DC Comics' new era is definitely bright, with the iconic Justice League finally returning as part of the publisher's “All-In” initiative. Although Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman have long since returned since the events of Dark Crisis on Infinite EarthsThe Justice League of America is no more. A rotating cast of Leaguers will join them, and several heroes should make the cut.
The cast of the series Justice League Unlimited by Mark Waid will feature the Trinity joined by heroes like Black Lightning, Captain Atom, and former villain Star Sapphire. Many other DC good guys could join the team, given this precedent for rotating heroes. From street comic heroes to the world's mightiest mortal, the Justice League Unlimited The book should feature the largest and most unlikely members.
10 Ted Kord hasn't been in the league for decades
Originally appearing in comic books published by Charlton Comics, Ted Kord was the second Blue Beetle and the successor to Dan Garrett. Lacking his mentor's powerful Scarab, he relied on his wealth, intellect, and inventions to survive. Although he was never seen as a major member of a “mainstream”, Justice League title, Ted's fame was due to his hilarious friendship with Booster Gold as a member of the Justice League International team.
- Ted Kord was similar to a helpless Spider-Man, and both were created/co-created by Steve Ditko
Add Ted Kord to Justice League Unlimited It would allow him to be more than just a joke, while still being more lighthearted than most people. Likewise, there is no longer a Blue beetle comics, with Jaime Reyes feeling more at home with the Titans or Young Justice. Given that Ted hasn’t been used much in the mainstream in recent years, having him join the Justice League and perhaps comment on how few have taken him seriously regarding Maxwell Lord’s villainy would offer a lot of storytelling potential.
9 The question has been asked many in the JLU comic
The most widespread use of the Question, aka Vic Sage, was in the Justice League Unlimited cartoon. There, he was characterized as a conspiracy theoristalthough Steve Ditko described him as a fellow objectivist. Since Justice League Unlimited is the name of the new comic, it would make sense for The Question to be involved in the team.
- The Question is a more watered-down version of Ditko's previous character, the faceless Mr. A.
Making The Question an Ayn Rand-style objectivist would be a great move, as it would differentiate him from other heroes, particularly the left-wing Green Arrow. Likewise, he may be there on a mission to remind the League of more human, less intergalactic pursuits. The Question is a reminder that few of humanity's ills come from the stars, and that not all heroes wear capes, even if the best of them wear masks.
8 Triumph was the most hated member of the Justice League
Triumph was a controversial character who appeared as a member of the Justice League in the 1990s. Destined to be hated by creator Christopher Priest, he wielded a lot of power but had little to show for it. Eventually, he was forgotten in the grand scheme of things, proving his arrogance to be entirely unnecessary. Ironically, this leaves him full of potential in the Justice League Unlimited book.
- The triumph appeared in Justice League: Task Forcewhich seemed in line with the dark and gritty trends of the 90s
Triumph could showcase the “evil Superman” trope by turning the arrogant Justice League member into a Homelander replacement from The boys. At the same time, he could still have an element of real heroism, making him more than just a knee-jerk commentary character. If he can add actual depth to him, he could even redeem the controversial DC hero.
7 Black Canary has a history with the JLA and JSA
Black Canary is one of the best fighters in the DC Universe and is usually romantically paired with Green Arrow. Unlike Emerald Archer, who is mostly relegated to the Justice League, Dinah Laurel Lance has been on multiple teams. In addition to forming the Birds of Prey, Black Canary has been on the Justice League and the Justice Society. This makes her one of the most important legacy characters ever for DC Comics.
- Dinah Laurel Lance was preceded by her mother, Dinah Drake Lance, who was the first Black Canary
Black Canary's versatility allows her to be in many different types of stories alongside the rest of the League. Her martial arts and stealth make her perfect for a more grounded story, while her powerful Canary Cry can make even the most powerful beings face the music. Perhaps a little more recognizable than the mighty Wonder Woman, Black Canary brings a different kind of feminine mystique to the JLA and can do so in Justice League Unlimited.
6 Zatanna can add some magic to the JLU
Zatanna is a classic member of the Justice League, with the witch being one of the first members of the team to specialize in magic. Since then, she has been a member of other teams, including the mystical Shadowpact and Justice League Dark. One of the greatest practitioners of the dark arts, Zatanna can add a spooky atmosphere to Justice League Unlimited. This is especially true if she is the primary magical member of the team.
- Zatanna's father, Giovanni, and his nephew Zachary are also known for their magical prowess.
Zatanna can show her development in recent years, namely bridging the gap between the Justice League and Justice League Dark. While a member of the JLA in the Bronze Age, she walked in a different world than most of its members. This can grant her a unique perspective and remind the rest of the group that ghouls, goblins, and ghosts threaten the world just as much as aliens and mad scientists.
5 DC's Captain Marvel is an underrated character
Also known as Shazam or The Captain, DC's version of Captain Marvel is one of the most powerful heroes in the DC Universe. Drawing on the powers of Greco-Roman and Biblical figures, she has strength and power that rivals even Superman himself. Previously associated with several versions of the Justice League, Captain Marvel's lightning bolt is expected to strike more than twice in Justice League Unlimited book.
- While Billy Batson is known as The Captain, Mary has reverted to the nickname “Mary Marvel”
This may be based on plot elements seen in Mark Waid's series Look!continuing the character’s transition into a more classic Marvel Family representation after the New 52. Likewise, the differences between Big Red Cheese and Big Blue Boy Scout can be cemented, showing how the Captain isn’t defined by his similarities to Superman. More importantly, it will help push the character further into the mainstream in modern comics, especially as he’s struggled in recent years.
4 Animal Man has been neglected by DC
Animal Man has rarely been a major part of the DC Universe, and is one of the more obscure heroes to be associated with the League. Defined by a comic book series written by Grant Morrison, Animal Man is a more esoteric character who has largely been relegated to spin-off versions of the Justice League. From Justice League Unlimited It's getting everyone involved, it would be awesome if Animal Man was a part of it.
- Animal Man was tied to the Justice League in the New 52 United Justice League book
Animal Man could reflect the fact that he’s more of a family man and rarely makes it into the big leagues. Meanwhile, big epic adventures could see him go further and cement his place alongside legends like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. More importantly, he can demonstrate the power of the animal kingdom, especially if Vixen, Freedom Beast, and even Beast Boy are along for the ride.
3 Vixen has been pushed more by DC recently
Vixen has historically been a somewhat overlooked DC character, though she was also one of the publisher's first prominent black female heroes. Appearing as a member of the Justice League in the 1980s, she has since returned multiple times and become a fan favorite. Likewise, Vixen has recently been given a boost in modern comics as well, with her own webtoon series and a potential appearance in James Gunn's DC Universe reboot films and TV series.
- Vixen is one of the few successful new Justice League members seen in the infamous “Justice League Detroit” era.
The comics should follow suit and keep the pressure on by pushing Vixen further, namely by bringing her back to the Justice League. She can draw on the invisible magical aspects of the DC Universe, relating to the Red of the animal kingdom and African mythology. This would give Vixen a unique relationship with the other heroes, while also showing how well she can work independently.
2 Green Arrow has a lot to answer for after the absolute power
Green Arrow is one of the more urbane DC heroes and his stories usually have a more political undertone. Oliver Queen recently betrayed the other members of the Justice League and sided with Amanda Waller during the “Absolute Power” storyline, although it appears to be a ruse. However, it is convincing, making Ollie's return to the League all the more interesting.
- While Green Arrow is a reluctant best friend to Green Lantern Hal Jordan, Ollie and the more conservative Barry Allen/Flash have proven to dislike each other.
Many may no longer trust Green Arrow, seeing him as the reason for their recent tribulations. Likewise, he has always been a loudmouth who argues with everyone, which has irritated other heroes like Hawkman. This makes him a great addition to the Justice League, and if he now has to prove his trustworthiness, it adds even more depth to the Emerald Archer.
1 Hawkman can fly in the JLU
Like Black Canary, Hawkman has ties to the Justice League and the Justice Society. As both a reincarnated Egyptian prince and an alien police officer, Hawkman has had as many origins as he has lives. Fortunately, much of this confusion was resolved in Robert Venditti's book Hawk Man series after DC Rebirth. Now that his solo run has long since ended, it's time to bring Hawkman back into the spotlight.
- The post-Crisis on Infinite Earths The confusion surrounding Hawkman's membership in the Justice League was the cause of the infamous “Hawksnarl” continuity problem.
Justice League Unlimited It can be based on the revelations seen in Venditti Hawk Mandepicting Carter Hall as more determined than ever to save whoever he can. Likewise, villains from his past may resurface to fight him once again, whether they be the diabolical Gentleman Ghost, the immortal Vandal Savage, or other foes. This could put Hawkman at the center of the reborn Justice League, making him an important member rather than an afterthought.
DC Comics
DC Comics chronicles the adventures of iconic superheroes such as Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman and many others.
- Created by
- Malcolm Wheeler Nicholson