, a number of unofficial, fan-made motion comics have been produced featuring members of the show's voice cast reading short sections of existing comics. The first was released on YouTube in November 2018.

Young Justice: Targets[]

Main article: Young Justice: Targets

On April 6, 2022, DC Comics announced Young Justice: Targets, a six-issue series that takes place after the finale of Young Justice: Phantoms. Each issue will first be available on the DC Universe Infinite platform for 30 days before making their way to comic book shelves. Moreover, each issue includes a bonus story detailing previously unseen adventures from past seasons of the show.[18]

Issues[]

YJ-c0-final
Release date: January 19, 2011
Penciled by: Mike Norton
Written by: Kevin Hopps & Greg Weisman
Logline:

Based on the upcoming hit animated show from Warner Bros. debuting on Cartoon Network! Robin, Superboy, Kid Flash and Aqualad star in this explosive issue kick starting an all-new ongoing series! They're four young superheroes learning how to be a team ... and maybe doing a bit of growing up along the way – but only just a little bit!

YJ-c1-final
Release date: February 16, 2011
Penciled by: Mike Norton
Written by: Franco Aureliani & Art Baltazar
Logline:

It's moving-in day for Superboy and Miss Martian as they choose their rooms at their new headquarters! But the Boy of Steel is haunted by the cave's memories and strange visions of his past...

YJ-c2-final
Release date: March 16, 2011
Penciled by: Mike Norton
Written by: Franco Aureliani & Art Baltazar
Logline:

Superboy discovers that an unwanted guest in the Team's cave is not really what he appears to be! Is the threat deadly to only The Boy of Steel – or is the entire Justice League in danger, as well? Superboy struggles to find the balance between fighting for himself and for the sake of others!

YJ-c3-final
Release date: April 20, 2011
Penciled by: Mike Norton
Written by: Franco Aureliani & Art Baltazar
Logline:

On a hunch and in an attempt to improve their teamwork, Robin, Kid Flash and Aqualad try to prevent an assassination carried out by the League of Shadows. But will they be able to save the target if they can't even save themselves?

Super Sampler
Release date: May 7, 2011
Penciled by: Mike Norton
Written by: Franco Aureliani & Art Baltazar
Logline:

This super sampler is the perfect place to check out two sensational series from the DC Kids line, Young Justice and Batman: The Brave & The Bold, based on the popular animated series seen on Cartoon Network. It includes two exciting, all-new stories that readers of all ages will enjoy!

YJ-c4-final
Release date: May 16, 2011
Penciled by: Mike Norton
Written by: Franco Aureliani & Art Baltazar
Logline:

A woman is targeted by a covert group of assassins! It's Robin, Kid Flash and Aqualad to the rescue, but can they save her from the combined menace of Hook and Black Spider? Only if they can escape from the deadly duo themselves! The junior heroes must prove they can work as a team and take on the menace of the League of Shadows at the same time!

YJ-c5-final
Release date: June 22, 2011
Penciled by: Christopher Jones
Written by: Franco Aureliani & Art Baltazar
Logline:

Aqualad, Robin, Kid Flash, Superboy and Miss Martian are ready for their first mission as a team. To get to know each other better, they decide to trade stories around the campfire, revealing how they all started as crimefighters. Will this bring them together or underscore their differences?

YJ-c6-final
Release date: July 20, 2011
Penciled by: Christopher Jones
Written by: Franco Aureliani & Art Baltazar
Logline:

Campfire bonding continues as the members of the Team share their background stories as well as their hopes and fears. But when do these team-building exchanges cross over into TMI territory? How about when Superboy tells everyone how he's thinking of taking out Superman?

YJ-c7-final
Release date: August 24, 2011
Penciled by: Christopher Jones
Written by: Greg Weisman & Kevin Hopps
Logline:

When night descends on Gotham City, Artemis takes to the streets. Prowling the rooftops and the alleyways for the first time, this teen archer has a choice to make: Will she fight on the side of the angels or follow a darker path?

YJ-c8-final
Release date: September 21, 2011
Penciled by: Dan Davis & Christopher Jones
Written by: Kevin Hopps & Greg Weisman
Logline:

Can someone with Artemis' pedigree really be a hero? A close encounter when the Team takes action against the deadly android Amazo may give her the chance to prove herself – if she can survive the onslaught of Professor Ivo's malevolent MONQIs!

YJ-c9-final
Release date: October 19, 2011
Penciled by: Dan Davis & Christopher Jones
Written by: Kevin Hopps & Greg Weisman
Logline:

The Team is taking Espionage 101 from Captain Atom. Their class project is to solve a cold case that involves a forty-year-old murder mystery, a military conspiracy and a half-decent chance that none of them will come out alive.

YJ-c10-final
Release date: November 16, 2011
Penciled by: Christopher Jones & Carrie Strachan
Written by: Greg Weisman & Kevin Hopps
Logline:

Captain Atom's cold-case assignment is definitely heating up: The true killer has resurfaced to target anyone who might expose the truth about the murder of General Lemar back in 1968 – and that includes each and every member of the Team!

YJ-c11-final
Release date: December 21, 2011
Penciled by: Christopher Jones
Written by: Greg Weisman
Logline:

The spotlight turns to Robin, who must leave his teammates to fight alongside his crimefighting mentor, Batman. And the stakes couldn't be higher for the Dynamic Duo as they face off against the Demon Head himself: Ra's al Ghul!

YJ-c12-final
Release date: January 18, 2012
Penciled by: Luciano Vecchio
Written by: Greg Weisman
Logline:

There's a new menace in Gotham City: a creature so strange – and so versatile – that not even the combined might of the entire Young Justice team can stand against it. Witness the origin of...Clayface!

YJ-c13-final
Release date: February 15, 2012
Penciled by: Christopher Jones
Written by: Greg Weisman
Logline:

In Star City, Artemis is under arrest – and in Gotham City, it's Clayface vs. the rest of the team in a battle they cannot win! Aqualad’s leadership is on the line, and a fateful choice must be made.

YJ-c14-final
Release date: March 21, 2012
Penciled by: Christopher Jones
Written by: Greg Weisman & Kevin Hopps
Logline:

Aqualad visits Atlantis with Superboy and Miss Martian. But can they stop an insidious new menace that threatens to plunge the undersea kingdom into civil war?

YJ-c15-final
Release date: April 18, 2012
Penciled by: Christopher Jones
Written by: Greg Weisman & Kevin Hopps
Logline:

Ocean-Master's plan to purify Atlantis brings Aqualad to death's door and forces his former schoolmates to choose sides. Can even Superboy and Ms. Martian help him?

YJ-c16-final
Release date: May 30, 2012
Penciled by: Christopher Jones
Written by: Greg Weisman & Kevin Hopps
Logline:
YJ-c17-final
Release date: June 20, 2012
Penciled by: Christopher Jones
Written by: Greg Weisman & Kevin Hopps
Logline:
YJ-c18-final
Release date: July 18, 2012
Penciled by: Christopher Jones
Written by: Greg Weisman
Logline:
  • The team travels to GORILLA CITY!
  • Someone is enhancing apes to create an army of warrior slaves!
  • Don't miss the origin of GORILLA CITY!
YJ-c19-final
Release date: August 29, 2012
Penciled by: Luciano Vecchio
Written by: Greg Weisman
Logline:
YJ-c20-final
Release date: September 19, 2012
Penciled by: Christopher Jones
Written by: Greg Weisman
Logline:
YJ-c21-final
Release date: October 17, 2012
Penciled by: Christopher Jones
Written by: Greg Weisman
Logline:
YJ-c22-final
Release date: November 21, 2012
Penciled by: Christopher Jones
Written by: Greg Weisman
Logline:
YJ-c23-final
Release date: December 19, 2012
Penciled by: Christopher Jones
Written by: Greg Weisman
Logline:
YJ-c24-final
Release date: January 23, 2013
Penciled by: Christopher Jones
Written by: Greg Weisman
Logline:
YJ-c25-final
Release date: February 20, 2013
Penciled by: Christopher Jones
Written by: Greg Weisman
Logline:
  • Metropolis is still in danger, but now the entire planet risks destruction!
  • Deadshot hits his target!
Torch Songs, Part 1 cover
Release date: January 2, 2019
Penciled by: Christopher Jones
Written by: Greg Weisman
Logline:

As Superboy and Miss Martian prepare for a new mission, the tension in their relationship affects the team. But with Psimon on the loose, they MUST pull it together!

Torch Songs, Part 2 cover
Release date: January 3, 2019
Penciled by: Christopher Jones
Written by: Greg Weisman
Logline:

When her teammates get trapped in Psimon's psychic loop, will Batgirl be able to free them? Or will Miss Martian have to break the spell on her own?

Collections[]

Library bound editions[]

Capstone Press imprint Stone Arch Books released hardcover editions of issues #1-#8. The first four were released on July 1, 2012. The second batch of four were released on July 1, 2013. Issue #5, "What's the Story?", was retitled "Campfire Secrets".[19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26]

See also[]

References[]

  1. Weisman, Greg (2010-11-19). Young Justice Comic Book. Ask Greg. Retrieved 2017-01-29.
  2. Weisman, Greg (2011-10-04). YJ Production Update. Ask Greg. Retrieved 2017-01-29.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 Weisman, Greg (2012-06-13). YJ Update. Ask Greg. Retrieved 2013-03-01.
  4. Nagorski, Alex (2012-11-12). BEYOND DC COMICS-THE NEW 52 Group Solicits. dccomics.com. Retrieved 2017-01-29.
  5. Harvey, James (2012-09-28). Artist Christopher Jones On Bringing The “Young Justice” Comic Into The Future. World's Finest. Retrieved 2013-03-01.
  6. 6.0 6.1 Weisman, Greg (2012-12-30). Question #17805. Ask Greg. Retrieved 2012-12-31.
  7. 7.0 7.1 Harvey, James (2013-02-19). Greg Weisman Discusses The Final Issue Of The “Young Justice” Comic Series. World's Finest. Retrieved 2013-03-01.
  8. 8.0 8.1 (2013-05-03). The Dynamic Buzz (C2E2 Christopher Jones Interview). YouTube. Retrieved 2013-05-03.
  9. (2013-11-18). Episode 160: The Legacy of Young Justice. Nerdy Show. Retrieved 2013-11-30.
  10. 10.0 10.1 Schenkel, Katie (2015-04-17). The Mary Sue Interview: Greg Weisman on His YA Adventure Kickstarter, Rain of the Ghosts. The Marie Sue. Retrieved 2015-04-20.
  11. Weisman, Greg (2016-12-12). Tweet. Twitter. Retrieved 2017-01-29.
  12. Jones, Christopher (2017-01-09). Tweet. Twitter. Retrieved 2017-01-29.
  13. Jones, Christopher (2017-01-09). Tweet. Twitter. Retrieved 2017-01-29.
  14. Carter, Justin (2018-10-04). A Young Justice: Outsiders Prequel Comic Is Coming to DC Universe. CBR.com. Retrieved 2019-01-03.
  15. IGN.com (2018-11-27). Young Justice: Outsiders Gets Official Trailer, Plus Enhanced Episodes for Past Seasons. IGN.com. Retrieved 2019-01-03.
  16. McMillan, Graeme (2019-01-02). 'Young Justice: Outsiders' Debuts as First Comic Created For DC Universe. HollywoodReporter.com. Retrieved 2019-01-03.
  17. Jones, Christopher (2018-12-20). Tweet. Twitter. Retrieved 2019-01-03.
  18. DC Publicity (2022-04-06). The Thrilling Follow-up to Young Justice: Phantoms. dccomics.com. Retrieved 2022-04-06.
  19. Haunted (Young Justice). Amazon.com Retrieved 2023-02-22.
  20. Monkey Business (Young Justice). Amazon.com Retrieved 2023-02-22.
  21. Hack and You Shall Find (Young Justice). Amazon.com Retrieved 2023-02-22.
  22. By Hook or By Web (Young Justice). Amazon.com Retrieved 2023-02-22.
  23. Campfire Secrets (Young Justice). Amazon.com Retrieved 2023-02-22.
  24. Fears (Young Justice). Amazon.com Retrieved 2023-02-22.
  25. Rabbit Holes (Young Justice). Amazon.com Retrieved 2023-02-22.
  26. Wonderland (Young Justice). Amazon.com Retrieved 2023-02-22.

External links[]

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