Every Justice League International Hero Ranked From Coolest to Lamest

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The recent *Superman* film featured a team called the Justice Gang, funded and directed by Maxwell Lord. This group is inspired by the popular Justice League International comic book team. This version of the League came together after Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman stepped away, and it was initially a collection of less-established heroes. Over time, Maxwell Lord gained influence through his wealth, though he wasn’t initially portrayed as the villain he’s often known as. This Justice League team was also known for having some particularly unusual members.

Okay, let me tell you about the Justice League International – a really fun, quirky team from DC Comics. I’ve been ranking the best members, from the absolute coolest heroes to… well, the ones who didn’t quite make as much of an impact. I’ll break down who really mattered in the history of this unusual League, and how they shaped the team’s legacy.

10) Martian Manhunter

Martian Manhunter was the only major Justice League hero who stayed with the team throughout its entire run as Justice League International, even collaborating closely with Maxwell Lord. Widely considered the team’s most powerful and coolest member, J’onn J’onzz had been part of the original Justice League of America. He continued with the team even after founding members like Batman and Wonder Woman moved on, before Maxwell Lord joined. J’onn remained loyal until the very end, offering Max Lord guidance before taking a long break from superhero work.

9) Black Canary

Black Canary was among the original members who stayed with the Justice League when it was reformed. Though she remained on the team longer than Batman, her time ended after Maxwell Lord began manipulating and controlling the League. While fiercely loyal, Black Canary isn’t always a team player, and she clashed with someone like Lord. Still, she’s Black Canary – a consistently cool character, especially for those familiar with her work in DC Comics and with the Birds of Prey, making her stand out even among the Justice League International roster.

8) Fire

Beatriz Bonilla da Costa, known as Fire, is a Brazilian superhero with a unique background. She started as a model and performer before becoming a spy for her country. An explosion during her work as a spy granted her the ability to control fire, leading to her career as a superhero. Initially a member of the Global Guardians, she later joined the Justice League International when the UN shifted its funding. Interestingly, her teammate Ice had the longest tenure on the Justice League International, even returning to the team after a short leave following a personal tragedy.

7) Big Barda

Big Barda and Mister Miracle are usually seen together, but Barda is generally considered the cooler of the two. While Miracle can be a bit worried and high-strung, Barda is a powerful and confident woman who helped him become his best self. This is remarkable considering her origins: she was created in a lab and trained as one of Darkseid’s fearsome Female Furies before escaping and falling in love with Scott. As a New God, she’s also been one of the most impactful members of the Justice League International, even leading them on a rescue mission to Apokolips to save Scott.

6) Mister Miracle

Mister Miracle was among the first members of the Justice League International, before Maxwell Lord became its leader. He remained with the team even after Lord took control, during the time when Batman was in charge. Though initially a less prominent hero, Mister Miracle’s popularity grew when he began regularly teaming up with his wife, Big Barda. Their adventures created a memorable storyline and established them as one of the greatest couples in comic books. In fact, Big Barda once led the entire Justice League International on a dangerous mission to Apokolips to rescue Mister Miracle.

5) Maxima

Maxima’s inclusion in Justice League International was unusual. She first gained attention as an alien who proposed a rather unique arrangement to Superman – she offered to have his children. When he declined, she became angry and attacked him. Eventually, the Justice League International rescued her home planet, Almerac, from a threat called Starbreaker, and she joined the team. While never entirely reliable, Maxima quickly became a popular character due to her refreshingly honest – and often blunt – interactions with teammates like Guy Gardner, Blue Beetle, and Booster Gold. Her unfiltered personality made her a fan favorite during her time with the JLI.

4) Ice

Ice, a Norwegian superhero with the power to control ice, had a difficult past. As a child, she accidentally killed her grandfather while defending herself from his criminal intentions and then lived as a fugitive. She later found purpose and friendship as a member of the Global Guardians. When the UN stopped funding the Guardians, Ice joined the Justice League International alongside her close friend, Fire. The two were a good balance – Fire was energetic and acted on impulse, while Ice was more reserved and kind-hearted. Ice ultimately found redemption through her work with both teams.

3) Blue Beetle (Ted Kord)

The original Blue Beetle was a key figure in the Justice League International, and famously close friends with Booster Gold – a relationship that often led to trouble. He struggled with his own self-image, lacking confidence and body positivity, making him the most insecure member of the team. While Ted Kord often provided comic relief, his humor was usually self-deprecating. Eventually, health problems, specifically a heart condition, led to his retirement from the team.

2) Booster Gold

Booster Gold started out as a pretty flawed hero in DC Comics. Originally from the year 2442, he traveled back in time knowing about past events and used that knowledge to show up and ‘save the day,’ but his main motivation was simply to become famous. When Maxwell Lord began funding and leading a team, he recruited Booster Gold. There, Booster became good friends with Blue Beetle (Ted Kord), and the two often caused more problems for the Justice League International than they solved. Feeling undervalued, Booster eventually left and created his own team, the Conglomerate, which was unique in that it relied on sponsorships for funding.

1) Guy Gardner

Honestly, if I had to pick the most frustrating Justice League International member, it’d be Guy Gardner, hands down. The guy just *constantly* acted like he should be in charge, and wasn’t shy about letting everyone know how amazing he was. It was always a pattern: he’d boast about his Green Lantern powers to the villains, get his butt kicked, and then rely on his teammates to save him. He even had the nerve to talk back to Superman and demand respect! Look, I know Guy’s a powerful Lantern, but within the DC universe, it feels like almost nobody actually respects him.

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2025-09-23 16:42