10 Heroes DC Needs in the New Justice League Unlimited

The new era of DC Comics is definitely bright, with the iconic Justice League finally returning as part of the “All-In” initiative from the publisher. Though Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman have long since been back after the events of Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths, the Justice League of America hasn’t been around. A rotating cast of Leaguers will join them, and several heroes should make the cut.

The cast in the series Justice League Unlimited by Mark Waid will feature the Trinity flanked by heroes such as Black Lightning, Captain Atom and the once villainous Star Sapphire. Several other DC good guys can join the team, given this precedent for rotating heroes. From comedic street-level heroes to the world’s mightiest mortal, the Justice League Unlimited book should feature the greatest and most unlikely members.

10 Ted Kord Hasn’t Been On the League In Decades

Originally seen in the comic books published by Charlton Comics, Ted Kord was the second Blue Beetle and the successor of Dan Garrett. Lacking his mentor’s powerful Scarab, he relied on his wealth, intellect and inventions to get by. While he was never seen as a main member in a “mainstream” Justice League title, Ted’s claim to fame was his hilarious friendship with Booster Gold as a Justice League International team member.

• Ted Kord was similar to a powerless Spider-Man, and both were created/co-created by Steve Ditko

Adding Ted Kord to Justice League Unlimited would allow him to be more than just a joke while still letting him be more lighthearted than most. Likewise, there’s no longer a Blue Beetle comic book, with Jaime Reyes feeling more at home with the Titans or Young Justice. Given that Ted hasn’t had a lot of mainstream use in years, having him join the Justice League and perhaps comment on how few took him seriously concerning the villainy of Maxwell Lord would offer a lot of narrative potential.

9 The Question Was Introduced to Many On the JLU Cartoon

The most mainstream use of The Question, a.k.a. Vic Sage, was in the Justice League Unlimited cartoon. There, he was characterized as a conspiracy theorist, though Steve Ditko portrayed him as a fellow Objectivist. Given that Justice League Unlimited is the name of the new comic book, it would make sense that The Question would be involved with the team.

• The Question is a more watered-down version of Ditko’s previous character, the faceless Mr. A

Making The Question into an Ayn Rand-esque Objectivist again would be a great move, as it would differentiate him from the other heroes, namely the left-wing Green Arrow. Likewise, he can be there on a mission to remind the League of more human, less intergalactic pursuits. The Question is a reminder that few of humanity’s ills are from the stars and that not all heroes wear capes, though the best of them do wear masks.

8 Triumph Was the Most Hated Justice League Member

Triumph was a controversial character who appeared as a member of the Justice League in the 1990s. Intended to be hated by creator Christopher Priest, he wielded a lot of power but had little to show for it. Eventually, he was forgotten in the grand scheme of things, proving that his arrogance was all for naught. Ironically, this leaves him rife with potential in the Justice League Unlimited book.

• Triumph appeared in Justice League: Task Force, which felt in line with the dark and gritty trends of the 1990s

Triumph could showcase the “evil Superman” trope by turning the arrogant Justice League member into a stand-in for Homelander from The Boys. At the same time, he could still have an element of actual heroism, making him more than just a knee-jerk commentary character. If it succeeds in adding actual depth to him, it might even redeem the contentious DC hero.

7 Black Canary Has a History With the JLA and JSA

Black Canary is one of the best fighters in the DC Universe and is usually romantically paired with Green Arrow. Unlike the Emerald Archer, who’s mostly relegated to the Justice League, Dinah Laurel Lance is on several teams. Besides forming the Birds of Prey, Black Canary has been in the Justice League and the Justice Society. This makes her one of the most important legacy characters ever for DC Comics.

• Dinah Laurel Lance was preceded by her mother, Dinah Drake Lance, who was the first Black Canary

Black Canary’s versatility allows her to be in different kinds of stories alongside the rest of the League. Her martial arts and stealth make her great for a more grounded tale, while her powerful Canary Cry can make even the most powerful beings face the music. Perhaps a bit more relatable than the powerful Wonder Woman, Black Canary offers a different kind of feminine mystique to the JLA and can do so in Justice League Unlimited.

6 Zatanna Can Add Some Magic to JLU

Zatanna is a classic member of the Justice League, with the witch being one of the team’s first members to specialize in magic. Since then, she’s been on other teams, including the mystical Shadowpact and Justice League Dark. One of the biggest practitioners of the dark arts, Zatanna can add a spooky vibe to Justice League Unlimited. That’s especially the case if she’s the main magical member of the team.

• Zatanna’s father, Giovanni and her nephew Zachary are also well-known for their magical proficiency

Zatanna can showcase her development over the past few years, namely bridging the gap between the Justice League and Justice League Dark. While she was a member of the JLA in the Bronze Age, she walked in a world different from most of its members. This can grant her a unique perspective and remind the rest of the group that ghouls, goblins, and ghosts threaten the world just as much as aliens and mad scientists.

5 DC’s Captain Marvel Is an Underrated Leaguer

Also known as Shazam or The Captain, DC’s version of Captain Marvel is one of the most powerful heroes in the DC Universe. Calling upon the powers of Greco-Roman and Biblical figures, he has strength and might that rivals even that of Superman himself. Associated in the past with different versions of the Justice League, Captain Marvel’s lightning should strike more than twice in the Justice League Unlimited book.

• Though Billy Batson is known as The Captain, Mary has returned to the “Mary Marvel” moniker

This can build upon plot elements seen in Mark Waid’s run on Shazam!, continuing the character’s transition back to a more classic portrayal of the Marvel Family following the New 52. Likewise, the differences between the Big Red Cheese and the Big Blue Boy Scout can be cemented, showcasing how the Captain isn’t defined by his similarities to Superman. Most importantly, it will help to push the character further into the mainstream in modern comic books, especially as he’s floundered in years past.

4 Animal Man Has Remained Overlooked by DC

Animal Man has rarely been a major part of the DC Universe, and he’s one of the most obscure heroes to be associated with the League. Defined by a comic book run written by Grant Morrison, Animal Man is a more esoteric character who’s largely been relegated to spinoff versions of the Justice League. Since Justice League Unlimited is bringing everyone on board, it would be great if Animal Man is a part of that number.

• Animal Man was tied to the Justice League in the New 52 Justice League United book

Animal Man could reflect that he’s more of a family man and rarely part of the big leagues. All the while, big, epic adventures could see him move beyond this and cement his place alongside legends such as Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman. Most importantly, it can prove the power of the animal kingdom, especially if Vixen, Freedom Beast, and even Beast Boy are along for the ride.

3 Vixen Has Been Pushed More by DC Recently

Vixen has historically been a somewhat overlooked DC character, though she was also one of the publisher’s first prominent Black female heroes. Seen among the Justice League in the 1980s, she’s since rejoined several times and has become a fan favorite. Likewise, Vixen has been pushed more recently in modern comics, having her own Webtoon series and potentially appearing in James Gunn’s reboot DC Universe movies and shows.

• Vixen is one of the few truly successful new Justice League members seen in the infamous “Justice League Detroit” era

The comic books should follow suit and keep the pressure up by pushing Vixen more, namely by putting her back on the Justice League. She can tap into the unseen magical aspects of the DC Universe, relating to the Red of the animal kingdom and African mythology. This would give Vixen a unique relationship with other heroes while showcasing how well she can work independently.

2 Green Arrow Has A Lot To Answer For After Absolute Power

Green Arrow is one of the more street-level DC heroes, and he usually has a more political tinge to his stories. Recently, Oliver Queen has betrayed the other Justice League members and sided with Amanda Waller during the “Absolute Power” storyline, though this seems to be a ruse. Nevertheless, it’s convincing, making Ollie’s return to the League all the more interesting.

• Though Green Arrow is a begrudging best friend with Green Lantern Hal Jordan, Ollie and the more conservative Barry Allen/The Flash have been shown not to like each other

Many might not trust Green Arrow anymore, seeing him as the reason for their recent tribulations. Likewise, he’s always been a loudmouth who argues with everyone, which has rubbed fellow heroes such as Hawkman the wrong way. This makes him a great addition to the Justice League, and if he now has to prove his trustworthiness, it adds even more depth to the Emerald Archer.

1 Hawkman Can Take Flight In the JLU

Like Black Canary, Hawkman has ties to the Justice League and the Justice Society. Being both a reincarnated Egyptian prince and an alien law enforcer, Hawkman has had as many origins as he has lives. Thankfully, much of this confusion was settled in Robert Venditti’s Hawkman series after DC Rebirth. With his solo title having long since ended, it’s time to bring Hawkman back into the spotlight.

• The post-Crisis on Infinite Earths confusion surrounding Hawkman’s Justice League membership was the cause of the infamous “Hawksnarl” continuity problem

Justice League Unlimited can build upon the revelations seen in Venditti’s Hawkman, portraying Carter Hall as more determined than ever to save everyone that he can. Likewise, villains from his past can resurface to fight him once more, be they the fiendish Gentleman Ghost, the immortal Vandal Savage or other enemies. This can put Hawkman front and center in the revived Justice League, making him a major member instead of an afterthought.