In the realm of the DC Multiverse, none surpasses the legendary status of the Justice League. Although the Legion of Superheroes preceded them during the Silver Age, it was the Justice League that set the standard for what a superteam could embody. Drawing from the original Justice Society of America, created by series pioneer Gardner Fox in the Golden Age, they brought together Earth’s mightiest heroes and showcased them in the vibrant, futuristic superhero spectacle only Silver Age DC was capable of producing. Justice League of America stood out for DC fans as an exceptional bargain, introducing new characters and propelling them to stardom. Over its 64-year journey, the Justice League has redefined what a superteam means, leaving readers spellbound with their incredible tales.
Despite experiencing some rough patches, there are truly outstanding Justice League tales waiting to be discovered. The allure of a supergroup capable of tackling threats that span the entire cosmos is what makes the Justice League such a captivating read. Herein lies ten exceptional Justice League stories, each one showcasing the potential of the most formidable superteam across all realms.
JLA #5
In this list, “JLA” #5 by Grant Morrison and Howard Porter marks the beginning of several tales from their run on the Justice League. This often-overlooked story, however, holds a significant place as one of the top Justice League narratives. The plot revolves around the Justice League interviewing potential new members in the late ’90s, eventually discovering the ideal candidate – Tomorrow Woman. However, she turns out to be a deceptive android created by Professor Ivo and T.O. Morrow, designed to wreak havoc on the Justice League. The story unfolds as a heartfelt exploration of love and friendship, showcasing the perfect blend of exceptional writing and art. This standalone issue offers a profound reflection on life’s meaning, making it a testament to why Morrison’s “JLA” is such an outstanding comic book series.
Formerly Known As the Justice League
Experiencing the hilarious and subversive take on the Justice League during the ’80s, aptly known as the “Bwa-ha-ha” era, was truly a delightful deviation from what one might expect in a Justice League comic. The late J.M. DeMatteis, Keith Giffen, and Kevin Maguire brilliantly transformed a motley crew of B and C-list superheroes into comedic gold through their outrageous escapades. While there are numerous memorable stories from this era, none encapsulate its spirit quite like “Formerly Known As the Justice League,” a six-issue miniseries that reunites fan favorites Booster Gold, Blue Beetle, Captain Atom, Fire, Elongated Man, Sue Dibny, Maxwell Lord, and L-Ron. This tale serves as an ideal introduction to this era for newcomers; if they appreciate it, then they’re ready to dive deeper into the world of Justice League International. Bursting with witty humor, unforgettable characters, and stunning artwork, this story is sure to win over even the most reluctant fan.
“Crisis on Earth-One!/Crisis on Earth-Two!”
The comics of the Silver Age Justice League of America frequently evoke a sense of another era. Unlike Stan Lee’s Marvel at DC during the Silver Age, these books don’t have the quick, witty dialogue, but they still hold their own value. They offer an intriguing perspective, showing the Justice League grappling with threats that no other team could manage. Notable comics from Gardner Fox, one of the most inventive writers in comics history and the primary architect of the DC Multiverse, as well as Mike Sekowsky’s run on Justice League of America, are worth a read. However, for a contemporary fan seeking an ideal representation of the Justice League, the standout choice is the “Crisis on Earth-One!/Crisis on Earth-Two” series from Justice League of America (Vol. 1) #21-22. This was the first crossover between the Justice League and Justice Society, a significant event for fans who were deeply invested in DC Comics at that time. It captures the Justice League during their rise to prominence and lays the groundwork for every subsequent JLA/JSA crossover.
JLA/JSA: Virtue and Vice
In the ’90s, Justice League America (JLA) was DC Comics’ top team book, but starting in the early ’00s, that shifted. The Justice Society of America (JSA), penned by Geoff Johns and David S. Goyer, who later gained fame in the DCEU, became DC’s go-to team comic and is now considered one of the greatest team comics ever produced. Since the last joint JLA/JSA team-up during “Crisis on Infinite Earths,” there hadn’t been another until DC brought Johns, Goyer, and artist Carlos Pacheco together for “JLA/JSA: Virtue and Vice.” This book aimed to recreate the annual meetings between the two teams. The JLA and JSA reunite to rekindle their relationship, but when the Seven Deadly Sins are unleashed and members from both teams are possessed, they must deal with powerful team members under enemy control. Meanwhile, they’re drawn into a plan by two of their most dangerous villains to destroy everything. “JLA/JSA: Virtue and Vice” offers a glimpse into a specific era in DC Comics, merging two fantastic teams for an unparalleled epic story.
“World War III”
The creative partnership between Grant Morrison and Howard Porter on the “JLA” series truly showcased what a Justice League comic should be, consistently outshining other titles with the enticing prospect of the league battling adversaries capable of annihilating lesser teams. Over the course of their tenure, Morrison challenged the team with formidable foes such as the White Martians, rebellious angels, their arch-nemeses in the Injustice League, Darkseid, and even destiny itself. To bring their run to a climactic end, Morrison opted for an unprecedented scale, pitting the team against Mageddon – a primordial destroyer from ancient cosmic conflicts, coinciding with the emergence of a new Injustice League in “World War III”. “World War III” encapsulates the grandeur that Morrison excelled at, amplifying the tension to an extraordinary level as the Justice League confronted an adversary far more formidable than any they had previously encountered, a conflict that had been subtly foreshadowed since the inception of “JLA”. “World War III” stands out as a narrative that feels like a significant event, yet was simply another installment in the best team comic book series of the ’90s.
Infinite Crisis
The graphic novel “Infinite Crisis,” penned by Geoff Johns and illustrated by Phil Jimenez, George Perez, Jerry Ordway, and Ivan Reis, may not be a traditional Justice League story, but it powerfully demonstrates the crucial role that the Justice League plays in the DC Universe. Instead of the League being present, a significant aspect of the narrative is their absence. This work stands out among many stories for showcasing just how integral the Justice League is to the universe’s stability.
The storyline revolves around threats both internal and external that sow discord among heroes. Long-forgotten champions make a comeback with a daring plan to restore order, but hidden forces are poised to exploit the turmoil for their own nefarious purposes. This results in a clash unlike any other seen by readers before. “Infinite Crisis” is a testament to one of the best creative periods in comic book history. It was the culmination of numerous years of plot development, offering readers an epic event comic that ranks among the greatest ever written.
Even as it approaches its twentieth anniversary in 2025, “Infinite Crisis” remains a compelling argument for the necessity of the Justice League’s existence.
Justice League Elite
Writer Joe Kelly’s talent during the late ’90s and early ’00s is frequently underappreciated, particularly his work on Justice League (JLA) alongside artist Doug Mahnke. Notable stories like “The Obsidian Age” often overshadow their collaboration, yet Kelly also crafted a timeless DC story with “Whatever Happened to Truth, Justice, and the American Way?” in Action Comics, which introduced the Elite team as a satirical take on violent superteams emerging in the early ’00s. Their collaborative work, Justice League Elite, combines elements from their JLA run with the Elite team, resulting in a thrilling twelve-issue series that pushes boundaries.
Under Sister Superior’s leadership, the Justice League Elite was formed as a covert arm of the League, comprising Green Arrow, Manitou Raven, Manitou Dawn, Green Arrow, and Major Disaster, who join forces with the Elite. As they confront threats that the regular Justice League would usually avoid, an old adversary resurfaces with a goal to acquire ultimate power.
Justice League Elite serves as an early precursor to the proliferation of black ops teams in later 21st-century comics and offers a compelling interpretation of this trope. The narrative is captivating, albeit challenging to find — it’s been out of print for years, making it difficult to collect — but it’s undeniably worth the search.
“The Tornado’s Path”
The second volume of Justice League of America made its debut following the events of Infinite Crisis, serving to reestablish the team as a formidable presence and a beacon for heroes worldwide. “The Tornado’s Path,” penned by Brad Meltzer and Ed Benes, compiles issues #0-7 from the new series. This captivating tale revolves around several characters – Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Black Canary, Hal Jordan, Hawkgirl, Speedy (now Red Arrow), Black Lightning, Vixen, and Red Tornado – who become entangled in a plot orchestrated by one of the most menacing beings on Earth. This adversary, now more dangerous than ever due to recent developments, poses a significant threat. “The Tornado’s Path” skillfully weaves a narrative that echoes the Satellite League era of the team, while remaining contemporary and engaging. It is an engrossing read that will draw you in and shower you with various elements of DC history. This modern Justice League interpretation offers an exhilarating experience for fans of the team, as Meltzer’s twelve-issue series – along with Dwayne McDuffie’s tragically abbreviated run that followed – is undoubtedly worth seeking out.
JLA #22-23
Generally speaking, Grant Morrison and Mark Porter’s “New World Order” is often included in lists of notable Justice League stories, but there are many other Morrison/Porter tales that should receive greater acclaim than they currently do. One such story is JLA #22-23, which stands out as a particularly exceptional piece of work. This tale builds upon a plot element introduced in JLA: Secret Files and Origins, where the League’s initial nemesis – Starro the Conqueror – makes a comeback. The narrative revolves around Daniel, the current Dream, seeking assistance from the Justice League to awaken a specific dreamer as Earth is under attack by Starro and his followers, the Star Conquerors. Morrison and Porter crafted some truly remarkable two-issue Justice League epics, but this one undoubtedly ranks as their finest. It offers the high-stakes action and stunning artwork that JLA became renowned for, while also venturing in completely new directions compared to any previous Starro story. This is a tale that more fans should read, as it richly deserves its place among the greatest Justice League stories ever told.
“Rock of Ages”
Morrison’s “Rock of Ages” stands alone in its category. This is where Lex Luthor assembles a team of criminals, aiming to annihilate the newly formed JLA. Unlike previous attempts, Luthor employs corporate strategies to bring down the League, armed with two covert weapons – the Philosopher’s Stone and a hidden accomplice. The League is taken aback by Luthor’s attack, forcing them into their most determined efforts to defeat the Injustice Gang when it matters most. Meanwhile, Aquaman, Flash, and Green Lantern are summoned by Metron for an assignment that involves the Philosopher Stone, leading them to Wonderworld – a realm inhabited by deity-like heroes who issue a dire warning to the League. The story unfolds as they journey through a future under Darkseid’s rule, which can only be saved by allowing the Injustice Gang to triumph. “Rock of Ages” encapsulates an exceptional Justice League tale, offering spectacular superhero action, captivating art, and nuanced character development, delivering a compelling narrative that underscores the Justice League’s greatness. A timeless masterpiece.
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2025-03-22 21:41