History of Justice League in Timeline

The Justice League, originating in DC Comics' "The Brave and the Bold #28," is a superhero team conceived by Gardner Fox as a revival of the Justice Society of America. Unlike teams like Doom Patrol or the X-Men, whose members were created specifically for the team, the Justice League comprises established, independently operating superheroes who unite to face exceptional threats. The roster commonly includes iconic figures like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman, alongside less prominent characters, leveraging the popularity of the former to boost exposure for the latter.

1940: Justice Society of America Creation

In 1940, the Justice Society of America was created by editor Sheldon Mayer and writer Gardner Fox. It served as the basis for the Justice League's inception.

March 1951: Justice Society Cancellation

In March 1951, the Justice Society of America made its last appearance in All-Star Comics #57, due to declining popularity after World War II.

March 1960: Justice League of America Debut

In March 1960, the Justice League of America debuted in The Brave and the Bold #28, reviving the concept of a superhero team. It later got its own series and became one of DC's best-selling titles.

March 1960: First Appearance

In March 1960, the Justice League of America made its first appearance in The Brave and the Bold #28. Writer Gardner Fox created the team as a revival of the Justice Society of America.

1960: Justice League of America (vol. 1) Publication

From 1960, Justice League of America (vol. 1) was continuously published, establishing the team's presence in DC Comics.

1960: Original Roster Composition

From its inception in 1960, the Justice League included A-list characters such as Wonder Woman and Superman, attracting a wide readership.

1960: Justice League Comic Books

Since 1960, the Justice League has been featured in numerous comic books published by DC Comics, including periodicals and graphic novels, expanding their fictional universe.

1961: Alley Awards Won

In 1961, the original Justice League of America series won two Alley Awards in the categories "Best Comic Book" and "Best Adventure-Hero Group."

August 1963: First Crossover Story

In August 1963, Justice League of America (vol. 1) #21 featured the first crossover story, uniting the Justice League with the Justice Society of America and reintroducing legacy characters.

1963: Alley Awards Won

In 1963, the series won "Favorite Novel" for "Crisis on Earth-One/Crisis on Earth-Two" and "Strip that Should Be Improved." Murphy Anderson won "Artist Preferred on Justice League of America."

1970: Move to Satellite Headquarters

In 1970, as depicted in Justice League of America #78, the Justice League relocated its headquarters to a satellite.

1973: Hall of Justice in Super Friends Cartoons

From 1973 to 1985, the Justice League operated out of the Hall of Justice, located in Washington, D.C., in the Super Friends cartoons.

1983: DC Comics Purchase of Charlton Comics

In 1983, DC Comics purchased Charlton Comics, leading to the integration of characters like Captain Atom and the Blue Beetle into the DC Universe.

October 1984: Roster Revision

In October 1984, Justice League of America Annual #2 revised the Justice League's roster to feature obscure characters such as Vixen, Vibe, and the Martian Manhunter, aiming for a more youthful feel.

1985: Hall of Justice in Super Friends Cartoons

From 1973 to 1985, the Justice League operated out of the Hall of Justice, located in Washington, D.C., in the Super Friends cartoons.

1986: Formation of New Justice League

In 1986, the company-wide crossover "Legends" concluded with the formation of a new Justice League, later known as "Justice League International" (JLI), recognized by the United Nations.

1987: End of Justice League of America (vol. 1)

In 1987, the publication of Justice League of America (vol. 1) concluded, marking the end of an era for the series.

September 1996: Launch of Justice League: A Midsummer's Nightmare

In September 1996, DC launched a miniseries, Justice League: A Midsummer's Nightmare, revamping the League and returning to the classic cast.

1996: Cancellation of Spin-Off Teams

In 1996, due to low sales, the spin-off teams of the Justice League International, such as Justice League Europe, Extreme Justice, and Justice League Task Force, were cancelled.

1996: Return of A-List Characters

In 1996, the original A-list members were brought back into the Justice League cast, reversing the roster revision made in 1984.

January 1997: Launch of JLA Comic Book

In January 1997, DC Comics launched the ongoing JLA comic book series, written by Grant Morrison, who emphasized epic, world-threatening storylines.

1997: The Watchtower Headquarters

From 1997 to 2006, in the JLA comic book, the Justice League's headquarters was located on the Moon and called "the Watchtower."

2003: JLA/Avengers Crossover

In 2003, DC Comics and Marvel Comics jointly published JLA/Avengers, the last crossover between the two major comic book publishers.

April 2006: Conclusion of JLA Comic Book Series

In April 2006, the JLA comic book series concluded its monthly run after 126 issues, marking the end of Grant Morrison's epic storytelling era.

2006: The Watchtower Headquarters

From 1997 to 2006, in the JLA comic book, the Justice League's headquarters was located on the Moon and called "the Watchtower."

2006: Justice League of America (vol. 2) Series Launch

In 2006, DC began an ongoing comic series titled Justice League of America (vol. 2), continuing the trend of world-shaking threats and strong tie-ins to company crossover events.

2011: New 52 Era and Justice League Dark Release

In 2011, the New 52 era brought changes, including Cyborg becoming a founding member. DC also released Justice League Dark, an ensemble team of magic users.

2017: Dan Didio's Remarks on Crossovers

In 2017, Dan Didio commented on the competitive relationship between DC Comics and Marvel, stating that crossovers occurred when sales were low.

July 2018: Justice League Dark Volume 2 Announcement

In July 2018, the second volume of Justice League Dark was announced. Being led by Wonder Woman, the team members include John Constantine, Zatanna, Swamp Thing, Man-Bat, Detective Chimp, Doctor Fate, and briefly Animal Man.

2018: Release of Justice League: No Justice

In 2018, Justice League: No Justice was released as a connected title, running for 4 issues, shortly after Dark Nights: Metal, by Scott Snyder, Joshua Williamson, James Tynion IV and Francis Manapul.

2019: Justice League Crossover with Black Hammer

In 2019, DC Comics featured the Justice League in a crossover with Black Hammer from Dark Horse Comics, showcasing crossovers with smaller companies.

2020: Justice League Odyssey Conclusion

In 2020, Justice League Odyssey concluded its 25-issue run, dealing with the aftermath of the Source Wall being broken and the challenges faced by Cyborg, Starfire, Green Lantern Jessica Cruz, and Azrael.

February 2021: End of Justice League Dark Volume 2

In February 2021, the second volume of Justice League Dark ended its regular run after 29 issues.

May 2021: Justice League Dark Backup Feature

In May 2021, the Justice League Dark team began appearing as a backup feature in the mainline Justice League series during the Dark Crisis story arc, starting with issue #59.

January 2022: Release of Justice League Incarnate

In January 2022, Justice League Incarnate, a 5-issue title, was released, featuring a different team including Superman of Earth 23, Flashpoint Batman, Mary Marvel of Earth 5, and Captain Carrot of Earth 26.

March 2022: End of Justice League Dark Backup Feature

In March 2022, the Justice League Dark team's backup feature in the mainline Justice League series concluded with issue #71.

May 2022: End of Justice League Incarnate

In May 2022, Justice League Incarnate concluded its 5-issue run, contributing to the Dark Crisis storyline.

June 2022: Conclusion of Justice League Volume 4

In June 2022, the fourth volume of the definitive Justice League title concluded with a total of 75 issues, continuing well into the Infinite Frontier era.