The Justice League is notoriously complex, and that’s pretty typical for DC Comics. DC frequently reboots its universe, often responding to fan requests to alter storylines or revive characters. Because of these numerous reboots, the League’s official origin story is constantly shifting – currently, it’s generally considered to be Justice League (Vol. 2) #1-6 from the New 52 era. While some prefer to start at the very beginning, there are actually more effective ways to get into the team’s history.
The Justice League has a long and complicated past, but these seven stories offer a great introduction to the team’s history. They highlight some of the League’s most memorable and accessible moments, making them ideal for new readers and the perfect starting point for anyone wanting to become a fan.
7) Justice
DC Comics’ history can be confusing, so if you’re interested in reading older stories from before the Crisis event, it’s best to start with something accessible. For a taste of that classic 1970s/Bronze Age DC style with a modern feel, I highly recommend Justice by Jim Krueger, Alex Ross, and Doug Braithewaite. This 12-part series features a team inspired by the ’70s Satellite League, battling the Legion of Doom to determine Earth’s fate. It perfectly blends a classic feel with modern storytelling, making it ideal for new readers. You don’t need any prior knowledge of the characters or their history to enjoy this exciting superhero action!
6) “The Totality”
In 2018, Justice League (Vol. 4) became the central series for the DC Universe, and “The Totality” arc was its exciting beginning. Written by Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, and illustrated by Jim Cheung, Jorge Jimenez, and Doug Mahnke, the story features Lex Luthor assembling a new Legion of Doom after discovering a powerful cosmic force called the Totality. This sets the stage for an epic battle between the League and Luthor’s team, and ultimately leads into the Dark Knights: Death Metal storyline. It’s a fantastic entry point for anyone new to the Justice League and is sure to grab your attention right away.
5) “The Tornado’s Path”
“The Tornado’s Path” launched the second volume of Justice League of America, spanning issues #0-7 and created by Brad Meltzer, Ed Benes, and a host of talented artists. Set after the events of Infinite Crisis, the story follows the Trinity as they assemble a new Justice League while investigating a puzzling mystery involving Red Tornado, Vixen, Black Lightning, Black Canary, Hal Jordan, and Roy Harper. The result is a classic Justice League adventure that captures the rich history and scope of the DC Universe, making it a compelling story for any fan of the team.
4) JLA: The Nail
Alan Davis’s JLA: The Nail is an Elseworlds tale – one of several on this list – that imagines a world where the Kents’ tire got a flat on the day they were meant to discover baby Kal-El. The story begins in the present, with Lex Luthor recently elected mayor of Metropolis and the Justice League facing a serious dip in public approval. A dangerous plan unfolds, threatening to leave Earth vulnerable, and pushing the League to its absolute limits. This story is a fantastic take on the classic League dynamic within a traditional DC Universe, packed with exciting moments that will keep you hooked until the very end. It’s a surprisingly overlooked gem in the team’s history and a true celebration of everything fans love about the Justice League.
3) “New World Order”
The Justice League struggled to gain traction until 1996, when DC Comics revamped the team with Justice League: A Midsummer’s Nightmare. This led to the launch of JLA, which quickly became one of DC’s most celebrated series. The first storyline, “New World Order” by Grant Morrison and Howard Porter, is widely considered a classic and a fantastic starting point for new readers. It introduces a new team of heroes who initially seem to replace the Justice League as Earth’s defenders, but a hidden darkness within them pushes the League to their absolute limits. It’s an epic, visually stunning story – a truly memorable Justice League adventure.
2) The New Frontier
Darwyn Cooke’s The New Frontier is considered one of the best DC Comics stories of the 2000s. This six-part series reimagines the early days of the DC Universe with a classic 1960s style. Set in a post-World War II world, it follows a new wave of heroes who must band together when an old enemy threatens their hopeful future. It’s a visually stunning comic that captures the spirit of classic DC, beautifully blending old and new, and is sure to win over fans of these iconic characters.
1) Kingdom Come
DC’s Kingdom Come is a classic, beloved by readers for generations. The four-issue series imagines a grim future where reckless, new heroes cause a catastrophe, forcing Superman and his peers to come out of retirement and rebuild the Justice League. Their mission: to remind these young heroes what it truly means to be a hero. But they aren’t the only ones with a plan for the future, as shadowy forces are at work with their own vision for “saving the world.” This story is both a powerful Superman tale and a definitive Justice League narrative, and it’s widely considered one of the best comics ever written. If it doesn’t make you appreciate the Justice League, it might be time to re-evaluate your fandom.
https://comicbook.com/comics/list/10-biggest-milestones-that-defined-justice-league-history/embed/#
Read More
- Best Controller Settings for ARC Raiders
- Every Targaryen Death in Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon & AKOTSK, Ranked
- The Best Members of the Flash Family
- The Pitt Season 2, Episode 7 Recap: Abbot’s Return To PTMC Shakes Things Up
- Battlefield 6 Season 2 Update Is Live, Here Are the Full Patch Notes
- Dan Da Dan Chapter 226 Release Date & Where to Read
- ‘Crime 101’ Ending, Explained
- Ashes of Creation Mage Guide for Beginners
- Duffer Brothers Discuss ‘Stranger Things’ Season 1 Vecna Theory
- Winx Club: The Magic is Back announced for PS5, Switch, and PC
2026-02-22 18:13