Justice League

"I once thought I could protect the world by myself. But I was wrong. Working together, we saved the planet. And I believe if we stay together, as a team, we could be a force that could truly work for the ideals of peace and Justice. (The Flash: What, like a bunch of Super Friends?) More like a Justice League. (The Flash: Do you have any idea how corny that sounds?)"

- Superman deciding to form a team called the Justice League.

The DC Universe's premiere Silver Age superhero team, the Justice League is seen as the DCU's greatest gathering of heroes, be they well known icons like Batman, Superman or Wonder Woman or lesser known ones, like Black Lighting or Firestorm.

Origin
Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Lantern, Aquaman and Martian Manhunter joined together to battle competing alien warriors known as the Appellaxians. It was later revealed that the seven founders where actually brought together to fight white martian forces.

Founding Members

 * Superman - The Man of Steel and last son of the dead planet Krypton. Known as the world's greatest and most powerful hero.
 * Batman - The grim, brooding protector of Gotham City and the World's greatest detective. Despite not possessing any superhuman abilities, is significant due to his intelligence and excellent detective skills.
 * Wonder Woman - The Princess & pride and joy of the Amazons of Themyscira. Blessed by the Greek goddesses and an icon for women everywhere.
 * The Flash/Barry Allen - The fastest man alive. A police chemist turned into a speedster superhero by a laboratory accident.
 * Green Lantern/Hal Jordan - The Green Lantern of Space Sector 2814. A daring pilot known for his fearlessness and arrogance.
 * Aquaman - The King of Atlantis and ruler of the seven seas. Commands all that dwells in the ocean.
 * Martian Manhunter - The mysterious Manhunter from Mars. Considered by many to be the heart and soul of the league.

Later Members

 * Green Arrow: The Emerald Archer. A liberal hero of the people and the modern day Robin Hood.
 * Hawkman and Hawkgirl: The Winged Avengers. Reincarnated souls of Egyptian royalty or alien police officers, depending on the continuity.
 * The Atom/Ray Palmer: The Mighty Mite. A physicist with shrinking abilities. Good friends with Hawkman.
 * Zatanna: The Mistress of Magic. Daughter of the famous Zatara, the world's most powerful sorcerer.
 * Red Tornado : The Tornado Champion. An android possessed by an air elemental.
 * Firestorm: The Nuclear Man. The fusion of two people who can manipulate nuclear forces.

Others

 * Moon Maiden (retcon member)
 * Vixen
 * Steel/Hank Heywood III
 * Vibe
 * Gypsy
 * Green Lantern/Kyle Rayner
 * The Flash/Wally West
 * Aztek
 * Green Arrow (Connor Hawke)
 * Hippolyta (Wonder Woman's mother)
 * Zauriel
 * Maxima
 * Steel/John Henry Irons
 * Plastic Man
 * Barbera Gordon/Oracle
 * Hourman (853rd Century android)
 * Nightwing
 * Hawkgirl/Kendra Saunders
 * Supergirl
 * Green Lantern/John Stewart
 * Black Lightning
 * Arsenal
 * Geo-Force
 * Donna Troy
 * Starfire
 * Element Woman
 * Lobo
 * Catwoman
 * Adam Strange
 * Blue Devil
 * Equinox
 * Phantom Stranger
 * Batwing
 * Frankenstein

Greek Parallels
The key members of the Justice League all share a parallel with the Gods of Greek mythology: