10 Great Justice Leaguers You Forgot Were Awesome

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The Justice League is DC’s main team of heroes, protecting the entire DC Universe. It began with seven original members – Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, the Flash, Aquaman, and Martian Manhunter – and has grown to include many more heroes, both famous and lesser-known. While most fans picture the same core group of heroes when they think of the Justice League – those with their own comic series or who’ve become strongly associated with the team – there have actually been a lot more fantastic heroes who’ve been a part of it than many people realize.

The Justice League is known for its incredible team, and many unsung heroes have contributed to its success. While some members are more famous, these often-overlooked heroes are actually vital to the League’s achievements. Here are ten Justice League members who deserve just as much recognition, even if they aren’t the first names that come to mind.

10) Hawkgirl

Throughout the years, several versions of Hawkgirl have joined the Justice League – all stemming from the same person, with a complex history involving reincarnation. However, Kendra Saunders is widely considered the best iteration. First appearing in *JSA*, Kendra dealt with the emotional weight of her past lives. She became the most self-reliant Hawkgirl, and served with distinction on two memorable Justice League teams: the mid-2000s Satellite League and the late 2010s team led by Scott Snyder. Kendra seamlessly filled the role of Hawkgirl on the team, forming connections with Red Arrow and John Stewart, and proving herself as strong and capable as any other winged hero to fight alongside the League.

9) Orion

The New Gods are a powerful group in the DC Universe, constantly battling the evil forces of Apokolips. Many New Gods have joined the Justice League over the years, notably Orion, also known as the Dog of War. During a major storyline (starting with Justice League of America #16), Orion and Big Barda joined the League to help face a looming danger. Orion quickly became one of the team’s strongest fighters, known for his fearless and often impulsive approach to battle. While he could be difficult at times, he was always ready to fight when trouble arose.

8) Huntress

Huntress, specifically Helena Bertinelli, was often seen as the rebellious member of Batman’s allies due to her willingness to use extreme force, which frequently put her at odds with Batman himself. Despite their differences, Batman recognized her heroic qualities and helped her join the Justice League in *JLA* #16. Although she initially felt inadequate alongside the League’s other members, Huntress ultimately proved her worth. Their relationship later fractured, leading to her departure, but she made a significant impact as a League member and earned Batman’s respect in new ways.

7) Zauriel

Grant Morrison’s run on *JLA* was fantastic, and it brought several new heroes into the Justice League. Issues #6 and #7 introduced Zauriel, a guardian angel from the Silver City, who warned the League about an impending attack by Asmodel and the Bull Host – rogue angels threatening Earth. Zauriel officially joined the team in issue #16 and remained a key member, known as the League’s winged hero, throughout the fight against Mageddon. With his angelic powers, wings, flaming sword, and sonic scream, Zauriel was a powerful and popular character. He deserves a full-time return to the team, instead of just appearing in the background.

6) Big Barda

Big Barda first joined the Justice League in JLA #16 and has been a member of several teams since, including Morrison’s Pantheon League. Known as the fiercest female warrior from the worlds of New Genesis and Apokolips, she’s incredibly strong and a highly skilled fighter thanks to a brutal upbringing and years of combat experience. While her husband, Mister Miracle, was known for his trickery and Orion for his aggression, Barda brought a quiet, reliable strength to the team. She was a reassuring presence, and everyone knew she could handle any situation, even if it meant taking down opponents with her powerful Mega-Rod.

5) Red Tornado

Red Tornado acts as the Justice League’s powerhouse, surprisingly joining after initially being built by T.O. Morrow to defeat them. He’s an incredibly durable android with a human soul, capable of generating powerful tornadoes. Even when destroyed, he’s always rebuilt, with his soul returning to a new body. Known affectionately as Reddy, he uniquely combines a caring personality – driven by his love for his wife and daughter – with the strength of a powerful machine, ultimately fueled by the Tornado Spirit itself. Red Tornado is a reliable, if often overlooked, member of the League, and his return always feels like welcoming home an old friend.

4) Hawkman

Hawkman is one of DC’s fiercest heroes, best known for being a founding member and leader of the Justice Society of America. Eventually, the Thanagarian Hawkman – Katar Hol – joined the Justice League. The history of Hawkman is complicated, as there have been multiple reincarnations of him across time and space, but he was a natural fit for the League, enthusiastically diving into every fight. His strong personality often led to clashes with Green Arrow, which added some excitement to the team dynamic. While he’s now a mainstay of the Justice Society, Hawkman proved to be a valuable member of the Justice League.

3) Red Arrow

Roy Harper, known as Red Arrow, experienced a remarkable but challenging superhero journey. He began as Green Arrow’s sidekick, Speedy, and was a founding member of the Teen Titans. After struggling with and overcoming drug addiction, he reinvented himself as Arsenal. Eventually, he earned a spot on the Justice League, receiving a new costume and the name Red Arrow. He excelled as a League member until tragedy struck when Star City was attacked and his daughter was killed. Many fans prefer to focus on his successful time with the Justice League and understandably try to avoid remembering the painful events that followed.

2) Vixen

Vixen became a Justice League member during the team’s Detroit era, after their original satellite headquarters was destroyed and many of the core heroes moved on. She uses a mystical artifact called the Tantu totem, which connects her to a powerful force called the Red, allowing her to mimic the abilities of animals – and even, on occasion, her teammates. Vixen quickly proved to be a strong asset to the League and returned multiple times throughout the years. She eventually even led her own Justice League team in the often-overlooked *Justice League of America* (Vol. 4). Vixen is a truly fantastic hero and deserves to be recognized as one of the League’s top members.

1) Plastic Man

While Elongated Man was the first hero on the Justice League able to stretch, Plastic Man far surpasses him in ability. Plastic Man’s body is practically unbreakable – he even survived thousands of years at the bottom of the ocean after being lost in ancient Atlantis! He can also mold his body into any shape imaginable. Batman specifically recruited Plastic Man for the League, believing him to be one of Earth’s most powerful heroes. Plastic Man’s unpredictable powers and quirky humor make him a uniquely entertaining member of the team, and he’s a great fit for the League, though not everyone recognizes his value.

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2025-10-07 21:11