We all recognize the Justice League’s most famous heroes – Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman. Any dedicated DC Comics fan can easily list the original team members, and probably many others. But what about the lesser-known heroes? Who are some of the most powerful and inspiring characters who don’t get as much attention in the DC Universe?
I’m a big fan of lesser-known superheroes. While Batman is DC’s biggest star, and it’s fun to see him battle his iconic enemies, I often crave something new. It’s a shame these smaller heroes don’t get as much attention and are usually only seen in group stories or large events. Still, they deserve to be recognized! Here are seven underrated Justice League members who could really use some more spotlight.
7. Deadman
Boston Brand was a world-famous aerialist until he was brutally murdered by a killer with a hook for a hand. However, death didn’t end his story. His spirit lived on as Deadman, a ghostly hero determined to find his murderer and use his powers to help others.
Deadman’s abilities are somewhat restricted – being a ghost, he can only be perceived and communicated with by those sensitive to the spiritual realm. However, he’s not helpless. He’s known for possessing people, which allows him to read their thoughts. Deadman has been a significant hero, playing a key role in the DC Universe’s Blackest Night event, and it’s unfortunate he’s often overlooked.
6. Stargirl
Courtney Whitmore, known as Stargirl, truly embodies the spirit of a proactive hero in the DC Universe. While still a teenager, she began fighting crime with her stepfather, Pat Dugan, who operates as S.T.R.I.P.E.. Stargirl’s use of the powerful Cosmic Staff makes her an exceptional hero, and many consider her to be the best to ever wield it – even surpassing the original Starman.
Courtney’s defining trait is her dedication to being a hero, particularly as part of a team. She quickly joined the Justice Society after becoming Stargirl, and later earned a place in the New 52 Justice League. She even took the initiative to create her own team, the Young Justice Society, bringing together sidekicks displaced from their own time. No matter what you think, Stargirl’s enthusiasm for heroism is genuinely endearing.
5. Vixen
Vixen, also known as Mari McCabe, is one of the Justice League’s most unique heroes. She balances a career as a model with her work as a superhero, defending the DC Universe with the help of the Tantu Totem. This artifact grants her the abilities of different animals – like a gorilla’s strength or a cheetah’s speed. Even without her powers, she’s a formidable fighter thanks to extensive training from top martial arts experts.
Vixen has appeared in several limited series and even a webcomic, but she hasn’t quite become a truly famous character. It’s surprising, really, because she has everything needed to be incredibly popular. Despite this, she mostly appears as part of a team, rather than headlining her own stories. Ideally, she’d be as well-known as other major Justice League heroes.
4. The Atom
Although Ant-Man became widely known thanks to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, DC’s hero, the Atom, hasn’t reached the same level of popularity – despite being just as impressive. The Atom is a title passed down through several characters, including Al Pratt, Ray Palmer, and Ryan Choi (who is a personal favorite). Usually, starting with Ray Palmer, the Atom uses a special belt powered by a White Dwarf Star to change size, letting him shrink down and investigate the incredibly small world within the DC Universe.
It’s a shame that the Atom hasn’t gained much traction with readers lately. Aside from his recent Justice League: The Atom Project miniseries, he hasn’t headlined his own comic in a while. You’d expect a strong creative team to be able to revitalize the character, but unfortunately, lasting popularity continues to be difficult for this shrinking hero to achieve.
3. Elongated Man
While Plastic Man is often the go-to stretchy hero in DC Comics, Ralph Dibny, also known as the Elongated Man, is actually the more compelling character. Ralph is a skilled detective with an exceptional ability to solve mysteries. He gained his powers—the ability to stretch and reshape his body—from a strange fruit called gingold. As a hero, he worked alongside the Justice League and, most importantly, teamed up with his wife, Sue.
Although the events of Identity Crisis deeply affected Ralph Dibny (the Elongated Man) and his wife Sue, both are currently alive and well. Ralph has even joined the Justice League Unlimited. He’s a more focused and dedicated hero than the playful Plastic Man, using his stretching abilities to help solve mysteries. While he might not be as well-known as Plastic Man, many find Ralph to be the more compelling character.
2. Big Barda
It’s no secret that strong, powerful women are popular in comics – think Wonder Woman and She-Hulk. So it’s surprising that Big Barda doesn’t get the recognition she deserves. She started as one of the fearsome Female Furies, trained on the harsh planet Apokolips to serve the villain Darkseid. But Barda chose a different path, falling in love and using her incredible skills to help people on Earth.
Big Barda is undeniably one of the Justice League’s strongest members. She consistently defeats enemies, relying on both incredible strength and sharp intelligence, even when they’re larger and more powerful than she is. While Wonder Woman has bested her in a fight – a reasonable outcome – Big Barda is a truly formidable hero who doesn’t get enough recognition.
1. Animal Man
Buddy Baker, also known as Animal Man, is a really compelling hero. He’s linked to the Red, a powerful energy that connects all living creatures, and can take on the abilities of any animal. Many fans consider his 1980s comic book series, especially the early issues written by Grant Morrison, to be the definitive showcase of what makes him so great.
It’s odd, considering how popular that book was, that both it and the character Animal Man have largely been forgotten. While Buddy Baker occasionally appears with the Justice League, Grant Morrison’s story really highlighted how compelling he is, making it surprising that fans haven’t kept him as a prominent figure in DC Comics history.
Which Justice League members do you feel don’t get enough appreciation? Share your thoughts in the comments and discuss it with other fans on the ComicBook Forum!
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2025-11-06 00:11