Superman (1978 film series character)
Article
Talk
Read
Edit
View history
Tools
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Superman
Superman and DC Extended Universe character
Christopher Reeve as Superman.
First appearance Superman (1978)
Last appearance The Flash (2023)
Based on
Superman
by Jerry Siegel
Joe Shuster
Adapted by Mario Puzo
Richard Donner
David Newman
Leslie Newman
Robert Benton
Richard Lester
Sidney J. Furie
Lawrence Konner
Mark Rosenthal
Bryan Singer
Michael Dougherty
Dan Harris
Portrayed by Christopher Reeve
(Original)
Jeff East
(Young; 1st film)
Lee Quigley
(Young; 1st film)
Aaron Smolinski
(Young; 1st film)
Elizabeth Sweetman
(Young; 1st film)
In-universe information
Alias Kal-El (birth name)
Clark Kent (adoptive name)
Species Kryptonian
Family
Jor-El (father)
Lara (mother)
Jonathan Kent (adoptive father)
Martha Kent (adoptive mother)
Kara Zor-El (cousin)
Zor-El (uncle)
Alura (aunt)
Significant other Lois Lane
Nationality American
Abilities Invulnerability, superhuman strength, speed, sight, and hearing, frost breath, heat vision, X-ray vision, flight, amnesia-inducing touch
Superman (Kal-El) or Clark Kent is a fictional character portrayed by Christopher Reeve in the Warner Bros. Superman film series produced by Ilya and Alexander Salkind and Cannon Films, and is an adaption of the original DC Comics character, Superman. Many actors were interviewed for the part before Christopher Reeve was chosen to fill the role. Superman is portrayed as a superhero who stands for "truth, justice and the American way".
The character was received positively and Reeve's performance is ranked as one of the best in superhero films.
The 2006 film Superman Returns served as an alternate sequel to the first two Reeve films while ignoring the events of Superman III and Superman IV: The Quest For Peace, with Brandon Routh portraying the same iteration in an alternate timeline, after Reeve's paralysis in 1995 and death in 2004. The film was dedicated to both him and his wife, Dana, who died two years after her husband's death and shortly before its release. A CGI version of Reeve as Superman makes a cameo in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) film The Flash (2023), which retroactively incorporates him into the franchise's multiverse, alongside a de-aged Helen Slater as Supergirl.
Development and execution
Christopher Reeve
Christopher Reeve, the actor chosen for the original film series
The development process behind the creation of DC Comics' character Superman in the Superman film by Mario Puzo, David Newman, Leslie Newman and Robert Benton began when Ilya Salkind bought the film rights for the character. Many A-list directors and actors were considered until Richard Donner took over the directing duties and Christopher Reeve was chosen for the part. Originally Reeve's picture and résumé was rejected many times and Reeve thought that he would not get the part after being self-described as a "skinny WASP."[1][2] His appearance was originally very slim. He refused to wear fake muscles and instead went on a training regimen, supervised by former British weightlifting champion David Prowse, which consisted of running in the morning, followed by two hours of weightlifting and ninety minutes on a trampoline. Reeve also doubled his food intake and adopted a high protein diet. He added 30 pounds (14 kg) of muscle to his thin 189-pound frame. He later made even greater gains for Superman III (1983), though for Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987), he decided it would be healthier to focus more on cardiovascular workouts.[3] One of the reasons Reeve could not work out as much for Superman IV: The Quest for Peace was an emergency appendectomy he had undergone in June 1986.[4][5]
Reeve was never a Superman or comic book fan, though he had watched the television program Adventures of Superman starring George Reeves. Reeve found the role offered a suitable challenge because it was a dual role. He said, "there must be some difference stylistically between Clark and Superman. Otherwise, you just have a pair of glasses standing in for a character".[6]
Jeff East
Jeff East portrays teenage Clark Kent. His lines were overdubbed by Reeve during post-production. "I was not happy about it because the producers never told me what they had in mind", East commented. "It was done without my permission but it turned out to be okay. Chris did a good job but it caused tension between us. We resolved our issues with each other years later."[7] East tore several thigh muscles while performing the stunt of racing alongside the train. It took three to four hours each day to add prosthetic makeup to his face so he resembled Reeve.[7]
Brandon Routh
Various actors including Jerry O'Connell (who later voiced the DCAMU version of the character), Henry Cavill (who auditioned for J. J. Abrams's cancelled 2004 film Superman Flyby and eventually played Clark Kent in the DCEU), Daniel Cudmore (who later played an armored Bizzaro in Superman & Lois), Paul Walker, Will Smith, Josh Hartnett, Matt Bomer, Brendan Fraser, Ashton Kutcher, David Boreanaz, Hayden Christensen, Ian Somerhalder, Jim Caviezel, Jason Behr, Jared Padalecki, and Ryan McPartlin were all considered for the role before Routh was cast. Director Bryan Singer believed only an unknown actor would be suitable for the part of Superman.[8][9][10] Brandon Routh was chosen from thousands of candidates interviewed at casting calls in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.[11] He had coincidentally auditioned for Clark Kent in the television series Smallville, but lost to Tom Welling. Routh had also met director Joseph "McG" Nichol for the role during pre-production of Superman: Flyby. Dana Reeve, wife of Christopher Reeve, believed Routh's physical resemblance to her late husband was striking.[12] To obtain the muscular physique to play Superman convincingly, Routh underwent a strict bodybuilding exercise regimen.[13] He also opted further in preparation to study Reeve's performance by watching the original film many times and subsequent features behind the scenes as well.[14][15]
Portrayal and characteristics
Christopher Reeve modeled his portrayal of Clark Kent on Cary Grant's performance in Bringing Up Baby (as depicted right)
Christopher Reeve first imagined the approach of his role on a flight to London. He felt that in the 1970s, the masculine image had changed and that it was acceptable "for a man to show gentleness and vulnerability". He also felt "that the new Superman ought to reflect that contemporary male image". Reeve would base his portrayal of Clark Kent, Superman's alter ego, on Cary Grant's performance for his role in the 1936 film Bringing Up Baby.[16] Superman's personality as depicted in the films is a do gooder with little or no conflict who stands for "truth, justice and the American way" — a recurring theme shared by the character in the original The Adventures of Superman radio program.[17][18] The noble Superman portrayed by Reeve, though, hides his secret identity by pretending to be an awkward and apprehensive reporter named Clark Kent. Lois Lane is indifferent to him but shares his obsession over Superman.[19] Reeve felt that even though Superman upholds "truth, justice, and the American way" there was nothing self-conscious about him — that was simply what he believed in.[20]
Themes
"You will travel far, my little Kal-El. But we will never leave you, even in the face of our deaths. The richness of our lives shall be yours. All that I have, all that I've learned, everything I feel—all this and more I bequeath you, my son. You will carry me inside you all the days of your life. You will make my strength your own, and see my life through your eyes, as your life will be seen through mine. The son becomes the father and the father the son. This is all I, all I can send you, Kal-El."
– Jor-El
The Superman character has been cited as a metaphor for Christ and has actions compared to many religious themes. Many have noted the examples of apparent Christian symbolism. Donner, Tom Mankiewicz and Ilya Salkind have commented on the use of Christian references when discussing the themes of Superman.[21][22] Mankiewicz deliberately fostered analogies with Jor-El as God and Kal-El as Jesus.[23] Donner is somewhat skeptical of Mankiewicz' actions, joking,"I got enough death threats because of that".[21][22]
The mythic status of Superman is enhanced by events that recall the hero's journey (or monomyth) as described by Joseph Campbell. Each act has a discernible cycle of "call" and journey. The journey is from Krypton to Earth in the first act, from Smallville to the Fortress of Solitude in the second act, and then from Metropolis to the whole world in the third act.[24]
The spacecraft that brings Kal-El to Earth is shaped in the form of a star (Star of Bethlehem). Kal-El comes to Jonathan and Martha Kent, who are unable to have children. Martha Kent states, "All these years how we've prayed and prayed that the good Lord would see fit to give us a child" — comparing her to the Virgin Mary.[21]
Jor-El's quote to Kal-El on humanity lacking the light has been called a metaphor of Jesus (as commonly depicted above) being the Light of the World
Just as little is known about Jesus during his middle years, Clark travels into the wilderness to find out who he is and what he has to do. Jor-El says
Live as one of them, Kal-El, to discover where your strength and power are needed. But always hold in your heart the pride of your special heritage. They can be a great people, Kal-El, and they wish to be. They only lack the light to show the way. For this reason above all, their capacity for good, I have sent them you, my only son.[21]
The theme resembles the Biblical account of God sending his only son Jesus to Earth for the good of mankind. More symbolism was seen when Donner was able to complete Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut, featuring the fall, resurrection and battle with evil, which parallels the crucifixion of Jesus, the resurrection and the Harrowing of Hell. Another vision was that of The Creation of Adam.[21]
The Christian imagery in the Reeve films has provoked comment on the Jewish origin of Superman. Rabbi Simcha Weinstein's book Up, Up and Oy Vey: How Jewish History, Culture and Values Shaped the Comic Book Superhero, says that Superman is both a pillar of society and one whose cape conceals a "nebbish", saying "He's a bumbling, nebbish Jewish stereotype. He's Woody Allen."[25][26] Ironically, it is also in the Reeve films that Clark Kent's persona has the greatest resemblance to Woody Allen, though his conscious model was Cary Grant's character in Bringing Up Baby. This same theme is mirrored in other 1940s superheroes.[25][26]
In the scene where Lois Lane interviews Superman on the balcony, Superman replies, "I never lie". Salkind felt this was an important point in the film, since Superman, living under his secret identity as Clark Kent, is "telling the biggest lie of all time". His romance with Lois also leads him to contradict Jor-El's orders to avoid altering human history, time traveling to save her from dying. Superman instead takes the advice of Jonathan Kent, his father on Earth.[22] One of the most important aspects in the first and second films was the romantic relationship between the two main characters; Clark was hopelessly in love with Lois and even gave up his powers to be with her as depicted in Superman II.[27][28]
Role in the franchise
The Superman costume used in the film at the Hollywood Museum
The Superman film relates the origin of Superman as it depicts baby Kal-El escaping from the doomed planet Krypton to Earth. It tells of his life in Smallville to Metropolis, where he falls in love with Lois Lane and goes up against the villain Lex Luthor. Superman II focuses more on his romance with Lois and depicts him battling the Kryptonians, General Zod, Ursa and Non. In Superman III, he is reunited with his high school crush, Lana Lang. He deals with an evil businessman who forces a computer hacker to create technology that plays havoc with the world, while turning Superman evil. Superman IV: The Quest for Peace shows Superman deciding to rid the world of all nuclear missiles. Once again he comes face to face with Luthor and his new creation from Superman's DNA called Nuclear Man.[20] Christopher Reeve was originally planned to make a cameo appearance in the 1984 Supergirl spin-off film starring Helen Slater as Superman's cousin, but bowed out early on.[29]
Superman (1978)
Main article: Superman (1978 film)
In 1973, producer Ilya Salkind convinced his father Alexander to buy the rights to Superman. They hired Mario Puzo to pen a two-film script, and negotiated with Steven Spielberg to direct, though Alexander Salkind eventually chose someone else. Marlon Brando and Gene Hackman signed on to play Jor-El and Lex Luthor respectively, and Guy Hamilton was hired to direct. However, Brando was faced with an obscenity lawsuit in Italy over Last Tango in Paris, and Hamilton was unable to shoot in England as he had violated his tax payments. The Salkinds hired Richard Donner to direct the film. Donner hired Tom Mankiewicz to polish the script, giving it a serious feel with Christ-like overtones.[30] Christopher Reeve was cast as Superman. The film was a success both critically and commercially; being released during the Christmas season of 1978, it did not have much competition, leading the producers to believe that this was one factor in the film's success.[31]
Superman II (1980)
Main articles: Superman II and Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut
Shooting of the two films was marred by Donner's bad relationship with the Salkinds, with Richard Lester acting as mediator.[30] With the film going over-budget, the filmmakers decided to temporarily cease production of II and move that film's climax into the first film.[30] Despite Superman's success, Donner did not return to finish Superman II,[30] and it was completed with Lester, who gave the film a more tongue-in-cheek tone. Superman II was another financial and critical success, despite stiff competition with Raiders of the Lost Ark in the same year. In 2006, after receiving many requests for his own version of Superman II, Richard Donner and producer Michael Thau produced their own cut of the film and released it on November 28, 2006. The new version of the film received positive response from critics[32] and the stars of the original film.
Superman III (1983)
Main article: Superman III
For the third installment, Ilya Salkind wrote a treatment that expanded the film's scope to a cosmic scale, introducing the villains Brainiac and Mister Mxyzptlk, as well as Supergirl.[30] Warner Bros. rejected it and created their own Superman III film that co-starred Richard Pryor as computer wizard Gus Gorman, who under the manipulation of a millionaire magnate, creates a form of Kryptonite that turns the Man of Steel into an evil self. The retooled script[30] pared Brainiac down into the film's evil "ultimate computer". Despite the film's success, fans were disappointed with the film, in particular with Pryor's performance diluting the serious tone of the previous films, as well as controversy over the depiction of the evil Superman.[30] Salkind's rejected proposal was later released online in 2007.[30]
Supergirl (1984)
Main article: Supergirl (1984 film)
Upon gaining the rights for the film Superman, Alexander Salkind and his son, Ilya Salkind, also purchased the rights to the character of Superman's cousin Supergirl.[33] Supergirl was released in 1984 as a spin-off of the Reeve films; Reeve was slated to have a cameo but he ultimately backed out of the production, although his likeness appears in a photo.[29] It stars Helen Slater in her first motion picture in the title role, while Faye Dunaway (who received top billing) played the primary villain, Selena; the film also featured Marc McClure reprising his role as Jimmy Olsen.[34] Even though the film performed poorly at the box office,[35] Helen Slater was nominated for a Saturn Award.[36]
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987)
Main article: Superman IV: The Quest for Peace
Cannon Films picked up an option for a fourth Superman/Reeve film, with Reeve reprising the role due to his interest in the film's topic regarding nuclear weapons. However, Cannon decided to cut the budget resulting in poor special effects and heavy re-editing, which contributed to the film's poor reception.[30] Warner Bros. decided to give the series a break following the negative reception of the last two Superman films.[30]
Superman Returns (2006)
Main article: Superman Returns
Brandon Routh in 2006
Following several unsuccessful attempts to reboot the franchise, Bryan Singer, who was said to be a childhood fan of Richard Donner's film, was approached by Warner Bros to direct a new Superman film. He accepted, abandoning two films already in pre-production, X-Men: The Last Stand (which, coincidentally, would come to be directed by Ratner) and a remake of Logan's Run. The film acts as a soft reboot of the franchise and uses the events of Superman and, to less of a degree, Superman II as a backstory,[37][38] while directly not referencing the events of Superman III and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace.[37] Singer's story tells of Superman's return to Earth following a five-year search for survivors of Krypton. He discovers that in his absence Lois Lane has given birth to a son and become engaged. Singer chose to follow Donner's lead by casting relatively unknown Brandon Routh as Superman, who resembled Christopher Reeve somewhat, and more high-profile actors in supporting roles, such as Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor. Singer brought his entire crew from X2 to work on the film. Via digitally-enhanced archive footage, the late Marlon Brando appeared in the film as Jor-El. Superman Returns received generally positive reviews and grossed approximately $391 million worldwide.
Arrowverse
Routh later reprised his role as Superman in the 2019 Arrowverse crossover "Crisis on Infinite Earths".[39][40] During the crossover, Superman references his son Jason.[41]
Superman '78
A comic continuation titled Superman '78 was submitted to DC Comics and was released in 2021. The run was inspired by DC's recent comic run Batman '66, which was a continuation of the 1966 television series and by Batman '89, a continuation of the Tim Burton continuity. The comic acts as a direct sequel to Superman II, taking place before Superman III and ignoring both Superman Returns and his Arrowverse portrayal.
Timelines
Original continuity
Superman (1978)
Main article: Superman (1978 film)
On the distant planet Krypton, unable to convince Kryptonian elders, scientist Jor-El promises that neither he nor his wife, Lara, will leave the planet. However, he sends his infant son, Kal-El, to Earth to ensure his survival, just as Krypton begins its death throes. Kal-El's spaceship crash-lands in Smallville, Kansas three years later in 1951 (Lex Luthor later states the Krypton exploded in 1948). The boy is found and adopted by a childless couple, Jonathan and Martha Kent, who name him Clark Kent and find that he is no ordinary child, but incredibly agile and strong. He is told by his parents to keep his abilities hidden.
Shortly before Clark's eighteenth-birthday, Jonathan unexpectedly dies from a fatal heart attack. At his father's funeral, Clark conveys helplessness about having "all those powers and I couldn't even save him". Months later, Clark hears the call of a green crystal hidden in his parents' barn, and decides it is time to discover his purpose and departs on a journey to the Arctic and uses the crystal to build the Fortress of Solitude, a majestic crystal palace in the architectural style of his home planet, Krypton. Inside, he learns his true name, Kal-El, the reason he was transported to Earth, and his future role on the planet from holographic recordings of his father. After 12 years of education and training within the Fortress of Solitude, he emerges garbed in a red cape and blue body suit with the El family symbol on the chest and flies off.
Arriving in the city of Metropolis, Clark becomes a reporter for the Daily Planet newspaper by its editor-in-chief, Perry White. While there, he meets editor-in-chief, Perry White, teenage photographer Jimmy Olsen, and Lois Lane, who he becomes immediately infatuated with but is unable to properly gain her affection while in the bumbling guise of Clark Kent. It isn't long before Clark's true nature is unveiled when he publicly Lois from a helicopter accident atop the Daily Planet building. Following a series of incidents in which Clark in his yet-unnamed guise comes to the rescue and saves the day, Perry issues his reporters to find out as much information as possible about this mysterious hero. Lois receives an invitation to meet someone at her place, signed only "a friend". Following a perfunctory interview with the Man of Steel, Lois joins him on a flight over Metropolis, ostensibly to see how fast he can go. After their romantic flight, the costumed hero flies off and Lois says to herself, "What a super man", then pauses, and says "Superman!," thus giving him his name.
Meanwhile, Lex Luthor plans to launch two missiles, one of which is programmed to hit the San Andreas Fault, causing most of California to slide into the ocean, killing millions of people while making the worthless desert land that he had purchased to skyrocket in value when it becomes the United States' new West Coast.
With Superman's fame rapidly spreading, Luthor perceives him to be a serious problem, luring to his lair with a phony threat to gas the population of Metropolis. Having succeeded in attracting his attention, he traps the superhero with a nodule of kryptonite — the only thing to which he is vulnerable. However, Superman escapes with the help of Luthor's assistant, Eve Teschmacher, who is frightened as her mother lives in Hackensack, New Jersey where the other missile is headed. Superman forces the Hackensack missile first into space, the California missile hits the San Andreas Fault, triggering the massive earthquake Luthor intended. Superman prevents the catastrophic landslide by plunging deep into the earth to shore up the fault line, but Lois, reporting in the area trapped inside her car is crushed to death. Disobeying his father, Superman travels back in time and prevents the Hoover Dam burst, fixing the fault line and preventing Lois' death. Superman bids farewell and delivers Luthor and Otis and delivering them to prison.
Superman II (1980)
Main articles: Superman II and Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut
Clark learns from Perry White that Lois is in Paris, France, where terrorists have seized the Eiffel Tower, threatening to level the city with a Hydrogen Bomb. Superman arrives and throws the elevator containing the bomb out of the atmosphere and into deep space, where it explodes, shattering the Phantom Zone mirror containing the Kryptonian criminals General Zod, Ursa (DC Comics) and Non. Clark and Lois are sent on assignment in Niagara Falls, Ontario. After Superman rescues a boy who falls over the railing, Lois starts noticing how Clark disappears every time Superman is around. Later in their hotel room, Clark's identity is revealed to Lois when he quickly retrieves his fallen glasses from the fireplace with his bare hands. Clark admits the truth and takes Lois to the Fortress of Solitude, where he tells Jor-El his desire to give up being Superman to live a normal life with Lois. Jor-El shows him a crystal chamber which will expose him to harnessed rays from Krypton's red sun, permanently removing his powers. After undergoing this de-powering process, Clark takes Lois to his bedchamber and they sleep together.
Meanwhile, the three Kryptonian criminals arrive on Earth and wreak havoc on a small town, easily defeating the U.S. military. After defacing Mount Rushmore, the trio conquer the White House, where Zod forces the President of the United States to kneel before him. Realizing his mistake, Clark returns to the Fortress, and uses the green crystal that called out to him at the start of his journey to reactivate the panel.
Lex Luthor arrives at the White House, informing Zod that Superman being Jor-El's son and manipulates them into luring Superman into a trap. They arrive at the Daily Planet offices and seize Lois, only to be interrupted by the arrival of a fully restored Superman. Following a destructive battle between the four Kryptonians, Superman flees, seemingly in defeat. Luthor convinces the villains to pursue Superman in his Fortress of Solitude, where they force Superman into the same depowering chamber he used before, but this time the red light is actually set loose on the Fortress removing the criminals' power while Superman is safe inside the chamber. Superman then crushes the now powerless Zod's hand and throws him down a crevice in the fortress Lois punches Ursa, Non leaps toward Superman, and they both fall through the fog of the fortress. Superman notifies the U.S. Arctic Patrol, who arrest the four criminals. Superman, realizes that life with Lois can never be, kisses Lois, erasing her memory of their romance.
Superman III (1983)
Main article: Superman III
Clark returns to Smallville for a High School Reunion where a small romance blossomed between him and Lana Lang. During this time a computer genius named Gus Gorman befriends a millionaire named Ross Webster, who orders him to create synthetic Kryptonite using a satellite to locate and analyze Krypton's debris substituting tobacco tar for an unknown element.
Lana convinces Superman to appear at Ricky's birthday party, which Smallville turns into a town celebration. Gus and Ross' sister Vera, arrive disguised as Army officers, giving Superman the flawed Kryptonite as an award. Although it has no immediate effect, Superman becomes selfish and commits petty acts of vandalism such as straightening the Leaning Tower of Pisa and blowing out the Olympic Flame.
Gus asks Webster to build the world's most sophisticated supercomputer if he creates an energy crisis by directing all oil tankers to the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. When one tanker refuses, Ross' assistant, Lorelei seduce Superman, persuading him to breach its double hull, causing an oil spill. After creating a disturbance at a bar, the corrupted Superman was spotted by Lana and her son Ricky, who pleads with Superman to become great again. Taking flight, Ricky's words reach his buried conscience, causing him to split into two beings: the immoral, corrupted dark Superman and the moral, mild-mannered Clark Kent, who engage each other in a battle at a deserted automobile graveyard. Clark emerges victorious and becomes Superman once more.
Superman arrives at the supercomputer's location in Glen Canyon. The supercomputer severely weakens Superman with a Kryptonite ray. Horrified by the notion of "going down in history as the man who killed Superman", Gus destroys the Kryptonite ray with a firefighter's axe. Superman fetches beltric acid, which becomes volatile by the supercomputer's intense heat, destroying it. Superman leaves Webster and his cronies for the authorities and drops Gus off at a West Virginia coal mine, recommending him to the company as a computer programmer.
Supergirl (1984)
Main article: Supergirl (1984 film)
Though Clark doesn't appear, a photo of him does.
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987)
Main article: Superman IV: The Quest for Peace
Superman learns that the United States and the Soviet Union may soon engage in nuclear war, threatening the survival of the planet. Before taking action, he departs to the north pole to seek advice from the spirits of his Kryptonian ancestors at the Fortress of Solitude, who warn Kal-El that interring with human politics is forbidden. However, a letter from a young boy named Jeremy changes his mind and he tells the United Nations that he is going to rid the Earth of all nuclear weapons. Over the next several days, Superman takes all the nuclear weapons, and gathers them into a gigantic net in orbit above the planet. When he has almost all the weapons, he closes the net and tosses it into the Sun.
Meanwhile, Lex Luthor's nephew, Lenny, helps breaks his uncle out of prison and steal a strand of hair that Superman had donated to a museum. Luthor creates a genetic matrix from the strand of hair, and attaches it to the final American nuclear missile. After the missile is fired off into the air, Superman grabs the missile and throws it into the Sun. A few moments after the missile explodes on the Sun's surface, a ball of energy is discharged from the Sun, which rapidly develops into a "Nuclear Man". Nuclear Man finds his way to his "father", Luthor, who establishes that while he is indeed powerful, he will completely deactivate if isolated from the Sun's rays or suitably bright artificial light. A worldwide battle soon follows between Lex's creation and the Man of Steel. While successfully saving the Statue of Liberty, Superman is injured by Nuclear Man. The Daily Planet, to Lois' disgust, blares the headline that Superman is dead. Felled by radiation sickness, Clark staggers weakly to the terrace of his apartment, where he retrieves the last remaining crystal from Krypton, which he took from the barn in Smallville at the beginning of the film.
Nuclear Man develops a crush on Lacy Warfield, daughter of the tycoon who has purchased The Daily Planet, and threatens mayhem if he is not introduced to her. Superman agrees to take Nuclear Man to Lacy. In an attempt to disable the villain, Superman lures Nuclear Man into an elevator in the building, traps Nuclear Man in it, and pulls the elevator out of the building and flies to the Moon, heaving the elevator onto the ground there. Superman doesn't realize the doors have opened a crack. As the sun rises, Nuclear Man breaks out of his makeshift prison and the two resume battle on the Moon's surface. At the end of the battle, Superman is driven into the ground by his nuclear-charged opponent.
Nuclear Man returns to Earth, abducting Lacy and flying her into outer space (where she, strangely enough, is unaffected by the lack of breathable atmosphere and air pressure). Meanwhile, the Man of Steel pushes the Moon out of its normal orbit, casting Earth into a solar eclipse which shuts off Nuclear Man's powers. He then rescues Lacy from the arms of Nuclear Man, of whom he disposes by returning him to Earth and sealing him into the core of a nuclear power plant. Later, in a press conference, Superman declares only partial victory in his peace campaign, stating: "There will be peace when the people of the world want it so badly, that their governments will have no choice but to give it to them."
Superman Returns
Superman
Kal-El/Clark Kent
Superman Returns/Arrowverse character
Brandon Routh as Superman in the Arrowverse crossover "Crisis on Infinite Earths".
First appearance Superman Returns (2006)
Last appearance
"Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part Five"
Legends of Tomorrow
January 14, 2020
Based on
Superman by
Jerry Siegel
Joe Shuster
Superman by
Mario Puzo
David Newman
Leslie Newman
Robert Benton
Arrowverse:
Superman (Kingdom Come) by
Mark Waid
Alex Ross
Adapted by
Superman Returns:
Bryan Singer
Michael Dougherty
Dan Harris
Arrowverse:
Don Whitehead
Holly Henderson
Portrayed by Brandon Routh
In-universe information
Alias Kal-El (birth name)
Clark Kent (adoptive name)
Species Kryptonian
Family
Jor-El (father)
Lara (mother)
Jonathan Kent (adoptive father)
Martha Kent (adoptive mother)
Significant other Lois Lane
Children Jason White (son)
Nationality American
Abilities Invulnerability, superhuman strength, speed, sight, and hearing, frost breath, heat vision, X-ray vision, flight, amnesia-inducing touch
Superman Returns (2006)
Main article: Superman Returns
According to dates on the Daily Planet newsapers, Superman Returns takes places in late September 2006. Five years earlier, Superman leaves Earth to try to find his former home world of Krypton after astronomers have supposedly found it, but finds nothing and returns home to Earth. During Superman's absence, Lois Lane becomes engaged to Perry White's nephew, Richard, and has a son named Jason. To make matters worse, Lex Luthor is at it again—after swindling an elderly, terminally ill woman.
Luthor vows vengeance against the Man of Steel and contrives a new sinister plot, using the crystals of Krypton to build a new continent which would submerge the United States underwater. Embedded in the continent's structure is Kryptonite—the lethal substance that is Superman's only weakness. Upon learning of Luthor's sinister scheme, Clark confronts Luthor, who stabs him with a Kryptonite crystal, allowing Luthor and his goons to beat him down before he plunges into the depths of the sea. He is saved when Lois Lane and Perry White arrive in a chopper, and the former pulls the Kryptonite blade out of him.
Clark foils Lex Luthor's plans, leaving him on a Stranded island before fainting and falling into a coma. Lois and Jason visit him at the hospital where Lois whispers that Jason is his son and then kisses him. Clark later awakens and visits Jason, reciting his father Jor-El's words to Jason as he sleeps. Lois starts writing another article, titled “Why the World Needs Superman”. Clark reassures her that he is now back to stay, and flies off to low orbit, where he gazes down at the world once again.
Arrowverse
Main article: Crisis on Infinite Earths (Arrowverse)
Years after the events of Superman Returns Clark now works at the Daily Planet as its editor-in-chief after Lois, Perry, Jimmy, and his other friends were killed, when a "reject from Gotham" gassed the Daily Planet. Since the incident, Clark has worn an outfit similar to the Kingdom Come version of Superman. Clark and Lois of Earth-38 meet him and asks for his help, realizing that he is the Paragon of Truth, but then their universe's Lex Luthor appears with the Book of Destiny and brainwashes the Earth-96 Clark to attack Clark. The two fight, but Lois knocks Lex out, stopping the brainwashed Clark. Afterwards, they go to the Waverider, where he meets all the other heroes including his Earth-1 dopplegänger, Ray Palmer/Atom. When Lyla Michaels / Harbinger appears, possessed by the Anti-Monitor, she attacks the heroes and lets the anti-matter wave consume Earth-1, the last one in the Multiverse. Nash Wells / Pariah teleports the Paragons, including Clark, to the Vanishing Point, a place outside time. After the heroes' arrival, Clark falls and disappears as Lex was able to use the Book of Destiny and substitute himself as the Paragon of Truth. After the end of the Crisis, Earth-96 is recreated and Clark can be seen, his crest again red and yellow, hinting that the Daily Planet gassing was reversed and that Lois, Perry, and Jimmy are alive.
Superman '78
Main article: Superman '78 (comic book)
After the events of Superman II, Clark Kent discusses his future as a reporter at the Daily Planet with his boss, Perry White, when Metropolis is suddenly attacked by a robot from outer space, which begins wreaking havoc on the streets while scanning the people and environment. Clark suits up as Superman and manages to destroy the robot, but not before it identifies him as a Kryptonian and informs its creator, Brainiac, an exterrastrial cyborg from the planet Colu who is the last of his kind and obsessed with preserving life and cultures. Superman takes the head of the robot and gives it to Lex Luthor (who was recently released on parole) to analyze.
While discussing the robot with Lois Lane, Clark notices a large spaceship approaching the city. Brainiac arrives and demands Metropolis to hand Superman over to him, believing his presence is endangering Earth's ecosystem. Superman fends off the robots, but ultimately surrenders when Brainiac threatens to destroy the city. After taking him into his ship, Brainiac shrinks Clark and places him in the bottle city of Kandor, the last remains of Krypton that was preserved before the planet's destruction, where he discovers that a portion of Kryptonians survived, including his birth parents, Jor-El and Lara. Clark agrees to succeed his father as leader of Krypton's council affairs, but has a hard time adapting to the new environment.
On Earth, Lex brings Lois into his secret hideout and reveals he planted a receiver on Superman before Brainiac took him. He allows Lois to use his space transmitter to communicate with Superman, which Brainiac is quickly alerted to. Lex reveals his plan was for Brainiac to intercept the transmission so he could challenge the alien's intellect. However, it instead encourages Brainiac to excise Metropolis and shrink it to preserve it like he's done for the other civilizations, leading Lex to flee in a hot air balloon.
Jor-El finds the receiver on Superman's suit and realizes he can modify it to help Clark return to normal size and escape from the bottle. Despite Lara's protests, Clark agrees to the procedure so he can save Metropolis and Kandor. After returning to the ship and regaining his powers, Superman faces off against Brainiac and his legion of robots. He defeats the cyborg and retrieves all of the bottled civilizations before the core of the ship explodes, destroying Brainiac and his backup models. Metropolis begins plummeting back to the ground, but Superman helps the city land safely.
Clark begins working on follow-up stories of the incident with Lois at the Daily Planet. He briefly stops at the Fortress of Solitude to talk with his parents, vowing to find a way to free them and the rest of the civilizations Brainiac had in his possession.[42][43]
Reception
Christopher Reeve
The character and the portrayal by Christopher Reeve has garnered positive reviews from film critics and many other journalists.[44] American Film Institute ranked Reeve's take on Superman in the first film as the 26th greatest hero of all time in their AFI's 100 Years...100 Heroes & Villains list.[45] Business Insider placed Reeve's Superman as the fourth greatest superhero film performance out of twenty, while The Hollywood Reporter placed it at number three out of fifty top performances in a superhero film.[46][47] In 2009, Entertainment Weekly placed Superman third on its list of the coolest heroes in pop culture.[48] Mark Hughes of Forbes felt that Reeve portrays Superman and Clark Kent like two different people, and that it felt like watching two different actors on the screen.[49] Ben Kuchera of Polygon opined that the "performance as both Clark Kent and Superman kept the characters distinct, and it was done through his body".[50]
Brandon Routh
Routh's performance as Clark in Superman Returns received mixed reviews, Joe Morgenstern from The Wall Street Journal felt Routh's portrayal of Superman was "somewhat dead or super average. Nothing special."[51] Roger Ebert also felt that Routh lacked "charisma as Superman", and surmised that he was only cast because of his resemblance to Reeve.[52]
Routh won the Saturn Award for Best Actor at the 33rd Saturn Awards for his portrayal of Superman.[53]
See also
Superman curse
Clark Kent (DC Extended Universe)
Clark Kent (Superman & Lois)
Clark Kent (Smallville)
References
Text was copied from Superman at Superman Anthology Wiki, which is released under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 (Unported) (CC-BY-SA 3.0) license.
Text was copied from Clark Kent / Superman (Arrowverse) at Wikipedia, which is released under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 (Unported) (CC-BY-SA 3.0) license.
Text was copied from Superman '78 (comic book) at Wikipedia, which is released under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 (Unported) (CC-BY-SA 3.0) license.
Text was copied from Superman III at Wikipedia, which is released under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 (Unported) (CC-BY-SA 3.0) license.
Text was copied from Superman (Superman Returns) Heroes Wiki, which is released under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 (Unported) (CC-BY-SA 3.0) license.
Text was copied from Superman Returns at Wikipedia, which is released under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 (Unported) (CC-BY-SA 3.0) license.
Barry Freiman (February 2006). "One-on-One Interview with Producer Ilya Salkind". Superman Homepage. Archived from the original on July 4, 2014. Retrieved September 9, 2008.
Richard Donner, Tom Mankiewicz, Ilya Salkind, Pierre Spengler, David Prowse, You Will Believe: The Cinematic Saga of Superman, 2006, Warner Home Video
Harrington, Wallace; et al. "Christopher Reeve Homepage". chrisreevehomepage.com. Archived from the original on September 22, 2018. Retrieved March 15, 2019.
Rossen, Jake. "Superman Vs. Hollywood: How Fiendish Producers, Devious Directors, and Warring Writers Grounded an American Icon." Chicago: Chicago Review P, 2008. Print.
Anderson, Susan Heller and David W. Dunlap. "New York Day by Day; Appendectomy Centenary." The New York Times. The New York Times Company, June 26, 1986. Web. August 16, 2018.
Bergan, Ronald (October 12, 2004). "Christopher Reeve Actor whose talent and determination to fight quadriplegia made him more than a Superman". The Guardian. Archived from the original on December 2, 2008. Retrieved March 15, 2019.
Steve Younis (November 17, 2004). "Exclusive Jeff East Interview". Superman Homepage. Archived from the original on October 14, 2008. Retrieved September 4, 2008.
Steve Head (April 12, 2006). "Superman Returns: Casting the Man from Krypton". IGN. Archived from the original on May 1, 2012. Retrieved November 6, 2008.
"'Passion' star won't turn into Superman". Archived from the original on October 1, 2021. Retrieved October 1, 2021.
Bryan Cairins (October 19, 2012). "Actor Daniel Cudmore on Halo, Colossus, Twilight & Superman?". Newsarama. Archived from the original on June 17, 2019. Retrieved September 13, 2015.
César G. Soriano (November 4, 2004). "New guy in the cape finds he's a snug fit". USA Today. Archived from the original on October 20, 2008. Retrieved November 7, 2008.
Betsy Boyd (March 15, 2006). "Male Star of Tomorrow: Brandon Routh". Variety. Archived from the original on March 7, 2012. Retrieved November 6, 2008.
Scott Chitwood (May 5, 2006). "Superman Returns Set Visit – Part 4". Superhero Hype!. Archived from the original on January 12, 2009. Retrieved November 8, 2008.
Chung, Jun (March 7, 2020). "Superman Returns: Brandon Routh Talks Playing Christopher Reeve's Clark". ScreenRant. Retrieved February 14, 2022.
"To Be Superman, Brandon Routh Studied The Master, Christopher Reeve". Hollywood Outbreak. September 30, 2020. Retrieved February 14, 2022.
Reeve, Christopher (1998), pp 195–197
"The world needs Christopher Reeve's Superman". The Indian Express. April 29, 2018. Archived from the original on October 4, 2018. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
Lundegaard, Erik (June 30, 2006). "Truth, justice and (fill in the blank) – Editorials & Commentary – International Herald Tribune". The New York Times. Archived from the original on October 4, 2018. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
"Look! Up on the Screen! It's 'Superman,' a Classy Cliffhanger". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on October 4, 2018. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
"Christopher Reeve — His Legacy As Superman And Beyond Lives On (EXCLUSIVE)". Closer Weekly. September 27, 2018. Archived from the original on October 3, 2018. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
Richard Donner, Tom Mankiewicz, DVD audio commentary, 2001, Warner Home Video
Ilya Salkind, Pierre Spengler, DVD audio commentary, 2006, Warner Home Video
Daniel Dickholtz (December 16, 1998). "Steel Dreams: Interview with Tom Mankiewicz". Starlog. pp. 67–71.
Stucky, Mark (2006). "The Superhero's Mythic Journey: Death and the Heroic Cycle in Superman". Journal of Religion and Film. 10 (2). Archived from the original on June 18, 2013. Retrieved May 10, 2013.
Michael Elkin (July 6, 2006). "Super ... Mensch?". The Jewish Exponent. Archived from the original on October 13, 2008. Retrieved November 1, 2008.
"Clark Kent – Superman is 'Jewish'". Contact Music. June 20, 2006. Archived from the original on December 24, 2008. Retrieved November 1, 2008.
Christine A. Colón, Bonnie E. Field (2009), Singled Out, Baker Publishing Group, ISBN 978-1-58743-237-8
Tonguette, Peter (April 1, 2002). "Anti-Heroics: The Superman Films of Richard Lester". Retrieved June 17, 2010.
You Will Believe: The Cinematic Saga of Superman (Redemption), Warner Home Video, 2006.
"You Will Believe: The Cinematic Saga of Superman". DVD Talk. 2006.
Pierre Spangler, Look up in the Sky! The Amazing Story of Superman.
"Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut". Rotten Tomatoes. Archived from the original on August 21, 2012. Retrieved September 2, 2012.
"Supergirl: She looks Super! Thanks for asking!". IGN. August 10, 2000. Retrieved October 12, 2010.
"Supergirl". British Film Institute. Archived from the original on August 4, 2012. Retrieved May 7, 2014.
Stecklow, Steve (April 19, 1985). "Box Office Bombs May Turn into Skyrockets on Videotape". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved October 12, 2010.
"Saturn Awards". Times-News. Hendersonville, North Carolina. February 22, 1985. p. 11.
Peter T. Chattaway (June 28, 2006). "Superman Returns". Christianity Today. Retrieved April 27, 2010.
Manohla Dargis (June 27, 2006). "'Superman Returns' to Save Mankind From Its Sins". The New York Times. Retrieved April 27, 2010.
Nellie Andreeva (July 19, 2019). "Tyler Hoechlin & Brandon Routh To Suit Up As Superman For Arrowverse Crossover On the CW". Deadline. Retrieved July 19, 2019.
Sebastian Peris. "Brandon Routh Playing 'Kingdom Come' Superman In 'Crisis On Infinite Earths'". Heroic Hollywood. Retrieved July 19, 2019.
"Crisis On Infinite Earths: Original Superman Movies ARE Arrowverse Canon". Screenrant. December 10, 2019. Retrieved January 14, 2020.
Superman '78 Vol. 1 #1–6. DC Comics.
Rolph, Ben (June 2, 2021). "Brainiac Arrives in Superman '78 First Look Preview". ScreenRant. Retrieved June 4, 2021.
"AFI|Catalog". catalog.afi.com. Archived from the original on September 14, 2018. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
"AFI's 100 Years...100 Heroes & Villains". afi.com. Archived from the original on October 3, 2018. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
"The 20 best superhero movie performances of all time". Business Insider. Archived from the original on August 20, 2018. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
"Superman (Christopher Reeve) – 50 Greatest Superhero Movie Performances of All Time". The Hollywood Reporter. March 2017. Archived from the original on December 26, 2018. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
"20 All-Time Coolest Heroes in Pop Culture". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on December 26, 2018. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
Hughes, Mark. "The Best And Worst Of Superman On Film And TV". Forbes. Archived from the original on December 26, 2018. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
"Superman's most amazing special effect didn't require computers or a green screen". Polygon. September 4, 2017. Archived from the original on December 4, 2018. Retrieved October 3, 2018.
Joe Morgenstern (June 28, 2006). "Saving the Day". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on March 8, 2018. Retrieved August 8, 2017.
Ebert, Roger (June 27, 2006). "Superman Returns". RogerEbert.com. Archived from the original on August 16, 2019.
"Past Saturn Awards". Saturn Awards.org. Archived from the original on May 12, 2011. Retrieved November 8, 2008.
External links
Kal-El (Donnerverse) on DC Database, a DC Comics wiki
vte
Superman film series
Directors Richard DonnerRichard LesterJeannot SzwarcSidney J. FurieBryan SingerAndy MuschiettiActors Christopher ReeveHelen SlaterBrandon Routh
Films
Superman (1978)II (1980) The Richard Donner CutIII (1983)Supergirl (1984)IV: The Quest for Peace (1987)Superman Returns (2006)
Novels
Superman: Last Son of Krypton (1978)Miracle Monday (1981)Superman Returns (2006)
Video games
Superman (1987)Superman (1988)Superman Returns (2006)
Other media
Superboy (1988–1992)Crisis on Infinite Earths (2019–2020)Superman '78 (2021–2022)The Flash (2023)
Characters
Superman (Kal-El) / Clark KentLex LuthorLois LaneEve TeschmacherZod
Music
John Williams' Superman Theme"(Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman"Superman IIISuperman Returns Sound of Superman
See also
Superman (1980 film)Superman (1987 film)Look, Up in the Sky: The Amazing Story of Superman
Category
vte
Christopher Reeve
Filmography
Films directed
In the Gloaming (1997)Everyone's Hero (2006)
Films written
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987, story)
Related articles
Still MeSuperman ('78) Superman '78 (comic book)Dana Reeve Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation
vte
Brandon Routh
Franchises
Superman ReturnsArrowverse ArrowThe FlashLegends of Tomorrow
Characters
Dylan DogDaniel ShawSuperman (Kal-El) / Clark KentRay Palmer / The AtomTodd Ingram
Related
Fling (2008; producer)Dylan Dog: Dead of Night (2011)Call of Duty: Ghosts (2013)
vte
Superman characters
Superman family
By code name
SupermanSuperboySupergirlSuperwomanNightwingFlamebirdEradicatorSteelPower Girl
By public
identity
Clark KentKal-ElKon-ElJon KentSodam YatMon-ElKara Zor-ElMatrixLinda DanversLaurel GandLois LaneLucy LaneLana LangLuma LynaiDonna TroyKristin WellsChris Kent/Lor-ZodThara Ak-VarDr. David ConnorJohn Henry IronsNatasha IronsKong KenanKara Zor-L/Karen Starr/Paige Stetler
Pets
Krypto the SuperdogStreaky the SupercatBeppo the Super-MonkeyComet the Super-Horse
Supporting
characters
Lois LaneJimmy OlsenJor-ElLaraJonathan and Martha KentPerry WhiteLana LangBatman/Bruce WayneLucy LaneLori LemarisGangbusterZor-ElAluraDubbilexKelexSam LaneLyla LerrolPete RossProfessor PotterLena LuthorMaximaMorgan EdgeDan TurpinSteve LombardCat GrantProfessor HamiltonMaggie SawyerBibbo BibbowskiRon TroupeStrange VisitorRampageVartox
Associated
characters
The Authority ApolloEnchantressLightrayManchester BlackMidnighterOMACSteelGuardianJustice League AtomAquamanBatmanBlack CanaryBlue BeetleCyborgFlashGreen ArrowGreen LanternJohn StewartMartian ManhunterRobin/NightwingOrionCaptain MarvelWonder WomanJustice Society of AmericaLegion of Substitute HeroesLegion of Super-Heroes Cosmic BoySaturn GirlLightning LadChameleon BoyColossal BoyInvisible KidStar BoyPhantom GirlTriplicate GirlShrinking VioletBouncing BoySun BoyBrainiac 5Ultra BoyElement LadMatter-Eater LadLightning LassDream GirlTimber WolfPrincess ProjectraFerro LadKarate KidWhite WitchShadow LassChemical KingWildfireTyrocDawnstarLaurel GandLegion of Super-PetsLegion of Super-Villains Cosmic KingLightning LordSaturn QueenLoboMaximaNewsboy LegionProject CadmusSilent KnightSuper-ChiefSupermen of AmericaWorld's Finest Team
Enemies
Archenemies
BrainiacDarkseidGeneral ZodLex LuthorUltra-Humanite
Other
central rogues
Atomic SkullBizarroBloodsportBruno MannheimCyborg Superman Hank HenshawDoomsdayLivewireManchester BlackMercy GravesMetalloMister MxyzptlkMongulParasiteSilver BansheeToyman
Recurring
adversaries
Anti-MonitorAtlasBlaze and SatanusBrainiac 2ChemoComposite SupermanConduitDev-EmDraagaEquusFaoraFunky FlashmanGogHellgramiteImperiexJax-UrJokerKalibakKobraKryptonite ManLord SatanisMagpieMalaMammothMorgan EdgeNeutronNick O'TeenNonOl-VirPranksterProfessor HamiltonQuarmerQuex-UlRampageRiotScorchSolarisSolomon GrundyTerra-ManTitanoUltramanUrsa
Organizations
Black ZeroFearsome FiveIntergangMasters of DisasterRoyal Flush GangSecret Society of Super VillainsSuicide SquadSuperman Revenge Squad
Alternative
versions
Superman
Earth-One versionUltramanEarth-Two versionSuperboy-PrimeKingdom Come version
Supergirl
Power Girl
In other media
1978–1987 film series
SupermanLois LaneLex LuthorEve TeschmacherGeneral Zod
DC Extended Universe
Clark Kent / SupermanLois LaneZodLex Luthor
Smallville
Clark KentLois LaneLex LuthorLana LangChloe SullivanLionel LuthorJustice League
Arrowverse
Kara DanversLex LuthorAlex DanversNia Nal
Superman & Lois
Clark KentLois Lane
Related
Superman and Lois LaneDaily PlanetAlien racesKryptonians
Category
Categories: Adoptee characters in filmsAlternative versions of SupermanChrist figures in fictionDC Comics American superheroesDC Comics characters who can move at superhuman speedsDC Comics characters with accelerated healingDC Comics characters with superhuman durability or invulnerabilityDC Comics characters with superhuman sensesDC Comics characters with superhuman strengthDC Comics extraterrestrial superheroesDC Comics male superheroesDC Comics superheroesDC Comics orphansDC Extended Universe charactersFictional characters from KansasFictional characters who can manipulate timeFictional characters with X-ray visionFictional characters with air or wind abilitiesFictional characters with ice or cold abilitiesFictional characters with fire or heat abilitiesFictional reporters and correspondentsFilm characters introduced in 1978KryptoniansOrphan characters in filmSuperman (1978 film series) charactersSuperman in other media
Justice League
Article
Talk
Read
Edit
View history
Tools
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about the superhero team. For the comic book, see Justice League (comic book).
For other uses, see Justice League (disambiguation).
Justice League
The classic cast of the Justice League, from left to right: Green Lantern, the Flash, Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman and the Martian Manhunter. Art by Alex Ross.
Publication information
Publisher DC Comics
First appearance The Brave and the Bold #28 (March 1960)
Created by Gardner Fox
In-story information
Base(s) The Hall
Watchtower
Satellite
Secret Sanctuary
Detroit Bunker
The Refuge
JLI Embassies
Roster
See: List of Justice League members
The Justice League, or Justice League of America (JLA), is a team of superheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The team first appeared in The Brave and the Bold #28 (March 1960). The team was conceived by writer Gardner Fox as a revival of the Justice Society of America, a similar team from DC Comics from the 1940s which had been pulled out of print due to a decline in sales.
The Justice League is an all-star ensemble cast of established superhero characters from DC Comics' portfolio. Diegetically, these superheroes usually operate independently but occasionally assemble as a team to tackle especially formidable villains. This is in contrast to certain other superhero teams such as the X-Men, whose characters were created specifically to be part of the team, with the team being central to their identity. The cast of the Justice League usually features a few highly popular characters who have their own solo books, such as Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman alongside a number of lesser-known characters who benefit from exposure.[1] The Justice League was created to boost the profiles and sales of said characters through cross-promotion and helped develop the DC Universe as a shared universe, as it is through teams like the Justice League that the setting's characters regularly interact with each other.[2]
Beyond comic books, the Justice League has been adapted to a number of television shows, films, and video games.
Publication history
See also: List of Justice League titles
Since 1960, the Justice League has appeared in comic books published by DC Comics (periodicals and graphic novels). These comic books constitute the bulk of Justice League fiction.
Silver Age and Bronze Age (1960–1984)
The Brave and the Bold #28 (March 1960), their first appearance. Superman and Batman do not appear on the cover, but do appear in the story within.
In its inception, the Justice League was a revival of the Justice Society of America, created by editor Sheldon Mayer and writer Gardner Fox in 1940. After World War II, superheroes fell out of popularity, which led to the cancellation of many characters, including the Justice Society, which last appeared in All-Star Comics #57 (March 1951). A few years later, sales rose again, and DC Comics revived some of these retired characters, reinventing a few of them in the process. Editor Julius Schwartz asked writer Gardner Fox to reintroduce the Justice Society of America. Schwartz decided to rename it the "Justice League of America" because he felt "League" would appeal better to young readers, evoking sports organizations such as the National League.[3] The Justice League of America debuted in The Brave and the Bold #28 (March 1960), and after two further appearances in that title, got its own series, which quickly became one of the company's best-selling titles.[4] This led DC Comics to create a bunch of other superhero teams, such as the Teen Titans. Marvel Comics, a rival comic book publisher, noticed the Justice League's success and created the Avengers and the Fantastic Four.
The initial Justice League lineup included seven of DC Comics' superheroes who were regularly published at that time: Superman, Batman, Aquaman, the Flash, Green Lantern, the Martian Manhunter, and Wonder Woman. Fox also created a new, non-superhero character called Snapper Carr that was intended to represent DC's teenage readership and joined the League as an Honorary member in their debut story.[5] While Superman and Batman were included in the Justice League's initial lineup, they were largely absent from the League's early stories, playing only minor roles as the pair were already starring together in DC's World's Finest Comics and Fox was worried the two more famous heroes would detract attention from their less popular teammates. As the series went on however, Superman and Batman became more and more present as readers increasingly demanded to see more of them in the League's stories. The team roster would quickly expand with the Green Arrow, the Atom and Hawkman being added to the team over the next four years.
In the Justice Society stories from the 1940s (in All-Star Comics), the Justice Society was used more as a framing device for its members' solo adventures. The stories tended to have the following structure: the Justice Society meets to discuss some new menace, they split up to undertake individual missions that somehow connect to said menace, and finally regroup for the showdown with the main villain. In the 1940s, most comic books were anthologies, and All-Star Comics was in practice not a major deviation from that. By contrast, the Justice League worked together more closely in their stories, thereby having a stronger identity as a team.
In another change from the Justice Society stories of the 1940s, Batman and Superman were regular members of the cast, not mere "honorary members" who made occasional cameos.
Justice League of America (vol. 1) #21 (August 1963) featured the first crossover story in which the Justice League meets and teams up with the Justice Society of America. In doing so, DC Comics brought back a number of legacy characters such as Doctor Fate and the Black Canary. The issue was a hit with readers and such crossovers became a recurring event.
Justice League of America (vol. 1) was published from 1960 to 1987.
Detroit era (1984–1986)
From the Justice League's inception in 1960 up until 1984, the team's roster always included a number of A-list characters to draw in readers, such as Wonder Woman and Superman. But in Justice League of America Annual #2 (October 1984), the Justice League was revised to entirely comprise more obscure characters such as Vixen, Vibe, and the Martian Manhunter. The original A-list members would not be brought back into the cast until 1996. The motives behind this change were to dispense with the convoluted continuities of the classic characters by using lesser-known and new characters, thus giving the writers more flexibility to write character-driven stories; and to give the team a more youthful, hipper feel similar to that of the Teen Titans and the X-Men, which were selling better.[6] The cast was multicultural: Gypsy was Romani,[a] Vibe was Latino, Vixen was Black. However, the writing of Vibe and Gypsy was criticized for using clichés of their ethnic groups, symptomatic of writers who were well-meaning but out of touch, something for which said writers (Gerry Conway and Chuck Patton) later expressed regret.[7][8][9] This era of the Justice League, which lasted about two years, is popularly known as "Justice League Detroit" because they were headquartered in Detroit.
Justice League International and its spin-offs (1986–1996)
Main article: Justice League International
The 1986 company-wide crossover "Legends" concluded with the formation of a new Justice League. The new team was dubbed the "Justice League," then "Justice League International" (JLI) and was given a mandate with less of an American focus. The Justice League International was recognized by the United Nations as a political entity and established "embassies" all over the world. The new series was character-driven and had a quirky, humorous tone which proved popular with readers. Numerous spin-off teams such as Justice League Europe/Extreme Justice and Justice League Task Force were created. In 1996, these series were cancelled due to low sales.
The Justice League International featured characters that had previously not been part of the DC Universe, which had been absorbed from the portfolios of other publishers that DC Comics had purchased. These included Captain Atom and the Blue Beetle, which were created for Charlton Comics in the 1960s. In 1983, DC Comics purchased Charlton Comics and, a few years later, integrated the Blue Beetle and Captain Atom into the DC Universe. Captain Marvel, originally from the Fawcett Comics universe, was similarly integrated.
JLA (1996–2006)
The cancellation of the aforementioned spin-off books prompted DC to revamp the League as a single team in a single title. A new Justice League of America was launched in a September 1996 miniseries Justice League: A Midsummer's Nightmare by Mark Waid and Fabian Nicieza, which returned to the classic cast. In 1997, DC Comics launched a new book titled JLA. Grant Morrison wrote JLA for the first four years, and they gave the book an epic feel by making the Justice League an allegory for a pantheon of gods, and in their stories they regularly fought villains who threatened the entire world or even the entire cosmos.[10] The ongoing series began its monthly run in January 1997, and concluded in April 2006 after 126 issues.
This series utilized a "back-to-basics" approach by shifting the focus back on the team's original and most famous seven members (or their successors): Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, the Flash (Wally West), Green Lantern (Kyle Rayner), and the Martian Manhunter.[11] Additionally, the team received a new headquarters, the "Watchtower", based on the Moon. JLA quickly became DC's best-selling title,[12] a position it enjoyed on and off for several years.[13]
Volume 2 (2006–2011)
The Justice League books more or less continued the trend set by the JLA era: world-shaking threats with epic stakes, with a focus on plot over character development, and strong tie-ins to all the company's crossover events. In 2006, DC began an ongoing comic series titled Justice League of America (vol. 2).
New 52 (2011–2016)
In The New 52 era, further changes to the retroactive continuity of the DC Universe were made, such as Cyborg, one of DC's premier African American heroes, becoming a founding member of the team. In 2011, DC Comics also released a spin-off title called Justice League Dark, which is an ensemble team of prominent magic users of the DC Universe, such as John Constantine, Zatanna, Madame Xanadu, and Swamp Thing.
DC Rebirth (2016–2017)
[icon]
This section is empty. You can help by adding to it. (August 2023)
New Justice (2018–2021)
In the New Justice era, the fourth volume of the Justice League begins its run, and continues into the following Infinite Frontier era.[14]
A connected new title Justice League: No Justice emerged and ran for 4 issues, taking place shortly after Dark Nights: Metal. Furthering focus on the aftermath is a following title called Justice League Odyssey that established its 25-issue run from 2018 to 2020. Continuing to deal with the concerns of the Source Wall being broken, Cyborg, Starfire, Green Lantern Jessica Cruz, and Azrael find themselves being lured by Darkseid into a newly inhabited area in outer space named the Ghost Sector. The title was created by Scott Snyder, Joshua Williamson, James Tynion IV and Francis Manapul.[15]
A second volume of Justice League Dark was announced, and ran regularly for 29 issues from July 2018 to February 2021.[16][17] Being led by Wonder Woman, the team members include John Constantine, Zatanna, Swamp Thing, Man-Bat, Detective Chimp, Doctor Fate, and briefly Animal Man.
Infinite Frontier (2021–2023)
The fourth volume of the definitive Justice League title continues well into the Infinite Frontier era and reaches a conclusion with a total of 75 issues in June 2022. Despite not having a title run during the Infinite Frontier era, the team from Justice League Dark would continue to appear as a backup feature in the mainline Justice League series during the Dark Crisis story arc, from issue #59 in May 2021 to issue #71 in March 2022, with guest appearances throughout issues #72 to 74.[18][19][20][21]
Also sharing a tie to Dark Crises is Justice League Incarnate. Consisting of a different team, the 5-issue title shortly ran from January 2022 to May 2022[22] Some pivotal members are Superman of Earth 23, Flashpoint Batman, Mary Marvel of Earth 5, Captain Carrot of Earth 26, among others, including their own Flash, Green Lantern and Wonder Woman, plus a new character by the name of Doctor Multiverse.
Dawn of DC (2023–present)
With the end of Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths, the Justice League was brought back from the dead. This has now inspired Amanda Waller, now working under The Light, to take action against all metahumans, as she believes that they have become too powerful. Waller tasked Peacemaker, her new right hand, in the goal of getting the Helmet of Hate. While Peacemaker was off on his mission, Waller met up with a group of villains giving them a new task, which is to kill superheroes.
With the Justice League going on hiatus as a team, the Titans step forward to become the DC universe's premier superhero team, with Nightwing being the leader.[23] The Titans are now located in Blüdhaven with their new Titans Tower being rebuilt over an old prison, which was destroyed following a prison breakout, lead by the villain Heartless.[24]
Inter-company crossovers
The Justice League has on a few occasions appeared in crossover stories with superhero characters from rival publishers such as Marvel Comics and Dark Horse Comics. In general, such inter-company crossovers are rare because a lot of resources must be spent in sorting out the legal issues and corporate politics of the two companies, and due to licensing issues, they cannot create spin-off merchandise and media, which all reduce the profitability of such projects.
The last crossover between DC Comics and Marvel Comics was JLA/Avengers, which they jointly published in 2003. Now that Marvel Comics and DC Comics are part of major multimedia corporations (Disney and Warner Brothers, respectively), those aforementioned hurdles are even more complicated, which makes another project like JLA/Avengers much less likely.[25] In 2017, Dan Didio remarked that DC Comics and Marvel are very competitive toward each other and only did crossovers when their sales were low.[26] However, DC Comics did go on to feature the Justice League in crossovers with smaller companies such as Dark Horse Comics, such as a crossover with Black Hammer in 2019.
Fictional history
Members
Main article: List of Justice League members
The members of the Justice League are heroes who normally operate independently but who occasionally team up to tackle especially formidable villains. This is in contrast to teams such as the X-Men or the Fantastic Four, who normally operate as a team and for whom the team is central to their identity.
Most versions of the Justice League feature a select cast of highly popular characters from the DC Comics portfolio, such as Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman, to attract readers with their star power; and they often co-feature a few lesser-known characters who benefit from exposure, such as Cyborg or Black Canary. DC Comics has in several periods deviated from this formula, most notably in the late 1980s and early 1990s with books such as Justice League International, which deliberately featured a cast of lesser-known characters. The advantage of this was that lesser-known characters are not burdened by convoluted continuities, which gave writers more creative flexibility to write character-driven stories. This was done to emulate the model of Marvel Comics' X-Men comic books, whose stories were more character-driven and which favored more obscure or new characters.
The Justice League is an independent group, although it usually accepts some constraints from the U.S. government or the United Nations so as to receive their sanction. Particularly in the early decades of publication, DC Comics was keen for its superheroes to be perceived as law-abiding because children were the main audience. The cast is rarely more than a dozen people in size so as to give a reasonable and equal time for each character. While sometimes the League is shown to have a designated chairperson or leader, there is otherwise no hierarchy; they are a small band of equals who make major decisions, such as inducting new members, by vote.
Headquarters
The Justice League operates out of a headquarters. In the 1960s, their headquarters was secretly in a hollowed-out mountain outside the fictional town of Happy Harbor in Rhode Island. In Justice League of America #78 (1970), they moved to a satellite. In the Super Friends cartoons which ran from 1973 to 1985, they operated out of the Hall of Justice located in Washington, D.C. During the brief "Justice League Detroit" era, they were headquartered in a repurposed bomb shelter in Detroit. In the JLA comic book which ran from 1997 to 2006, their headquarters was on the Moon and called "the Watchtower". The centerpiece of the headquarters is a conference table around which the Justice League discusses menaces to deal with. The satellite and Moon base headquarters are equipped with teleporters for those members who cannot fly to it.
Villains
The Legion of Doom was created for the Challenge of the Superfriends animated TV series as a villainous counterpart to the Justice League. In that original incarnation, it consisted of established villains associated with each of the Justice League's members; e.g., Lex Luthor for Superman, Gorilla Grodd for the Flash, and the Cheetah for Wonder Woman. The Legion of Doom, or some variant of it, has since appeared in other TV shows and comic books.
Collected issues
See also: List of Justice League titles
In other media
Main article: Justice League in other media
Animated movies
The Justice League appears in Justice League: The New Frontier (2008), an adaptation of Darwyn Cooke's graphic novel DC: The New Frontier.
The team appears in Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths (2010). The movie was based on an unused script for a never-made movie that was to bridge the TV shows Justice League and Justice League Unlimited.
An alternate version of the Justice League appears in Justice League: Gods and Monsters (2015). In this movie, Superman is the son of General Zod, Wonder Woman is the New God Bekka, and Batman is essentially the Man-Bat. This Justice League, while ultimately heroic, is more ruthless than the traditional Justice League. Along with the film, a three-part animated series entitled Justice League: Gods and Monsters Chronicles was released before the film on Machinima.
The team appears in Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox, an animated adaptation of the Flashpoint graphic novel.
The team are prominently featured in following movies set in the DC Animated Movie Universe:
Justice League: War (2014)
Justice League: Throne of Atlantis (2015)
Justice League vs. Teen Titans (2016)
Justice League Dark (2017)
The Death of Superman (2018)
Reign of the Supermen (2019)
Justice League Dark: Apokolips War (2020)
The Justice League appear in the Tomorrowverse:
Green Lantern: Beware My Power (2022)
Justice League: Warworld (2023)
Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths - Part One (2024)
The Justice League appears in the computer-animated film DC League of Super-Pets (2022).
Animated TV shows
In 1967, CBS aired three animated shorts titled "Justice League of America" as part of The Superman/Aquaman Hour of Adventure. The cast featured Aquaman, the Flash, Superman, the Atom, Green Lantern, and Hawkman.
The team appear in Super Friends. Super Friends is an American animated television series about the Justice League, which ran from 1973 to 1986 on ABC as part of its Saturday morning cartoon lineup. It was produced by Hanna-Barbera and was based on the Justice League of America (JLA) and associated comic book characters published by DC Comics. There were a total of 109 episodes preceded by two backdoor pilot episodes of The New Scooby-Doo Movies.
An animated television series titled Justice League ran from 2001 to 2006 on Cartoon Network. It is part of the DC animated universe. The show was produced by Warner Bros. Animation. It is based on the Justice League of America and associated comic book characters published by DC Comics. After the second season, the series name changed to Justice League Unlimited.
Another series titled Justice League Action was also released. It is an American animated television series based on the DC Comics superhero team of the same name. The series is produced by Jim Krieg, Butch Lukic, and Alan Burnett. This show debuted on Cartoon Network UK on November 26, 2016, and premiered in the United States on Cartoon Network on December 16, 2016.
The Justice League make minor appearances in the adult animated web television series Harley Quinn.
Live-action TV
A proto-Justice League lineup is featured in Smallville, first appearing in the episode "Justice" of the show's sixth season. The group initially consists of Clark Kent, Bart Allen, Arthur Curry, Victor Stone, Oliver Queen, Chloe Sullivan and Dinah Lance; in the show's comic book continuation Smallville: Continuity, an assemblage more familiar to the Justice League in most other media is formed, including Martian Manhunter, Hawkman, Stargirl, Tess Mercer, Supergirl, Booster Gold, Batman, Wonder Woman and Green Lantern.
The Justice League are mentioned in the first season of Titans during a conversation between Dick Grayson and Donna Troy during flashbacks.
At the end of the Arrowverse crossover Crisis on Infinite Earths, the heroes of the newly created Earth-Prime gather at an abandoned S.T.A.R. Labs building and around a table; forming a team to defend their new world following a memorial for Oliver Queen / Green Arrow, who gave his life to save the multiverse. While never referred to as the Justice League, this group consists of White Canary, The Flash, Supergirl, Batwoman, Black Lighting, Superman and Martian Manhunter, with an empty seat in honor of Oliver.
The Justice League makes a cameo appearance in the first-season finale ofPeacemaker (2022), set in the DCEU, with the group consisting of Wonder Woman, Flash, Superman and Aquaman.
Live-action movies
Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman appear together in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), although not as a formal team. The Flash, Aquaman, and Cyborg make cameo appearances.
The team then formally appears in Justice League (2017), which was the sequel to Batman v Superman. In 2021, Warner Brothers released a major rework of the movie as it was initially intended according to Zack Snyder's original creative intent in the continuation of the SnyderVerse DCEU : Zack Snyder's Justice League, which among multiple other things added a cameo by the Martian Manhunter.
The Justice League is referenced in several other movies that are part of the DC Extended Universe setting, which includes Suicide Squad, Shazam!, Black Adam, Shazam! Fury of the Gods.
Cultural impact
Most of the characters that appear in DC Comics' books are set in the same fictional universe, known as the DC Universe. They occasionally make guest appearances in each other's solo books, and more regularly in team books such as Justice League. Such crossovers encouraged readers to buy other books in DC Comics' catalogue, and readers became engrossed not just in the individual characters but in their web of relationships across the broader setting, thereby building brand loyalty. Marvel Comics copied this idea by creating a number of superhero teams of its own, the closest analogue being the Avengers, so as to promote and develop the Marvel Universe. Many readers devoted themselves to just one of these two comic book universes, as they were both large and did not overlap; thus, the superhero fan community developed sub-communities of DC and Marvel devotees.[2]
Awards
The original Justice League of America series won two 1961 Alley Awards in the categories "Best Comic Book" and "Best Adventure-Hero Group."[27] In 1963, the series won "Favorite Novel" ("Crisis on Earth-One/Crisis on Earth-Two" in Justice League of America #21–22 by Gardner Fox and Mike Sekowsky) and "Strip that Should Be Improved." There also an award specific to the series, "Artist Preferred on Justice League of America," that was won by Murphy Anderson.[28]
Theme park attractions
Justice League: Alien Invasion 3D
Main article: Justice League: Alien Invasion
Justice League: Alien Invasion is an interactive dark ride at Warner Bros. Movie World on the Gold Coast, Australia. In the ride, guests board vehicles equipped with blasters as they join the Justice League in the fight against Starro, who has mind-controlled the citizens of Metropolis.
Justice League: Battle for Metropolis
Main article: Justice League: Battle for Metropolis
Justice League: Battle for Metropolis is an interactive dark ride at seven Six Flags parks across the United States and Mexico. In the ride, Lex Luthor and the Joker have captured Supergirl, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, and Flash, and it is up to the combined forces of the remaining members of the Justice League and the Justice League Reserve Team to save them from their capture at LexCorp. Guests board motion-enhanced and stun blaster-equipped vehicles designed by A.R.G.U.S. as they ride through Metropolis and join the fight against the henchmen of Lex Luthor and the Joker.
See also
iconComics portal
Affiliations and spin-off groups
Extreme Justice
Justice League 3000
Justice League Dark
Justice League Elite
Justice League Europe
Justice League International
Justice League Queer
Justice League Task Force
Justice League United
Justice Leagues
Legion of Super-Heroes
Legion of Super-Pets
Super Buddies
Super Friends
Green Lantern Corps
Teen Titans
Young Justice
Notes
This was later retconned in 2013
References
Hickey (2011), An Incomprehensible Condition, p. 19
Kaveney (2008), Superheroes!, p. 28: "One of the major driving forces of the creation of these universes was the commercial imperative to create brand loyalty to more titles within a single publishing house's products. Crossovers, in which a character from one comic produced by a house visited the story of another, meant that there was a chance that readers who were not buying the first comic would start to buy it in addition to the second. Team-up comics like the Justice League of America were even more likely to interest readers in characters they had not previously bothered with."
Rhoades (2008), A Complete History of American Comic Books, p. 70
Daniels, Les (1995). "The Justice League of America A Team of Good Sports". DC Comics: Sixty Years of the World's Favorite Comic Book Heroes. New York, New York: Bulfinch Press. p. 127. ISBN 0821220764. "Justice League was a hit. It solidified once and for all the importance of superhero groups, and in the process provided a playground where DC's characters could attract new fans while entertaining established admirers."
Eury (2005), The Justice League Companion: A Historical and Speculative Overview of the Silver Age Justice League of America, p. 14
"Chuck Patton talks Justice League Detroit". DC in the 80s. December 4, 2018.: "I think it was Len Wein who ultimately decided that it was time for a change in the JLA, especially when all of the other major DC books started to crack under the weight of each other's differing storylines and changes in continuity. [...] Gerry [Conway] strongly felt that a new 'JLA' needed a younger, hipper roster to reflect the times, but most important, have little to no connection with the then-current DC roster and more freedom. I enthusiastically agreed with him, wanting to capture the same youthful spirit that made hits of X-Men and Teen Titans."
Bug Norman (May 27, 2021). "Where The X-Men Thrived, The Justice League Died". ScreenRant.
"Chuck Patton talks Justice League Detroit". DC in the 80s. December 4, 2018.: "However I really really wished we had avoided a lot of the gimmickry or played them a lot less clichéd from the jump. I do share responsibility in my part of that, but I always felt uncomfortable with Vibe's accent. It was meant to be a blind, something he hid behind to keep people from knowing he wasn't that "streetwise", but it was handled clumsily and we took our lumps for it."
"JLI Podcast – Meanwhile… Gerry Conway Interview on Justice League Detroit". The Fire and Water Podcast Network. April 25, 2021.
Rosie Knight (October 8, 2020). "How Grant Morrison's JLA Saved DC's Biggest Heroes".
Kirk, Jason. "(1997)" Yahoo! GeoCities, December 2000[dead link]
Miller, John Jackson (2007). "North American Comics Market Estimates for January 1997". Comics Buyer's Guide. Archived from the original on May 1, 2009. Retrieved April 8, 2012.
Manning "1990s" in Dolan, p. 278: "Renewed as one of DC's most popular titles, JLA ran for 125 issues before its next relaunch. Earning countless spin-off miniseries and specials, the Justice League reclaimed its place atop DC's hit titles list".
Justice League (2018-2022) #1-75
Justice League: No Justice (2018) #1-75
James Tynion IV (w), Raúl Fernández, Alvaro Martinez (a). "The Last Age of Magic" Justice League Dark, vol. 1, no. 1 (July, 2018). DC Comics.
And Lanning, Ron Marz (w), Amancay Nahuelpan, Marco Santucci (a). "Endless Winter" Justice League Dark, no. 29 (February, 2021). DC Comics.
Justice League (vol. 4) #59 (2021). DC Comics.
Justice League (vol. 4) #71 (2022). DC Comics.
Justice League (vol. 4) #72 (2022). DC Comics.
Justice League (vol. 4) #74 (2022). DC Comics.
Justice League Incarnate #1-5
Schedeen, Jesse (January 25, 2023). "Dawn of DC: Why the Titans Are Replacing the Justice League in 2023". IGN. Retrieved April 3, 2023.
"NIGHTWING #100". DC Comics. Retrieved April 28, 2023.
Jermaine McLaughlin (June 15, 2015). "Marvel and DC team-up: An oral history of JLA/Avengers, the most ambitious crossover event ever". SyFy Wire. Archived from the original on October 2, 2021. Retrieved October 2, 2021.
Tom Brevoort: "Those were really the final days of both companies being "Mom & Pop" shops. Now, with both Marvel and DC being integrated multi-platform companies, the inter-mingling of competing IP is a much more complicated and complex situation, along with the fact that you wind up spending considerable resources on a project for which you only recoup half of the eventual profits (and that you cannot utilize across other lines of business beyond the publishing) make it a lot more difficult to justify. It's hard to justify both the allocation of resources and also the difficulties of navigating the politics between two competing corporate giants. So it's not impossible that it could never happen again, but the factors against it happening are considerable."
Brendan Hughes (March 19, 2018). "Could We Get A New Marvel/DC Crossover In The Near Future?".
"Dan Didio, DC's Co-Publisher, squashed the idea of any crossover with Marvel during the 2017 San Diego Comic-Con stating that the best way for DC to succeed is to compete with Marvel. He linked that the past Marvel/DC crossovers were a temporary measure due to the comic market reaching all-time lows."
"1961 Alley Awards". Hahn Library Comic Book Awards Almanac. Archived from the original on September 5, 2015.
"1963 Alley Awards". Hahn Library Comic Book Awards Almanac. Archived from the original on September 6, 2015.
Sources
Andrew Hickey (2011). An Incomprehensible Condition: An Unauthorised Guide To Grant Morrison's Seven Soldiers. Lulu.com. ISBN 9781447780021.
Roz Kaveney (2008). Superheroes!: Capes and Crusaders in Comics and Films. Bloomsbury Academic. ISBN 9781845115692.
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Justice League.
Justice League Archived October 23, 2013, at the Wayback Machine at DC Comics.com
Justice League of America at Don Markstein's Toonopedia WebCitation Archive
The Justice League Library
vte
Justice League
Gardner Fox
Affiliated teams
Extreme Justice Just'a Lotta Animals Justice Guild of America Justice League 3000 Justice League Dark Justice League Elite Justice League Europe Justice League International Justice League Queer Justice League Task Force Justice League United Justice Legion Alpha Justice Lords Super Buddies Super Jrs. Young Justice
Publications
Storylines
"JLApe: Gorilla Warfare!" "World War III" "JLA: Tower of Babel" "JLA: Earth 2" "Justice Leagues" "JLA: Pain of the Gods" "The Lightning Saga" "Blackest Night" "Justice League: Origin" "Throne of Atlantis" "Trinity War" "Darkseid War" "Endless Winter"
Previous series
Justice League International Justice League Europe Justice League Quarterly Justice League Task Force Extreme Justice JLA Justice League Dark Justice League United Justice League 3000 Justice League Odyssey
Limited series
DC Comics Two Thousand JLA: Act of God JLA: Age of Wonder JLA: Created Equal JLA: Destiny JLA: The Nail series JLA: Shogun of Steel Justice Justice League Elite Justice League: Cry for Justice Justice League: Generation Lost Justice Riders Identity Crisis DCeased Dark Knights of Steel The Jurassic League
Crossovers
JLA/Avengers JLA/The 99 Justice League/Mighty Morphin Power Rangers JLA/Cyberforce
Related articles
A.R.G.U.S. Bizarro League Snapper Carr JL8 Justice League (Smallville) Justice League in other media Justice Society of America List of Justice League members List of Justice League titles Rocket Red Brigade Squadron Supreme
vte
Justice League characters
Founding
members
Pre-New 52/
Rebirth
Aquaman Batman Flash / Barry Allen Green Lantern / Hal Jordan Martian Manhunter Superman Wonder Woman
Post-New 52/
Rebirth
Aquaman Batman Cyborg Flash / Barry Allen Green Lantern / Hal Jordan Superman Wonder Woman
Recurring
members
Adam Strange Agent Liberty Amazing-Man / Will Everett III Ambush Bug Animal Man Aqualad Atom
Ray Palmer Ryan Choi Atom Smasher Aztek Batgirl/Oracle Batwing Batwoman Big Barda Black Adam Black Canary / Dinah Laurel Lance Black Condor Black Lightning Black Orchid Bloodwynd Booster Gold Blue Beetle
Ted Kord Jaime Reyes Blue Devil Blue Jay Bulleteer Captain Atom Captain Marvel / Shazam Catwoman Commander Steel / Hank Heywood III Congorilla Crimson Fox Detective Chimp Dr Fate Dr Light Donna Troy Element Girl Elongated Man Etrigan the Demon Fire Firestorm Flash
Jay Garrick Wally West General Glory Geo-Force Godiva Green Arrow Green Lantern
Guy Gardner Jade John Stewart Kyle Rayner Simon Baz Jessica Cruz Guardian Gypsy Harley Quinn Hawkman
Carter Hall Katar Hol Hawkgirl and Hawkwoman
Shiera Sanders Hall Shayera Hol Kendra Saunders Hourman
Rick Tyler Matthew Tyler (Android) Huntress Ice Glacier Jesse Quick John Constantine Kasumi Katana Lightray Lobo Madame Xanadu Manitou Dawn Manitou Raven Maxima Maya Mera Metamorpho Mr Miracle Mr Terrific Moon Maiden Mystek Naomi Obsidian Orion Pandora Phantom Stranger Plastic Man Power Girl Question Raven Ray Red Arrow Red Tornado Robin/Nightwing Rocket Red Shade, the Changing Man Silver Sorceress Snapper Carr Starfire Stargirl Starman
Mikaal Tomas Prince Gavyn Will Payton Jack Knight Steel Super-Chief Superboy Supergirl Swamp Thing Tasmanian Devil Tomorrow Woman Triumph Vibe Vixen Wonder Girl Zatanna Zauriel
Other
characters
Supporting
characters
Alfred Pennyworth Arella A.R.G.U.S. Carol Ferris Highfather Iris West James Gordon Jimmy Olsen Lois Lane Lucius Fox Pariah Perry White Queen Hippolyta Steve Trevor Sue Dibny
Allies
Amazonians Atlanteans Birds of Prey Doom Patrol GCPD Justice League Dark
John Constantine Deadman Detective Chimp Etrigan the Demon Swamp Thing Zatanna Justice Society of America Lantern Corps
Guardians of the Universe Zamarons Blue Lantern Corps Green Lantern Corps Indigo Tribe White Lantern Corps Legion of Super-Heroes Marvel/Shazam Family New Gods Outsiders S.T.A.R. Labs Teen Titans
Robin Starfire Beast Boy Cyborg Raven Young Justice
Neutral allies
Amanda Waller Black Adam Captain Cold Frankenstein Jonah Hex Killer Frost Larfleeze Lobo Harley Quinn Poison Ivy Star Sapphire Suicide Squad
Enemies
Central
rogues
Amazo Anti-Monitor Black Adam Black Manta Brainiac Captain Cold Cheetah Darkseid Deathstroke Despero Doctor Destiny Doctor Light Doomsday Eclipso Felix Faust Gorilla Grodd Joker Kanjar Ro Lex Luthor Libra Mongul Nekron Neron Professor Ivo Prometheus Queen Bee Queen of Fables Sinestro Starro Steppenwolf T. O. Morrow Trigon Ultra-Humanite Vandal Savage
Other
supervillains
Amos Fortune Black Hand Blockbuster Brain Storm Circe David Graves Doctor Polaris Doctor Sivana Epoch Funky Flashman Gamemnae General Wade Eiling Gentleman Ghost Gog Hyathis Imperiex Key King Kull Ma'alefa'ak Magog Manchester Black Manga Khan Manhunter Matter Master Maxwell Lord Merlyn Morgaine le Fey Nebula Man OMAC Paragon Per Degaton Ra's al Ghul Rama Khan Red King Reverse-Flash Shaggy Man Siren Solaris Solomon Grundy Sonar Starbreaker Weapons Master Weather Wizard Wizard
Organizations
Aryan Brigade Axis Amerika Brotherhood of Evil Cadre Crime Syndicate of America Darkseid's Elite Fearsome Five Female Furies Injustice League Kobra Lantern Corps
Black Lantern Corps Orange Lantern Corps Red Lantern Corps Sinestro Corps League of Assassins Legion of Doom Manhunters Parademons Phantom Zone Villains Rogues Royal Flush Gang Secret Six Secret Society of Super Villains White Martians
Alternative
versions
Alternate versions
of the Justice League
Extreme Justice Just'a Lotta Animals Justice Guild of America Justice League 3000 Justice League Dark Justice League Elite Justice League Europe Justice League International Justice League Queer Justice League Task Force Justice League United Justice Legion Alpha Justice Lords Super Buddies Super Jrs. Young Justice
Others
Superman Wonder Woman
In other
media
DC Extended Universe
Superman Batman Wonder Woman Flash Aquaman Cyborg
Category
vte
Gardner Fox
DC Comics
Adam Strange All-Flash Amazo Amos Fortune Atom (Ray Palmer) Barbara Gordon The Batarang Blockbuster Brain Storm Brain Wave Bug-Eyed Bandit Byth Chronos Cluemaster Crime Syndicate of America
Johnny Quick Owlman Power Ring Superwoman Ultraman Despero Dian Belmont Doctor Death Doctor Destiny Doctor Fate
Kent Nelson Doctor Light Earth-Two Epoch Evil Star Faceless Hunters Felix Faust The Flash
Jay Garrick Flash Comics Floronic Man Hath-Set Hawkgirl
Shiera Sanders Hall Hawkman
Carter Hall Katar Hol Hawkwoman
Shayera Hol Hyathis I.Q. Ian Karkull Jean Loring Julie Madison Justice League of America Justice Society of America Kanjar Ro Key King Standish Lion-Mane Major Disaster Martha Wayne Matter Master Mist Monk Monocle Mystery in Space Outsider Professor Ivo Psycho-Pirate Queen Bee Queen Desira Rag Doll Red Tornado Robin of Earth-Two Royal Flush Gang Sandman
Wesley Dodds Sardath Shade Shadow Thief Shaggy Man Shrike Snapper Carr Space Museum Space Ranger Star Rovers Starman
Ted Knight Starro Super-Chief Thinker Thomas Wayne Turtle Weapons Master Winky, Blinky, and Noddy Wizard Wotan Zatanna
EC Comics
The Crypt of Terror Moon Girl Valor The Vault of Horror Weird Fantasy
Warren Publishing
Creepy Eerie
Other publishers
Red Wolf Skyman Thun'da
Related pages
"Flash of Two Worlds"
Articles and topics related to the Justice League teams
vte
Justice League Detroit
Founding Members
Aquaman · Elongated Man · Gypsy · Martian Manhunter · Steel · Vibe · Vixen · Zatanna
Supporting Characters
Commander Steel · Mera
Enemies
Anti-Monitor · Black Adam · Black Manta · Black Spider · Blockbuster · Brainiac · Bug-Eyed Bandit · Captain Cold · Captain Nazi · Catman · Catwoman · Cheetah · Chemo · Cheshire · Chronos · Circe · Clock King · Cluemaster
vte
Justice League Europe
Creators
Keith Giffen J.M. DeMatteis
Founders
Animal Man Captain Atom Elongated Man The Flash/Wally West Metamorpho Power Girl Rocket Red Wonder Woman
Later members
Aquaman Crimson Fox Doctor Light Green Lantern/Hal Jordan
Enemies
Amos Fortune Baron Bedlam Copperhead Despero Extremists Injustice League Royal Flush Gang Simon Stagg Starro
vte
Justice League International
Keith Giffen J. M. DeMatteis
Initial members
Pre-Flashpoint
Batman Black Canary/Dinah Laurel Lance Blue Beetle/Ted Kord Booster Gold Captain Marvel Doctor Fate
Kent Nelson Linda Stauss Doctor Light/Kimiyo Hoshi Green Lantern/Guy Gardner Martian Manhunter Mister Miracle
The New 52
August General in Iron Booster Gold Fire Godiva Green Lantern/Guy Gardner Ice Rocket Red/Gavril Ivanovich Vixen
Supporting characters
L-Ron Catherine Cobert Maxwell Lord Oberon Superman
Enemies
Antagonists
Anti-Monitor Black Hand Darkseid Despero Doomsday Kite Man Lobo Magog Major Disaster Manga Khan Maxwell Lord Neron Queen Bee Signal Men Sinestro Starbreaker Weapons Master Weather Wizard Wizard
Organizations
Cadre Extremists Injustice League Royal Flush Gang Suicide Squad
Publications and storylines
Legends Formerly Known as the Justice League Justice League: Generation Lost
Spinoff teams
Extreme Justice Justice League America Justice League Europe Justice League Task Force
vte
Justice League Task Force
Creators
David Michelinie Sal Velluto
Initial Members
Aquaman Flash/Wally West Gypsy Martian Manhunter Nightwing
Later Members
Black Canary Booster Gold Bronze Tiger Captain Atom Doctor Light Elongated Man Fire Green Arrow Maxima Robin/Tim Drake Vixen Wonder Woman
Enemies
Aryan Brigade Despero Overmaster T.O. Morrow Vandal Savage
Other media
Justice League Task Force
vte
Justice League Dark
Peter Milligan Mikel Janin
Founding members
Madame Xanadu John Constantine Zatanna Deadman Shade, the Changing Man
Notable members
Amethyst Animal Man Andrew Bennett Batwoman Black Orchid Blue Devil Detective Chimp Doctor Fate
Kent Nelson Khalid Nassour Doctor Thirteen Etrigan the Demon Frankenstein Man-Bat Mento Pandora Phantom Stranger Ragman Ravager Raven Spectre Swamp Thing Timothy Hunter Wonder Woman Zauriel
Supporting characters
Justice League Lords of Order Zatara Zed
Antagonists
Anton Arcane Anti-Monitor The Batman Who Laughs Circe Creeper Darkseid Doctor Destiny Doctor Mist Eclipso Enchantress First of the Fallen Felix Faust Floronic Man Ibis the Invincible Injustice League Dark Klarion the Witch Boy Lords of Chaos Mordru Morgaine le Fey Prince Ra-Man Ritchie Simpson Sargon the Sorcerer Solomon Grundy Trigon Wotan
Locations
House of Mystery Nanda Parbat House of Secrets
Storylines
"Trinity War" "Forever Evil: Blight" "The Witching Hour" "Lazarus Planet"
Films
Justice League Dark Justice League Dark: Apokolips War
Related articles
I…Vampire
vte
Justice Society of America
Gardner Fox Sheldon Mayer
Initial members
Atom (Al Pratt) Doctor Fate (Kent Nelson) Flash (Jay Garrick) Green Lantern (Alan Scott) Hawkman (Carter Hall) Hourman (Rex Tyler) Sandman (Wesley Dodds) Spectre Johnny Thunder and Thunderbolt
Other members
Amazing-Man (Markus Clay) Atom Smasher Batman Black Adam Black Canary
Dinah Drake Dinah Laurel Lance Captain Marvel Citizen Steel Crimson Avenger Cyclone Damage Doctor Fate (Hector Hall) Doctor Mid-Nite
Charles McNider Beth Chapel Pieter Cross Dyna-Mite Hawkgirl
Kendra Saunders Shiera Sanders Hall Hourman
Matthew Tyler Rick Tyler Huntress (Helena Wayne) Jade Jakeem Thunder Jesse Quick/Liberty Belle Judomaster (Sonia Sato) King Chimera Liberty Belle Lightning Magog Manhunter (Kate Spencer) Miss America Mister America (Jeffrey Graves) Mister Terrific
Michael Holt Terry Sloane Obsidian Power Girl Red Tornado
John Smith Ma Hunkel Robin Sandman (Sandy Hawkins) Star-Spangled Kid (Sylvester Pemberton) Stargirl Starman
Jack Knight Ted Knight Thom Kallor S.T.R.I.P.E. Superman
Kal-El of Earth-22 Kal-L of Earth-2 Wildcat
Ted Grant Yolanda Montez Wonder Woman
Diana of Earth-2 Hippolyta
Enemies
Golden Age
Black Dragon Society Evil Star Injustice Society of the World
Brain Wave Fiddler Gambler Harlequin Huntress Icicle Per Degaton Shade Solomon Grundy Sportsmaster Thinker Vandal Savage Wizard Psycho-Pirate Ultra-Humanite Wotan
Silver and Bronze Ages
Baron Blitzkrieg Darkseid Crime Syndicate of America Epoch Eclipso King Kull Kobra Kung Mordru Nebula Man Secret Society of Super Villains Spirit King Stalker T. O. Morrow
Modern Age
Anti-Monitor Atomic Skull Axis Amerika Black Adam Blackbriar Thorn Cheetah Crime Doctor Doctor Destiny Doctor Polaris Extant Felix Faust General Wade Eiling Gentleman Ghost Gog Hugo Danner Isis Kulak Major Force Mammoth Mekanique Mirror Master Roulette Sabbac Zoom
Related teams
All-Star Squadron Freedom Fighters Infinity, Inc. Justice League Seven Soldiers of Victory Squadron of Justice Young All-Stars
Storylines
America vs. the Justice Society The Justice Society Returns The Lightning Saga Brightest Day
Publications
All Star Comics America vs. the Justice Society Last Days of the Justice Society of America DC Comics Two Thousand Earth 2 The New Golden Age
Related articles
Earth-Two List of Justice Society titles
In other media
Justice League: The New Frontier Smallville
Absolute Justice Young Justice Legends of Tomorrow Stargirl Justice Society: World War II Black Adam
vte
Young Justice
Todd Dezago Todd Nauck
Founding members
Robin (Tim Drake) Impulse Superboy (Kon-El)
Other members
Amethyst Aquagirl Aqualad Arrowette Arsenal Barbara Gordon
Batgirl Oracle Beast Boy Blue Beetle (Jaime Reyes) Bumblebee Cyborg Empress Forager Geo-Force Halo Jinny Hex Kid Flash Lagoon Boy Mal Duncan Miss Martian Naomi McDuffie Nightwing Orphan Ray Red Arrow Red Tornado (mentor) Robin (Jason Todd) Rocket Secret Sideways Static Slobo Spoiler Teen Lantern Terra Tigress Traci 13 Wonder Girl Wonder Twins Zatanna
Enemies
Amazo Black Spider Blockbuster Brotherhood of Evil
Brain Monsieur Mallah Plasmus Cluemaster Darkseid Despero Faceless Hunters Female Furies Kite Man Klarion the Witch Boy Lady Vic Match Merlyn Mister Mxyzptlk Trickster
Publications
Titans/Young Justice: Graduation Day Dark Crisis: Young Justice
In other media
Young Justice
characters episodes
"Independence Day" Outsiders Young Justice: Legacy
Category
vte
Justice League franchise media
Animated television
The Superman/Aquaman Hour of Adventure Super Friends Justice League
Unlimited Batman: The Brave and the Bold Young Justice
Outsiders Justice League: Gods and Monsters Chronicles Justice League Action DC Super Hero Girls
Animated films
Justice League: The New Frontier Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths Justice League: Doom Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox JLA Adventures: Trapped in Time Justice League: War Justice League: Throne of Atlantis Justice League: Gods and Monsters Justice League vs. Teen Titans Justice League Dark Justice League vs. the Fatal Five Justice League Dark: Apokolips War Injustice Justice League x RWBY: Super Heroes & Huntsmen Justice League: Warworld Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part One
Animated shorts
DC Super Friends DC Nation Shorts DC Super Hero Girls
Live-action television
Justice League
Smallville "It's Cow or Never"
Peacemaker
Live-action films
Legends of the Superheroes Justice League of America
DC Extended Universe
Justice League
production of Justice League Zack Snyder's Justice League
Video games
Justice League Task Force Justice League: Injustice for All Justice League: Chronicles Justice League Heroes Justice League Heroes United Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe DC Universe Online Injustice: Gods Among Us Injustice 2 Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure Young Justice: Legacy Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League Justice League: Cosmic Chaos
Attractions
Justice League: Alien Invasion 3D Justice League: Battle for Metropolis
Lego related
Lego Batman: The Movie – DC Super Heroes Unite Batman Be-Leaguered Justice League vs. Bizarro League Justice League: Attack of the Legion of Doom Justice League: Cosmic Clash Justice League: Gotham City Breakout Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham The Lego Batman Movie The Flash Aquaman: Rage of Atlantis Lego DC Super-Villains The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part
vte
The New 52
List of publications
Imprint (September 2011 – June 2015)
List of imprint publications
Ongoing
series
Action Comics All-Star Western Animal Man Aquaman Batgirl Batman Batman and Robin Batman/Superman Batman Incorporated Batman: The Dark Knight Batwing Batwoman Birds of Prey Blackhawks Blue Beetle Captain Atom Catwoman Constantine DC Universe Presents Deathstroke
vol. 2 vol. 3 Demon Knights Detective Comics Dial H Earth 2 The Flash Frankenstein, Agent of S.H.A.D.E. G.I. Combat Grayson Green Arrow Green Lantern Green Lantern Corps Green Lantern: New Guardians Grifter Harley Quinn Hawk and Dove I…Vampire Infinity Man and the Forever People Justice League Justice League 3000 Justice League Dark Justice League International Justice League of America Justice League of America's Vibe Justice League United Katana Klarion Larfleeze Legion Lost Legion of Super-Heroes Lobo Men of War Mister Terrific New Suicide Squad Nightwing O.M.A.C. Red Hood and the Outlaws Red Lanterns Resurrection Man The Savage Hawkman Secret Origins Secret Six Sinestro Star-Spangled War Stories Featuring G.I. Zombie Static Shock Stormwatch Suicide Squad Superboy Supergirl Superman Superman/Wonder Woman Superman Unchained Swamp Thing Sword of Sorcery Talon Team 7 Teen Titans
vol. 4 vol. 5 The Fury of Firestorm the Nuclear Men Green Team: Teen Trillionnaires The Movement The Ravagers Threshold Trinity of Sin: Pandora Trinity of Sin: Phantom Stranger Voodoo Wonder Woman Worlds' Finest
Miniseries
Damian: Son of Batman Convergence Forever Evil
A.R.G.U.S. Arkham War Rogues Rebellion Human Bomb The Huntress Legion: Secret Origin My Greatest Adventure National Comics Night Force Penguin: Pain and Prejudice Phantom Lady and Doll Man The Multiversity The Ray The Shade
Maxiseries
Batman Eternal The New 52: Futures End
Story arcs
"Night of the Owls" "The Culling" "Death of the Family" "H'El on Earth" "Throne of Atlantis" "Zero Year" "Trinity War" "Forever Evil"
"Blight" "Superman: Doomed" "Robin War" "Darkseid War"
Post-imprint (June 2015 – August 2017)
Ongoing
series
Former
Action Comics Aquaman Batgirl Batman Batman Beyond Batman/Superman Black Canary Catwoman Constantine: The Hellblazer Cyborg Deathstroke (vol. 3) Detective Comics Doctor Fate Earth 2: Society The Flash Gotham Academy Gotham Academy: Second Semester Gotham by Midnight Grayson Green Arrow Green Lantern Harley Quinn Justice League Justice League 3001 Justice League of America Justice League United Lobo Martian Manhunter Midnighter New Suicide Squad The Omega Men Red Hood/Arsenal Robin: Son of Batman Secret Six Sinestro Starfire Superman Superman/Wonder Woman Teen Titans (vol. 5) Telos We Are... Robin Wonder Woman
Cancelled
Dark Universe Earth 2
Miniseries
All-Star Section Eight Bat-Mite Bizarro Doomed Green Lantern: Lost Army Harley Quinn and Power Girl Legends of Tomorrow
Firestorm Metal Men Metamorpho Sugar and Spike Poison Ivy: Cycle of Life and Death Prez Raven Suicide Squad Most Wanted: Deadshot/Katana Swamp Thing
Maxiseries
Batman and Robin Eternal
In other media
Animated films
Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox Justice League: War Son of Batman Justice League: Throne of Atlantis Batman vs. Robin Batman: Bad Blood Justice League vs. Teen Titans Justice League Dark Teen Titans: The Judas Contract Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay The Death of Superman Reign of the Supermen Batman: Hush Wonder Woman: Bloodlines Justice League Dark: Apokolips War
Animated web series
Constantine: City of Demons
See also
Flashpoint (characters) Dan DiDio Jim Lee Geoff Johns Scott Snyder DC Rebirth New Justice Infinite Frontier Dawn of DC
Articles and topics related to other characters
vte
The Atom
Gardner Fox Gil Kane Gail Simone
Alter egos
Al Pratt Ray Palmer Adam Cray Ryan Choi
Supporting characters
Hawkman Jean Loring Justice League Liza Warner
Related characters
Atom Smasher / Nuklon (Albert Rothstein) Atomica Cyclotron Damage
Enemies
Black Dragon Society Bug-Eyed Bandit Calculator Chronos Dark Nemesis Doctor Light Dwarfstar Floronic Man Giganta Thinker Weapons Master
Locations
Ivy Town
In other media
Arrow The Flash Vixen Legends of Tomorrow Justice League Action
vte
Aquaman
Mort Weisinger Paul Norris
Supporting
characters
Aquagirl Aqualad
Garth Kaldur'ahm/Jackson Hyde Dolphin Justice League
Superman Batman Wonder Woman Green Lantern Flash Cyborg Lagoon Boy Mera Poseidon The Sea Devils Stephen Shin Topo Cal Durham Nuidis Vulko
Enemies
Black Manta KGBeast King Shark Ocean Master Orca Scavenger Siren The Trench
Locations
Atlantis
Publications
and storylines
"Throne of Atlantis" Aquaman: The Becoming
In other media
DC Extended
Universe
Aquaman
soundtrack Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
soundtrack Arthur Curry / Aquaman
Television
The Superman/Aquaman Hour of Adventure Aquaman (TV series) Aquaman (TV pilot) Aquaman: King of Atlantis
Animation
Justice League: Throne of Atlantis Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Aquaman: Rage of Atlantis
Video games
Aquaman: Battle for Atlantis
Related articles
Aquaman: Power Wave
Category
vte
Batman characters
Batman family
By cryptonym
Batman Robin Catwoman Batwoman Batgirl Huntress Nightwing Flamebird Red Robin Red Hood Batwing Azrael
By public
identity
Dick Grayson Kathy Kane Bette Kane Barbara Gordon Jason Todd Helena Bertinelli Tim Drake Stephanie Brown Cassandra Cain Kate Kane Damian Wayne Harper Row Duke Thomas Jace Fox Luke Fox Michael Washington Lane Jean-Paul Valley
Pets
Ace the Bat-Hound
Core teams
Batman Incorporated Batmen of All Nations Birds of Prey Outsiders World's Finest Team
Supporting
characters
Main supporting
Alfred Pennyworth Julie Madison Martha Wayne Thomas Wayne Vicki Vale Knight Squire Dark Ranger Leslie Thompkins Silver St. Cloud Lucius Fox Superman/Clark Kent Orpheus Nightrunner Holly Robinson Legs Manhunter Sasha Bordeaux Misfit Onyx Ragman Simon Dark Victoria October
Gotham City Police
Department contacts
James W. "Jim" Gordon Harvey Bullock Sarah Essen Maggie Sawyer Renee Montoya Crispus Allen Jason Bard Slam Bradley
Superhero allies
Aquaman Black Canary Cyborg Deadman Flash
Barry Allen Wally West Green Arrow Green Lantern
Hal Jordan John Stewart Hawkgirl Hawkman Justice League Justice Society of America Martian Manhunter Metamorpho Plastic Man Question Richard Dragon Rorschach (Reggie Long) Shazam Spectre Superman Teen Titans Vixen Wonder Woman Zatanna
Neutral characters
Amanda Waller Bat-Mite Bronze Tiger Catwoman Clayface (Basil Karlo) Creeper Harley Quinn Lady Shiva Lobo Man-Bat Mother Panic Poison Ivy Punchline Suicide Squad Talia al Ghul
Recurring
antagonists
Central rogues
gallery
Bane Black Mask Catwoman Clayface Deadshot Deathstroke Firefly Harley Quinn Hugo Strange Hush Joker Killer Croc Killer Moth Mad Hatter Man-Bat Mr. Freeze Penguin Poison Ivy Ra's al Ghul Riddler Scarecrow Two-Face Ventriloquist Victor Zsasz
Mobsters
Alberto Falcone Joe Chill Lew Moxon Carmine Falcone Mario Falcone Sofia Falcone Gigante Sal Maroni Squid Rupert Thorne Tobias Whale Johnny Witts Tony Zucco Hamilton Hill Gillian B. Loeb
Other enemies
Amygdala Anarky Black Spider Blockbuster Calculator Calendar Man Catman Cavalier Clock King Cluemaster Composite Superman Copperhead Cornelius Stirk Count Vertigo Crazy Quilt Crime Doctor David Cain Deacon Blackfire Doctor Death Doctor Double X Doctor Phosphorus Dollmaker Electrocutioner Enigma Firebug Flamingo Gearhead Great White Shark Humpty Dumpty Jane Doe Joker's Daughter Key KGBeast King Snake Kite Man Kobra Lex Luthor Maxie Zeus Magpie Mirror Man Mr. Bloom Music Meister Night-Slayer Nocturna Nora Fries Nyssa Raatko Onomatopoeia Orca Outsider Owlman Phantasm Phosphorus Rex Planet Master Polka-Dot Man Professor Milo Professor Pyg Prometheus Punchline Rag Doll Ratcatcher Reaper Sensei Signalman Simon Hurt Simon Stagg Snowman Solomon Grundy Spellbinder Swagman Tally Man Ten-Eyed Man Tiger Shark Tweedledum and Tweedledee Wrath Zebra-Man
Organizations
Circus of Strange Court of Owls League of Assassins Leviathan LexCorp Mutants Suicide Squad Terrible Trio
Alternative
versions
Batman
Earth-Two Tlano Owlman The Batman Who Laughs Thomas Wayne (Flashpoint version)
Robin
Earth-Two Carrie Kelley Helena Wayne
Others
Joker
Other media
1966 Batman TV series
Bruce Wayne Egghead King Tut Batgirl
1989–1997 film series
Bruce Wayne Joker Catwoman Penguin
DC Animated Universe
Andrea Beaumont Harley Quinn Batman Beyond
Terry McGinnis
The Dark Knight Trilogy
Bruce Wayne Rachel Dawes Joker
DC Extended Universe
Bruce Wayne Harley Quinn Joker
Gotham
Bruce Wayne James Gordon Selina Kyle Fish Mooney Oswald Cobblepot Jerome and Jeremiah Valeska
Titans
Dick Grayson
Arrowverse
Kate Kane
Category
vte
Black Canary
Robert Kanigher Carmine Infantino
Alter-ego
Dinah Drake Dinah Laurel Lance
Supporting
characters
Barbara Gordon Batman Green Arrow/Oliver Queen Green Lantern/Hal Jordan Huntress (Helena Bertinelli) Kurt/Larry Lance Arsenal/Red Arrow Starling Starman (Ted Knight) Sin Speedy
Mia Dearden Wildcat
Enemies
Hannibal Bates Cheshire Count Vertigo Cupid Harpy Lady Shiva Malcolm Merlyn the Dark Archer Tommy Merlyn Music Meister Tigress Twelve Brothers in Silk and White Canary Wizard
Teams
Birds of Prey Justice League Justice League International Justice Society of America Team 7
Publications
Flash Comics Action Comics World's Finest Comics Black Canary Green Arrow and Black Canary Batgirl and the Birds of Prey
In other media
Birds of Prey (TV series) Arrow
Laurel Lance Sara Lance Dinah Drake Birds of Prey (film)
Category
vte
Black Lightning
Tony Isabella Trevor Von Eeden
Supporting characters
Grace Choi Peter Gambi Lightning Talia al Ghul Thunder
Antagonists
100
Tobias Whale Doctor Light Doctor Polaris League of Assassins Painkiller Sabbac
Teams
Justice League Outsiders
Locations
Suicide Slum
In other media
Black Lightning
characters
Jefferson Pierce episodes season 1 2 3 4 DC Nation Shorts ("Thunder and Lightning" segment)
vte
Blue Beetle
Charles Nicholas Will Eisner Steve Ditko Keith Giffen John Rogers Cully Hamner
Characters
Dan Garrett Ted Kord Jaime Reyes
Supporting characters
Booster Gold Justice League Paco Peacemaker The Question Traci Thirteen Teen Titans
Enemies
Brotherhood of Evil Calculator Chronos Doctor Alchemy Doctor Polaris (John Nichol) Lady Styx Manhunters Maxwell Lord Overthrow
Related articles
Charlton Comics Fox Comics Blue Beetle Injustice 2 Mystery Men Comics Film
Soundtrack
vte
Captain Atom
Creators
Joe Gill Steve Ditko Cary Bates Pat Broderick
Supporting characters
Blue Beetle (Ted Kord) Nightshade Plastique
Villains
General Wade Eiling Major Force Plastique
Publications and storylines
Armageddon 2001 Countdown: Arena Extreme Justice Formerly Known as the Justice League Justice League: Generation Lost The L.A.W. (Living Assault Weapons)
Related articles
Breach Charlton Comics Monarch Sentinels of Justice
vte
Cyborg (DC Comics)
Marv Wolfman George Pérez
Supporting characters
Beast Boy Elinore Stone Sarah Simms Silas Stone
Teams
Doom Patrol Justice League Teen Titans
East
Antagonists
Brother Blood Cinderblock Cyborgirl Deathstroke Elias Orr Girder Gizmo Grid H.I.V.E. Jinx Kilg%re Magenta Ron Evers T. O. Morrow Thinker
Related articles
Mother Box S.T.A.R. Labs
In other media
Victor Stone (DC Extended Universe)
vte
Doctor Fate
Gardner Fox Howard Sherman
Creators and key personnel
J. M. DeMatteis Keith Giffen Roy Thomas Jerry Ordway Steve Gerber Justiniano James Robinson Brett Booth Paul Levitz Sonny Liew
Characters
Kent Nelson Eric Strauss Linda Strauss Inza Cramer Hector Hall Kent V. Nelson Khalid Nassour
Supporting characters
Lords of Order Phantom Stranger
Teams
All-Star Squadron Justice League Justice League Dark Justice League International Justice Society of America
Antagonists
Arion Black Alice Blaze and Satanus Ian Karkull Lords of Chaos Mordru Psycho-Pirate Wotan
In other media
Injustice 2 Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: The Flash Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay Black Adam
vte
Etrigan the Demon
Creator
Jack Kirby
Supporting Characters
King Arthur Merlin Madame Xanadu Batman Zatanna
Teams
Justice League Justice League Dark Demon Knights
Enemies
Lucifer Morgaine le Fey Klarion the Witch Boy
Other
Media
Television
The New Batman Adventures Justice League Justice League Unlimited Batman: The Brave and the Bold Teen Titans Go! Justice League Action Films
Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox Justice League Dark
vte
Firestorm
Creators
Gerry Conway Al Milgrom Dan Jolley ChrisCross
Firestorm Identities
Ronnie Raymond Martin Stein Jason Rusch
Supporting characters
Captain Atom Felicity Smoak Naiad
Enemies
Bolt Darkseid Female Furies Killer Frost Major Force Mr. Freeze Parademons Parasite Plastique Shadow Thief Secret Society of Super Villains Slipknot Thinker
In other media
Arrow (TV series) Super Friends Batman: The Brave and the Bold The Flash (2014 TV series) Legends of Tomorrow Supergirl (TV series) Vixen (web series) Justice League Action
vte
The Flash
Gardner Fox Harry Lampert
The Flash Family
Flash
Jay Garrick Barry Allen Wally West Bart Allen
Kid Flash
Wally West Bart Allen Irey West Ace West
Quick
Jesse Chambers Johnny Quick
Johnny Chambers
Reverse-Flash/Zoom
Edward Clariss Eobard Thawne Hunter Zolomon Daniel West
Other characters
Iris West Max Mercury XS Black Flash Cobalt Blue Godspeed Savitar
Supporting
characters
Chester P. Runk/Chunk David Singh Green Lantern/Kyle Rayner Elongated Man Justice League
Superman Batman Wonder Woman Green Lantern/Hal Jordan Aquaman Martian Manhunter Cyborg Justice Society of America
The Atom/Al Pratt Doctor Fate/Kent Nelson Green Lantern/Alan Scott Hawkman/Carter Hall Hourman/Rex Tyler Sandman/Wesley Dodds Spectre/Jim Corrigan Paul Gambi Patty Spivot Más y Menos Pied Piper Red Trinity Solovar Terrific Whatzit Tina McGee Valerie Perez Winky, Blinky, and Noddy
Enemies
Core rogues gallery
Abra Kadabra Doctor Alchemy/Mister Element Captain Boomerang Captain Cold Golden Glider Gorilla Grodd Heat Wave Mirror Master Pied Piper Rainbow Raider Reverse-Flash/Zoom
Daniel West Eobard Thawne Hunter Zolomon Top Trickster Weather Wizard
Other supervillains
Big Sir Black Flash Blacksmith Blue Trinity Bug-Eyed Bandit Cicada Cobalt Blue Giganta Girder Godspeed Fiddler Johnny Quick Magenta Mongul Rag Doll Thorn Savitar Shade Shrapnel Star Sapphire Tar Pit Thinker T. O. Morrow Turtle/Turtle Man
Publications
Flash Comics All-Flash Comic Cavalcade The Flash
DC Rebirth Flash of Two Worlds (1961) Flashpoint (Elseworlds version, 1999) The Flash: Rebirth (2009)
Storylines
Flashpoint (2011) Flash War (2018) Finish Line (2020)
Locations
Central City (Central City Police Department) Flash Museum Iron Heights Penitentiary S.T.A.R. Labs
In other media
Film
Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (2013)
DC Extended Universe
The Flash (2023)
soundtrack Barry Allen
Television
The Flash (1990–1991) The Flash (2014–2023)
characters
Barry Allen episodes
Video games
The Flash (1993) Justice League Heroes: The Flash (2006)
Category
vte
Green Arrow
George Papp Mort Weisinger
Green Arrows
Oliver Queen
Arrowverse Connor Hawke Arrowette
Artemis Crock Speedy
Roy Harper Mia Dearden Dark Arrow Dark Archer Red Dart Cupid Merlyn Constantine Drakon
Supporting
characters
Arrowette Batman Black Canary
Dinah Laurel Lance Dinah Drake Eddie Fyers Emiko Queen Felicity Smoak Green Lantern
Hal Jordan Kyle Rayner Hawkman Justice League Katana Question Richard Dragon/Richard Drakunovski Shado Sin Speedy
Roy Harper Mia Dearden Stanley Dover Jr.
Enemies
Antagonists
Amon Sur Brick China White Constantine Drakon Clock King Count Vertigo Cupid Dark Archer Deadshot Deathstroke Doctor Light Electrocutioner Everyman/Dark Arrow Gargoyle Hellgrammite Killer Moth Merlyn Natas Neron Onomatopoeia Professor Ojo Prometheus Ra's al Ghul Red Dart Richard Dragon/Ricardo Diaz Jr. Shrapnel Spider Star City Slayer Tezcatlipoca Turtle Wizard
Organizations
League of Assassins Longbow Hunters
Equipment
Arrowcar
Publications
More Fun Comics Green Lantern/Green Arrow The Dark Knight Returns Green Arrow: The Longbow Hunters The Dark Knight Strikes Again Green Arrow: Year One Green Arrow and Black Canary
Storylines
"Archer's Quest" "Black Circle: Urban Knights" "Brotherhood of the Fist" "Cry for Justice" "Event Leviathan" "Emerald Allies" "Hard-Traveling Heroes" "Outsiders War "Quiver" "Rise of Arsenal" "Snowbirds Don't Fly"
Locations
Queen Industries/Q-Core Star City Nanda Parbat
In other media
Justice League Unlimited Smallville Batman: The Brave and the Bold DC Universe Online DC Showcase: Green Arrow Young Justice Batman: The Dark Knight Returns – Part 2 Justice League Action Arrow
characters episodes
season 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Related articles
Other characters
Outsiders Robin Hood Robin Hawkeye The Arrow
The Green Archer
The Green Archer (1925 serial) The Green Archer (1940 serial) The Green Archer (1961 film)
vte
Green Lantern
Bill Finger Martin Nodell John Broome Gil Kane Dennis O'Neil Neal Adams Gerard Jones Ron Marz Darryl Banks Geoff Johns Doug Mahnke Ethan Van Sciver N. K. Jemisin Jamal Campbell Other contributors
Green Lantern Corps
Earth's Green Lanterns
Alan Scott Hal Jordan Guy Gardner John Stewart Kyle Rayner Simon Baz Jessica Cruz Sojourner Mullein
Foreign Green Lanterns
Abin Sur Arisia Rrab Boodikka Ch'p Earth-Man G'nort Green Man Ion Isamot Kol Jack T. Chance Katma Tui Ke'Haan Kilowog Kreon Lar Gand Mogo the Living Planet Salaak Sodam Yat Soranik Natu Stel Tomar-Re Tomar-Tu Turytt Universo and many others
Supporting characters
Alexandra DeWitt Blue Lantern Corps
Saint Walker Doiby Dickles Guardians of the Universe
Ganthet Sayd Indigo Tribe Jade Justice League
Superman Batman Wonder Woman The Flash/Barry Allen Aquaman Martian Manhunter Cyborg Green Arrow Justice Society of America
The Atom/Al Pratt Dr Fate/Kent Nelson The Flash/Jay Garrick Hawkman/Carter Hall Hourman/Rex Tyler Sandman/Wesley Dodds Spectre/Jim Corrigan Thomas Kalmaku Obsidian Olivia Reynolds Star Sapphires
Carol Ferris Jillian Pearlman Donna Troy White Lantern Corps
Enemies
Golden Age villains
Gambler Harlequin Icicle Solomon Grundy Sportsmaster Vandal Savage
General
Anti-Monitor Controllers Demolition Team Doctor Polaris Doctor Ub'x Effigy Evil Star Fatality Grayven Hector Hammond Kroloteans Krona Legion Major Disaster Major Force Manhunters Power Ring Professor Ojo Sonar Tattooed Man Thorn
Sinestro Corps
Amon Sur Lyssa Drak Hank Henshaw Mongul Parallax Scarecrow Sinestro Superboy-Prime
Red Lanterns
Atrocitus Bleez
Orange Lanterns
Larfleeze
Black Lanterns
Black Hand Nekron
Star Sapphires
Star Sapphire
Carol Ferris Jillian Pearlman Zamarons
Comics
All-American Comics Green Lantern "Snowbirds Don't Fly" "Emerald Twilight" "Emerald Knights" "Circle of Fire" Rebirth "Sinestro Corps War" "Secret Origin" Blackest Night Brightest Day "War of the Green Lanterns" Batman: In Darkest Knight Comic Cavalcade 1001 Emerald Nights The Green Lantern Chronicles Emerald Dawn Evil's Might Mosaic New Guardians Green Lantern Corps: Recharge Green Lantern/Superman: Legend of the Green Flame Green Lantern Versus Aliens Willworld Planet of the Apes/Green Lantern Star Trek/Green Lantern Star Trek/Green Lantern: Stranger Worlds Wrath of the First Lantern Far Sector
In other media
Film
First Flight Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths Emerald Knights 2011 film Beware My Power
TV series
The Animated Series Lanterns
Video games
Rise of the Manhunters Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham
Locations
Coast City Mogo the Living Planet Oa Qward
Related
Power ring (equipment) Darkstars Alien races Source Wall Green Lantern (Great Adventure) Green Lantern Coaster (Warner Bros. Movie World) Green Lantern: First Flight (Magic Mountain)
Category
vte
Hawkman and Hawkgirl / Hawkwoman
Gardner Fox Dennis Neville
Hawkmen
Carter Hall Katar Hol Fel Andar
Hawkwomen
Shiera Sanders Hall Shayera Hol Sharon Parker Kendra Saunders
Supporting characters
Atom Golden Eagle/Charlie Parker Hector Hall Justice League Justice Society of America Northwind Silent Knight Zatanna
Enemies
Golden Age villains
Gentleman Ghost Vandal Savage Hath-Set
Silver Age villains
Copperhead Hyathis Kanjar Ro Matter Master Shadow Thief Shrike
Modern Age villains
Blackfire Fel Andar Tigress
Publications
Flash Comics Hawkworld Rann–Thanagar War
vte
Martian Manhunter
Joseph Samachson
Supporting
characters
Cameron Chase Jemm, Son of Saturn Justice League
Superman Batman Wonder Woman The Flash/Barry Allen Green Lantern/Hal Jordan Aquaman Miss Martian Naomi McDuffie Scorch Zook
Enemies
Department of Extranormal Operations Despero Human Flame Ma'alefa'ak Vulture White Martians
Publications
Detective Comics The House of Mystery Martian Manhunter: American Secrets
Related articles
Justice League Alien races
vte
Plastic Man
Jack Cole
Supporting characters
All-Star Squadron Batman Freedom Fighters Justice League Martian Manhunter Offspring Robby Reed Woozy Winks
Enemies
Amazo Doctor Psycho Dollmaker League of Assassins Per Degaton Prankster Queen Bee
Publications
Police Comics
In other media
Batman: The Brave and the Bold DC Nation Shorts ("Plastic Man" segment") The Plastic Man Comedy/Adventure Show
vte
Robin
Bill Finger Jerry Robinson Bob Kane
Robins
Dick Grayson Jason Todd Tim Drake Stephanie Brown Damian Wayne
Supporting
characters
Batgirl
Barbara Gordon Batman Catwoman Jack Drake Flying Graysons Lucius Fox Tamara Fox James Gordon Justice League Alfred Pennyworth Nightstar Nocturna Outsiders Starfire Talia al Ghul Teen Titans Leslie Thompkins Warlock's Daughter
Antagonists
Anarky Bane Blockbuster Brutale Clock King Cluemaster Deathstroke Firefly The General Joker Joker's Daughter Killer Croc Killer Moth King Snake Lady Shiva Lady Vic Lynx Mad Hatter Mr. Freeze Nite-Wing Penguin Prankster Harley Quinn Ra's al Ghul Riddler Scarecrow Shrike Tarantula Torque Trigger Twins Two-Face Tony Zucco
Related identities
Nightwing Red Robin Red Hood Squire Red X
In other media
Batman and Robin (serial) "Robin's Reckoning" Dick Grayson (film character) Batman & Robin (film)
soundtrack video game Son of Batman Batman vs. Robin
Publications
Robin: Year One Robin War All Star Batman & Robin, the Boy Wonder Batman and Robin We Are... Robin Red Robin Batman and Robin Eternal Batman and Son
Alternative versions
Carrie Kelley Earth-Two Helena Wayne
Related
Robin Hood Redbird Alyas Batman en Robin Alyas Batman at Robin Batman & Robin: The Chiller Batman and Robin Have an Altercation "Holy..." Batman and Robin (disambiguation)
Category
vte
Shazam!
C. C. Beck Bill Parker
Creators and
key personnel
Ed Herron Mac Raboy Otto Binder Marc Swayze Pete Costanza Kurt Schaffenberger Denny O'Neil E. Nelson Bridwell Don Newton Roy Thomas Jerry Ordway Alex Ross Jeff Smith Judd Winick Geoff Johns
Marvel/Shazam Family
Captain Marvel / Shazam (Billy Batson) Mary Marvel (Mary Batson/Bromfield) Captain Marvel, Jr. / Shazam Jr. (Freddy Freeman) Lieutenant Marvels Tawky Tawny The Wizard Shazam Steamboat Hoppy the Marvel Bunny Uncle Marvel (Uncle Dudley) Black Alice Kid Eternity Black Adam Isis Osiris
Enemies
Black Adam Blaze and Satanus Captain Nazi Doctor Sivana Ibac King Kull Mister Atom Mister Mind Monster Society of Evil Oggar Sabbac Seven Deadly Enemies of Man Superboy-Prime
Publications
and publishers
Fawcett Comics
Fawcett Publications
Captain Marvel Adventures Hoppy the Marvel Bunny Master Comics Whiz Comics Wow Comics
DC Comics
Shazam!: The New Beginning The Power of Shazam! Shazam! Power of Hope Superman/Shazam: First Thunder 52 The Trials of Shazam! The New 52 DC Rebirth Billy Batson and the Magic of Shazam!
Affiliated teams
Justice League Justice Society of America Secret Society of Super Villains Squadron of Justice
Locations
Rock of Eternity
In other media
Adventures of Captain Marvel Legends of the Superheroes The Kid Super Power Hour with Shazam! Teen Titans Go! To the Movies
The Shazam!/Isis Hour
Shazam! (TV series) The Secrets of Isis
DC Universe Animated Original Movies
Justice League: The New Frontier Superman/Batman: Public Enemies Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths Superman/Shazam!: The Return of Black Adam
DC Animated Movie Universe (Justice League)
The Flashpoint Paradox War Throne of Atlantis Apokolips War Injustice
Lego DC
Lego DC Batman: Family Matters Lego DC: Shazam!: Magic and Monsters
DC Extended Universe
Shazam!
soundtrack Black Adam
soundtrack Shazam! Fury of the Gods
soundtrack
Miscellaneous
National Comics Publications, Inc. v. Fawcett Publications, Inc. Miracleman/Marvelman
Man of Miracles
Category
vte
Stargirl
Creators
Geoff Johns Lee Moder David S. Goyer
Supporting characters
Justice Society of America Shining Knight Starman S.T.R.I.P.E.
Enemies
Black Adam Brainwave Dragon King Dummy Harlequin Icicle Injustice Society Johnny Sorrow Klarion Kobra Nebula Man Royal Flush Gang Shadow Thief Solomon Grundy Spider Tigress
Publications
Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E. The New Golden Age
In other media
Justice League Action Justice League Unlimited Stargirl
characters
vte
Steel
Louise Simonson Jon Bogdanove
Supporting characters
Natasha Irons Justice League Metal Men Doom Patrol Superman Batman Martian Manhunter Lana Lang Lois Lane Icon Hardware
Enemies
Blockbuster Deadline Doctor Polaris Doomsday Gearhead Lex Luthor Metallo Parasite Plasmus
Locations
Metropolis S.T.A.R. Labs
Other media
Steel (1997 film) Superman & Lois
Category
vte
Supergirl
Otto Binder Al Plastino Curt Swan
Supergirls
Kara Zor-El
Kara Danvers Matrix Linda Danvers Cir-El Laurel Gand Power Girl Ariella Kent
Supporting
Alura Batgirl Cat Grant Comet Jimmy Olsen Justice League Lana Lang Lena Luthor Lucy Lane Mary Marvel Maxima Streaky the Supercat Superboy Superman Zor-El
Enemies
Anti-Monitor Atomic Skull Brainiac Chemo Cyborg Superman Darkseid Decay Female Furies Granny Goodness Insect Queen Lex Luthor Livewire Professor Ivo Psi Reactron Satan Girl Shrapnel Silver Banshee
Titles
Adventure Comics Supergirl Supergirl and the Legion of Super-Heroes Superman Family Elseworld's Finest: Supergirl & Batgirl
Other media
Films
1984 film Superman/Batman: Apocalypse The Flash Woman of Tomorrow
TV series
Supergirl
characters episodes
season 1 2 3 4 5 6
Category
vte
Superman characters
Superman family
By code name
Superman Superboy Supergirl Superwoman Nightwing Flamebird Eradicator Steel Power Girl
By public
identity
Clark Kent Kal-El Kon-El Jon Kent Sodam Yat Mon-El Kara Zor-El Matrix Linda Danvers Laurel Gand Lois Lane Lucy Lane Lana Lang Luma Lynai Donna Troy Kristin Wells Chris Kent/Lor-Zod Thara Ak-Var Dr. David Connor John Henry Irons Natasha Irons Kong Kenan Kara Zor-L/Karen Starr/Paige Stetler
Pets
Krypto the Superdog Streaky the Supercat Beppo the Super-Monkey Comet the Super-Horse
Supporting
characters
Lois Lane Jimmy Olsen Jor-El Lara Jonathan and Martha Kent Perry White Lana Lang Batman/Bruce Wayne Lucy Lane Lori Lemaris Gangbuster Zor-El Alura Dubbilex Kelex Sam Lane Lyla Lerrol Pete Ross Professor Potter Lena Luthor Maxima Morgan Edge Dan Turpin Steve Lombard Cat Grant Professor Hamilton Maggie Sawyer Bibbo Bibbowski Ron Troupe Strange Visitor Rampage Vartox
Associated
characters
The Authority
Apollo Enchantress Lightray Manchester Black Midnighter OMAC Steel Guardian Justice League
Atom Aquaman Batman Black Canary Blue Beetle Cyborg Flash Green Arrow Green Lantern John Stewart Martian Manhunter Robin/Nightwing Orion Captain Marvel Wonder Woman Justice Society of America Legion of Substitute Heroes Legion of Super-Heroes
Cosmic Boy Saturn Girl Lightning Lad Chameleon Boy Colossal Boy Invisible Kid Star Boy Phantom Girl Triplicate Girl Shrinking Violet Bouncing Boy Sun Boy Brainiac 5 Ultra Boy Element Lad Matter-Eater Lad Lightning Lass Dream Girl Timber Wolf Princess Projectra Ferro Lad Karate Kid White Witch Shadow Lass Chemical King Wildfire Tyroc Dawnstar Laurel Gand Legion of Super-Pets Legion of Super-Villains
Cosmic King Lightning Lord Saturn Queen Lobo Maxima Newsboy Legion Project Cadmus Silent Knight Super-Chief Supermen of America World's Finest Team
Enemies
Archenemies
Brainiac Darkseid General Zod Lex Luthor Ultra-Humanite
Other
central rogues
Atomic Skull Bizarro Bloodsport Bruno Mannheim Cyborg Superman
Hank Henshaw Doomsday Livewire Manchester Black Mercy Graves Metallo Mister Mxyzptlk Mongul Parasite Silver Banshee Toyman
Recurring
adversaries
Anti-Monitor Atlas Blaze and Satanus Brainiac 2 Chemo Composite Superman Conduit Dev-Em Draaga Equus Faora Funky Flashman Gog Hellgramite Imperiex Jax-Ur Joker Kalibak Kobra Kryptonite Man Lord Satanis Magpie Mala Mammoth Morgan Edge Neutron Nick O'Teen Non Ol-Vir Prankster Professor Hamilton Quarmer Quex-Ul Rampage Riot Scorch Solaris Solomon Grundy Terra-Man Titano Ultraman Ursa
Organizations
Black Zero Fearsome Five Intergang Masters of Disaster Royal Flush Gang Secret Society of Super Villains Suicide Squad Superman Revenge Squad
Alternative
versions
Superman
Earth-One version Ultraman Earth-Two version Superboy-Prime Kingdom Come version
Supergirl
Power Girl
In other media
1978–1987 film series
Superman Lois Lane Lex Luthor Eve Teschmacher General Zod
DC Extended Universe
Clark Kent / Superman Lois Lane Zod Lex Luthor
Smallville
Clark Kent Lois Lane Lex Luthor Lana Lang Chloe Sullivan Lionel Luthor Justice League
Arrowverse
Kara Danvers Lex Luthor Alex Danvers Nia Nal
Superman & Lois
Clark Kent Lois Lane
Related
Superman and Lois Lane Daily Planet Alien races Kryptonians
Category
vte
Wonder Woman
William Moulton Marston Elizabeth Holloway Marston Olive Byrne H. G. Peter Other contributors
Characters
Wonder Women
Diana Prince Orana Artemis of Bana-Mighdall Hippolyta Nubia Wonder Girls
Cassie Sandsmark Donna Troy Yara Flor
Supporting
characters
Antiope Etta Candy Fury Hephaestus Heracles/Hercules Hermes I Ching Julia and Vanessa Kapatelis Justice League Mala Nemesis (Thomas Tresser) The Olympian Paula von Gunther Philippus Poseidon Queen Desira Helena Sandsmark Sarge Steel Steve Trevor Wonder Man Zeus Zola
Enemies
Ares Baron Blitzkrieg Baroness Paula von Gunther Blue Snowman Veronica Cale Cheetah Circe Dark Angel Decay Doctor Cyber Doctor Poison Doctor Psycho Duke of Deception Egg Fu Eviless First Born Genocide Giganta Hades Hypnota Kung Mask Maxwell Lord Medusa Minister Blizzard Osira Queen Clea Silver Swan Superwoman Tezcatlipoca Zara
Factions
Amazons of Themyscira Amazons of Bana-Mighdall Children of Ares Godwatch Olympian Gods THEM! Titans of Myth Villainy Inc.
Locations
Aeaea Themyscira (The Paradise Islands)
Publications
All Star Comics Wonder Woman Amazonia Batman/Superman/Wonder Woman: Trinity The Blue Amazon Comic Cavalcade Crossover The Legend of Wonder Woman Sensation Comics Superman and Wonder Woman: The Hidden Killer Superman/Wonder Woman Wonder Woman '77 The Wonder Woman Chronicles Wonder Woman: Earth One The World's Greatest Superheroes
Storylines
“Introducing Wonder Woman” (1941) Gods and Mortals (1987) Challenge of the Gods (1987–88) War of the Gods (1991) The Contest (1994) The Challenge of Artemis (1995) Paradise Island Lost (2001) Our Worlds at War (2001) The Hiketeia (2002) Down to Earth (2003–04) Who Is Wonder Woman? (2006–07) Amazons Attack! (2007) The Circle (2008) Ends of the Earth (2008) Rise of the Olympian (2009) Flashpoint (2011) The Lies (2016) Year One (2016) The Truth (2017) Godwatch (2017) Trial of the Amazons (2022)
Technology
Golden Girdle of Gaea Invisible Plane Lasso of Truth Mental radio Wonder Woman's bracelets
In other media
Film
1974 film 2009 film Wonder Woman: Bloodlines DC Extended Universe
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice 2017 film
soundtrack Justice League
Zack Snyder's Justice League Wonder Woman 1984
soundtrack Peacemaker: It's Cow or Never Shazam! Fury of the Gods The Flash
Television
Wonder Woman
episodes 2011 TV pilot
Video games
Wonder Woman
Miscellaneous
Alternative versions
Earth-Two Bizarra Superwoman Cultural impact Professor Marston and the Wonder Women Literature Wonder Women! The Untold Story of American Superheroines
Category
vte
Zatanna
Gardner Fox Murphy Anderson
Teams
Justice League Dark Justice League Seven Soldiers of Victory
Supporting characters
Batman John Constantine Timothy Hunter Misty Kilgore Princess Projectra Giovanni "John" Zatara Zachary Zatara
Enemies
Abra Kadabra Black Alice Blaze and Satanus Doctor Light Enchantress Felix Faust Jack the Ripper Kobra League of Assassins Merlyn Nebula Man Neron Ra's al Ghul Royal Flush Gang Sargon the Sorcerer Shade Sheeda Ventriloquist Weather Wizard Wizard
Publications
Adventure Comics The Books of Magic DC Comics Bombshells Justice League of America Justice League Dark Reign in Hell Seven Soldiers World's Finest Zatanna
In other media
"Zatanna" (Batman: The Animated Series) Young Justice Justice League Action DC Super Hero Girls (TV series) Justice League Dark Justice League Dark: Apokolips War
Related articles
Sentinels of Magic Shadowpact
Allies to the Justice League
vte
Birds of Prey
Creators: Chuck Dixon Jordan B. Gorfinkel Gail Simone
Titles
Batgirl and the Birds of Prey
Main characters
Barbara Gordon Black Canary Huntress (Helena Bertinelli)
Notable members
Big Barda Black Alice Cassandra Cain Gypsy Harley Quinn Hawk and Dove Hawkgirl (Kendra Saunders) Jade Canary Judomaster (Sonia Sato) Katana Lady Blackhawk Manhunter (Kate Spencer) Misfit Poison Ivy Power Girl Vixen Zealot
Supporting characters
Batman Blue Beetle (Ted Kord) Booster Gold James Gordon Creote Catwoman Cyborg Green Arrow Kurt Lance Lois Lane Metamorpho Nightwing Power Girl Richard Dragon Robin Savant Sin Superman Wildcat
Antagonists
Atomic Skull Bane Black Mask Blockbuster Brainiac Brutale Calculator Captain Nazi Catwoman Chemo Cheshire Clayface Copperhead Crime Doctor Deathstroke Electrocutioner Gorilla Grodd Harley Quinn Hector Hammond Hellgrammite H.I.V.E. Joker Killer Moth Kobra Lady Shiva Lady Spellbinder Lady Vic Lashina Mad Hatter Mammoth Penguin Poison Ivy Prometheus Psimon Secret Six Secret Society Shadow Thief Shrapnel Spy Smasher Talia al Ghul Twelve Brothers in Silk and White Canary Victor Zsasz
In other media
TV series Film
soundtrack
Category
vte
Doom Patrol
Creators
Arnold Drake Bruno Premiani Murray Boltinoff Bob Haney Grant Morrison Rachel Pollack Gerard Way
Current members
Negative Man Robotman Danny the Ambulance/World Crazy Jane Flex Mentallo Elasti-Girl
Notable members
Ambush Bug Beast Boy Bumblebee The Chief Celsius Joshua Clay Coagula Danny the Street Doctor Light (Kimiyo Hoshi) Element Woman Elongated Man Flex Mentallo Mento Negative Woman Dorothy Spinner Vox
Supporting characters
Animal Man Aquaman Blue Beetle Booster Gold Justice League Power Girl Superman Teen Titans Willoughby Kipling Will Magnus
Villains
Animal-Vegetable-Mineral Man The Brain General Immortus General Zahl Madame Rouge Monsieur Mallah Mr. Nobody Shrapnel
Villain teams
The Brotherhood of Dada The Brotherhood of Evil
Related
Teen Titans
Media
Teen Titans Titans Doom Patrol
vte
Legion of Super-Heroes
Otto Binder Al Plastino Mort Weisinger
Incarnations
1958 team 1994 team 2004 team
Founding members
Cosmic Boy Lightning Lad Saturn Girl
Notable members
Blok Bouncing Boy Brainiac 5 Chameleon Boy Chameleon Girl Chemical Kid/Chemical King Colossal Boy Comet Queen Computo (Danielle Foccart) Dawnstar Dream Girl Earth-Man Element Lad Ferro Lad Laurel Gand Gates Invisible Kid (Lyle Norg and Jacques Foccart) Karate Kid (Val Armorr) Karate Kid (Myg) Jon Kent Khundian Legionnaires Kid Quantum Kinetix Lightning Lass/Light Lass Magno Matter-Eater Lad Mon-El Night Girl Devlin O'Ryan Phantom Girl Polar Boy Princess Projectra/Sensor Girl Sensor Shadow Lass Shrinking Violet Spider Girl/Wave Star Boy/Starman Sun Boy Timber Wolf Triplicate Girl/Duo Damsel/Duplicate Damsel Tyroc Ultra Boy White Witch Wildfire XS
Special members
Elastic Lad (Jimmy Olsen) Insect Queen (Lana Lang) Pete Ross Superboy (Kal-El) Superboy (Kon-El) Supergirl (Kara Zor-El) Superman
Supporting characters
R. J. Brande Controllers Shvaughn Erin Inferno Laurel Kent Legion Academy Legion of Substitute Heroes
Antagonists
Anti-Monitor Brainiac Composite Superman Computo Dark Circle Darkseid Dominators Fatal Five
Emerald Empress Persuader Justice League of Earth Khunds Legion of Super-Villains Mordru Nemesis Kid Ol-Vir Ra's al Ghul Sklarian Raiders Starfinger Superboy-Prime Universo Vandal Savage
World
Colu Daxam Items
Publications
"One of Us Is a Traitor" "The Death of Ferro Lad" "The Adult Legion" "Mordru the Merciless" "Earthwar" "The Exaggerated Death of Ultra Boy" "The Great Darkness Saga" Legionnaires 3 "The Universo Project" "The Greatest Hero of Them All" "The Terra Mosaic" "End of an Era" Legion Lost (vol. 1) "The Lightning Saga" "Superman and the Legion of Super-Heroes" Final Crisis: Legion of 3 Worlds
Alternate continuities
Legion of Galactic Guardians 2099 Superboy's Legion Legion of Super Heroes in the 31st Century
In other media
TV series JLA Adventures: Trapped in Time Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League – Cosmic Clash Justice League vs. the Fatal Five Film
Related articles
Adventure Comics Atmos Dev-Em The Final Night Heroes of Lallor Interlac Invasion! Kwai L.E.G.I.O.N. Legion of Super-Pets R.E.B.E.L.S. Science Police Sodam Yat United Planets Wanderers Workforce Zero Hour: Crisis in Time DC League of Super-Pets
Category
vte
The New Gods
Jack Kirby
Inhabitants of New Genesis
Bekka Big Barda Forager Forever People Highfather Lightray Orion Mister Miracle Takion
Inhabitants of Apokolips
Darkseid DeSaad Devilance Doctor Bedlam Female Furies
Bernadeth Lashina Mad Harriet Stompa Glorious Godfrey Granny Goodness Grayven Kalibak Kanto Mantis Parademons Steppenwolf
DC Extended Universe Virman Vundabar
Other characters
Black Racer Infinity-Man Metron Shilo Norman Oberon Sonny Sumo
Locations
New Genesis Apokolips
Storylines
Jack Kirby's Fourth World The Great Darkness Saga Legends Cosmic Odyssey Genesis Countdown to Final Crisis Death of the New Gods Final Crisis
In other media
Super Friends: The Legendary Super Powers Show (1984–1985) The Super Powers Team: Galactic Guardians (1985–1986) Superman/Batman: Apocalypse (2010) Smallville (season 10) (2010–2011) DC Universe Online DC Extended Universe
Zack Snyder's Justice League
Related articles
Anti-Life Equation Eternals Mother Box The Source
vte
Teen Titans
Bob Haney Bruno Premiani
Founding members
Aqualad/Garth Kid Flash/Wally West Robin/Dick Grayson Speedy/Roy Harper Wonder Girl/Donna Troy
Current Members
Teen Titans
Bunker Crush Jakeem Thunder Kid Flash
Ace West Red Arrow
Emiko Queen
Titans
Beast Boy Cyborg Flash Nightwing Raven Starfire Troia
Notable Members
Teen Titans
Aqualad
Jackson Hyde Arsenal Atom
Ray Palmer Baby Wildebeest Blue Beetle (Jaime Reyes) Bumblebee Bushido Cyborg Danny Chase Mal Duncan Flash/Kid Flash/Wally West Gnarrk Green Lantern (Kyle Rayner) Hawk and Dove Impulse/Kid Flash (Bart Allen) Jericho Kid Flash
Ace West Kole Miss Martian Nightwing Omen Pantha Raven Ravager (Rose Wilson) Red Arrow
Emiko Queen Red Hood Red Star Robin
Tim Drake Damian Wayne Shazam Starfire Static Steel (Natasha Irons) Superboy
Kon-El Supergirl
Kara Zor-El Tempest Terra Troia Wonder Girl (Cassie Sandsmark)
Supporting characters
Doom Patrol Dubbilex Justice League Sarah Simms Sarge Steel Silas Stone Thunder and Lightning Wendy, Marvin and Wonder Dog Young Justice
Enemies
Antagonists
Blackfire Brain Brother Blood Cheshire Cinderblock Clock King Copperhead Deathstroke the Terminator Ding Dong Daddy Doctor Light Duela Dent Dreadbolt Gemini General Immortus Gizmo Gorilla Grodd H'San Natall Jericho Jinx Lady Vic Lord Chaos Mad Mod Madame Rouge Mammoth Mister Twister Mongul Monsieur Mallah Persuader Phobia Plasmus Psimon Ravager The Reach Shimmer Siren Superboy-Prime Terra Trident Trigon Vandal Savage Warp Wintergreen Zookeeper
Organizations
Brotherhood of Evil Dark Nemesis Fearsome Five H.I.V.E. Legion of Doom Terror Titans Titans of Myth Wildebeest Society
Locations
S.T.A.R. Labs
Publications
and storylines
Team Titans Teen Titans: Earth One Teen Titans Go! Teen Titans: The Lost Annual Tiny Titans "Titans Tomorrow" Titans/Young Justice: Graduation Day The Uncanny X-Men and The New Teen Titans "The Lazarus Contract" "Super Sons of Tomorrow" "The Terminus Agenda" "Titans: Beast World"
Affiliated teams
Doom Patrol Legion of Super-Heroes Titans East Young Justice
In other media
Films
Teen Titans
Teen Titans: Trouble in Tokyo (2006) Teen Titans Go! vs. Teen Titans (2019)
DCAMU
Justice League vs. Teen Titans (2016) Teen Titans: The Judas Contract (2017)
Teen Titans Go!
Teen Titans Go! To the Movies (2018) Teen Titans Go! vs. Teen Titans (2019) Teen Titans Go! & DC Super Hero Girls: Mayhem in the Multiverse (2022)
Television
Teen Titans
Episodes
Season 1 2 3 4 5 Characters
Cinderblock Red X
Teen Titans Go!
Episodes Characters "The Night Begins to Shine"
Titans
Season 1 2 3 4 Characters
Dick Grayson
Video games
Teen Titans (2005) Teen Titans (2006)
Category
vte
The Outsiders
Mike W. Barr Jim Aparo
Members
Founders
Batman Black Lightning Geo-Force Halo Katana Metamorpho
Others
Arsenal Atomic Knight (Gardner Grayle) Batgirl (Cassandra Cain) Batwing Batwoman Captain Boomerang (Owen Mercer) Captain Marvel Jr. Grace Choi The Creeper The Eradicator Sebastian Faust Green Arrow Indigo Huntress (Helena Bertinelli) Jade Francine Langstrom Lady Shiva Looker Nightwing The Olympian Owlman (Roy Raymond Jr.) Red Robin ReMAC Starfire Technocrat Duke Thomas Thunder
Supporting characters
Alfred Pennyworth Checkmate Helga Jace Roy Raymond Sapphire Stagg Simon Stagg
Enemies
Baron Bedlam Brother Blood Doctor Sivana Fearsome Five
Doctor Light Gizmo Mammoth Psimon Shimmer Felix Faust Gorilla Grodd Joker Kobra Masters of Disaster Mr. Freeze Nuclear Family Sabbac (Ishmael Gregor) Tobias Whale
Locations
Batcave Stagg Enterprises
Other media
Young Justice: Outsiders
Enemies to the Justice League
vte
Lex Luthor
Jerry Siegel Joe Shuster
Supporting
Bizarro Eve Teschmacher Injustice League Intergang Joker Legion of Doom Lena Luthor LexCorp Lionel Luthor Mercy Graves Metallo Otis Secret Six The Society
Antagonists
Aquaman Batman Captain Marvel Cyborg Darkseid Doomsday Flash Green Arrow Green Lantern Justice League Martian Manhunter Steel Superboy Supergirl Superman Wonder Woman
Storylines
Lex Luthor: Man of Steel Lex Luthor: The Unauthorized Biography
In other media
1978–1987 film series
Lex Luthor
Smallville
Lex Luthor Lionel Luthor
DC Extended Universe
Lex Luthor
Arrowverse
Lex Luthor
Related
LexCorp Lex Luthor: Drop of Doom Alexander Luthor Jr.
vte
The Joker
Bill Finger Bob Kane Jerry Robinson
Supporting characters
Bane Clayface Deadshot Deathstroke Duela Dent Firefly Harley Quinn Hugo Strange Hush Killer Croc Legion of Doom Lex Luthor Mad Hatter Man-Bat Mr. Freeze Penguin Poison Ivy Punchline Ra's al Ghul Riddler Scarecrow Two-Face Victor Zsasz
Antagonists
Batgirl
Barbara Gordon Batman Batwoman
Kate Kane Catwoman Commissioner Gordon Gotham City Police Department
Det. Harvey Bullock Renee Montoya Sarah Essen Harley Quinn Hugo Strange Huntress
Helena Bertinelli) Justice League Nightwing
Dick Grayson Penguin Red Hood
Jason Todd Red Robin
Tim Drake Riddler Robin
Damian Wayne Superman Two-Face
Publications
and stories
The Joker
"The Joker's Double Jeopardy" Batman: The Killing Joke Devil's Advocate Batman: The Man Who Laughs The Further Adventures of The Joker Joker (graphic novel) "The Joker's Millions" Last Laugh "The Man Behind the Red Hood!" "The Return of the Joker" Batman: Three Jokers Joker War
Alternative versions
Red Hood The Batman Who Laughs
In other media
Incarnations
Jack Napier Joker (The Dark Knight) Jerome and Jeremiah Valeska Joker (DC Extended Universe)
Other media
Joker
accolades Joker: Folie à Deux Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker
video game Batman: The Killing Joke "The Joker's Hard Times" "The Joker Is Wild" "The Joker Goes to School" Batman: Return of the Joker "Joker's Favor" "Christmas with the Joker" Mortal Kombat 11 Harley Quinn and The Joker: Sound Mind
Rides
The Joker's Jinx The Joker (S&S Worldwide) The Joker (Six Flags Discovery Kingdom) The Joker Funhouse Coaster The Joker (Six Flags México)
Related
Ace Chemicals Arkham Asylum Barack Obama "Joker" poster Blackgate Penitentiary Georgia Joker Jokermobile Joker Stairs Jokerz The People's Joker
Category
vte
Darkseid
Jack Kirby
Supporting
Crime Syndicate of America Darkseid's Elite
DeSaad Devilance Doctor Bedlam Glorious Godfrey Granny Goodness Kanto Mantis Steppenwolf Virman Vundabar Doomsday Female Furies
Bernadeth Lashina Stompa Grayven Intergang
Bruno Mannheim Morgan Edge Metron Parademons The Society
Antagonists
Ambush Bug Anti-Monitor Aquaman Atom Batgirl (Barbara Gordon) Batman Beast Boy Bekka Big Barda Black Canary Black Racer Blue Beetle Brainiac Cosmic Boy Cyborg Darkstars Deadman Doctor Fate Etrigan the Demon Firestorm Flash Forager Forever People Green Arrow Green Lantern Green Lantern Corps Guardians of the Universe Hawkgirl Hawkman Highfather Himon Impulse Infinity-Man John Constantine John Stewart Joker Justice League Justice League Dark Justice Society Legion of Super-Heroes Lex Luthor Lightray Lobo Martian Manhunter Mera Metron Mister Miracle Monitors Nightwing
Dick Grayson Oberon Orion Phantom Stranger Plastic Man Power Girl Raven Red Tornado Robin
Damian Wayne Sinestro Shazam Sonny Sumo Spectre Starfire Suicide Squad Superboy Supergirl Superman Swamp Thing Takion Teen Titans Vixen Wally West Wonder Girl Wonder Woman Young Justice Zatanna
Storylines
Fourth World Seven Soldiers Legends Countdown to Final Crisis Genesis Cosmic Odyssey Death of the New Gods The Great Darkness Saga Final Crisis
Related
Apokolips New Genesis New Gods Anti-Life Equation Mother Box Boom Tube Source Thanos
Authority control databases Edit this at Wikidata
International
VIAF
National
Germany Israel United States
Categories:
DC Comics teamsJustice League1960 comics debuts1997 comics debuts2006 comics debuts2011 comics debuts2016 comics debuts2018 comics debutsBatman charactersCharacters created by Gardner FoxComics by Brad MeltzerComics by Geoff JohnsComics by Grant MorrisonComics by Keith GiffenComics by Jim LeeComics by Steve EnglehartDC Comics adapted into filmsDC Comics superhero teamsDC Comics titlesFlash (comics) charactersSuperman charactersWonder Woman characters
Top 100 Superhero Movies
The Dark Knight
1. The Dark Knight (2008)
12A | 152 min | Action, Crime, Drama
9 Rate 84 Metascore
When the menace known as the Joker wreaks havoc and chaos on the people of Gotham, Batman must accept one of the greatest psychological and physical tests of his ability to fight injustice.
Director: Christopher Nolan | Stars: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Caine
Votes: 2,838,313 | Gross: $534.86M
Avengers: Endgame
2. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
12A | 181 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
8.4 Rate 78 Metascore
After the devastating events of Avengers: Infinity War (2018), the universe is in ruins. With the help of remaining allies, the Avengers assemble once more in order to reverse Thanos' actions and restore balance to the universe.
Directors: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo | Stars: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth
Votes: 1,247,639 | Gross: $858.37M
Avengers: Infinity War
3. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
12A | 149 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
8.4 Rate 68 Metascore
The Avengers and their allies must be willing to sacrifice all in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe.
Directors: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo | Stars: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans
Votes: 1,185,785 | Gross: $678.82M
The Dark Knight Rises
4. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
12A | 164 min | Action, Drama, Thriller
8.4 Rate 78 Metascore
Eight years after the Joker's reign of chaos, Batman is coerced out of exile with the assistance of the mysterious Selina Kyle in order to defend Gotham City from the vicious guerrilla terrorist Bane.
Director: Christopher Nolan | Stars: Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway, Gary Oldman
Votes: 1,808,496 | Gross: $448.14M
Spider-Man: No Way Home
5. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
12A | 148 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
8.2 Rate 71 Metascore
With Spider-Man's identity now revealed, Peter asks Doctor Strange for help. When a spell goes wrong, dangerous foes from other worlds start to appear, forcing Peter to discover what it truly means to be Spider-Man.
Director: Jon Watts | Stars: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jacob Batalon
Votes: 862,714 | Gross: $804.75M
Logan
6. Logan (2017)
15 | 137 min | Action, Drama, Sci-Fi
8.1 Rate 77 Metascore
In a future where mutants are nearly extinct, an elderly and weary Logan leads a quiet life. But when Laura, a mutant child pursued by scientists, comes to him for help, he must get her to safety.
Director: James Mangold | Stars: Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Dafne Keen, Boyd Holbrook
Votes: 820,728 | Gross: $226.28M
Batman Begins
7. Batman Begins (2005)
12A | 140 min | Action, Crime, Drama
8.2 Rate 70 Metascore
After witnessing his parents' death, Bruce learns the art of fighting to confront injustice. When he returns to Gotham as Batman, he must stop a secret society that intends to destroy the city.
Director: Christopher Nolan | Stars: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Ken Watanabe, Liam Neeson
Votes: 1,562,429 | Gross: $206.85M
Avengers Assemble
8. Avengers Assemble (2012)
12A | 143 min | Action, Sci-Fi
8 Rate 69 Metascore
Earth's mightiest heroes must come together and learn to fight as a team if they are going to stop the mischievous Loki and his alien army from enslaving humanity.
Director: Joss Whedon | Stars: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner
Votes: 1,450,065 | Gross: $623.28M
Iron Man
9. Iron Man (2008)
12A | 126 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
7.9 Rate 79 Metascore
After being held captive in an Afghan cave, billionaire engineer Tony Stark creates a unique weaponized suit of armor to fight evil.
Director: Jon Favreau | Stars: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges
Votes: 1,115,054 | Gross: $318.41M
Kick-Ass
10. Kick-Ass (2010)
15 | 117 min | Action, Comedy, Crime
7.6 Rate 66 Metascore
Dave Lizewski is an unnoticed high school student and comic book fan who one day decides to become a superhero, even though he has no powers, training or meaningful reason to do so.
Director: Matthew Vaughn | Stars: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Nicolas Cage, Chloë Grace Moretz, Garrett M. Brown
Votes: 589,407 | Gross: $48.07M
The Batman
11. The Batman (2022)
15 | 176 min | Action, Crime, Drama
7.8 Rate 72 Metascore
When a sadistic serial killer begins murdering key political figures in Gotham, Batman is forced to investigate the city's hidden corruption and question his family's involvement.
Director: Matt Reeves | Stars: Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz, Jeffrey Wright, Colin Farrell
Votes: 769,305 | Gross: $369.35M
Watchmen
12. Watchmen (2009)
18 | 162 min | Action, Drama, Mystery
7.6 Rate 56 Metascore
In a version of 1985 where superheroes exist, the murder of a colleague sends active vigilante Rorschach on the trail of a conspiracy that will change the course of history.
Director: Zack Snyder | Stars: Jackie Earle Haley, Patrick Wilson, Carla Gugino, Malin Akerman
Votes: 578,331 | Gross: $107.51M
X-Men: Days of Future Past
13. X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
12A | 132 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
7.9 Rate 75 Metascore
The X-Men send Wolverine to the past in a desperate effort to change history and prevent an event that results in doom for both humans and mutants.
Director: Bryan Singer | Stars: Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy
Votes: 740,170 | Gross: $233.92M
Zack Snyder's Justice League
14. Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021)
15 | 242 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
7.9 Rate 54 Metascore
Determined to ensure that Superman's ultimate sacrifice wasn't in vain, Bruce Wayne recruits a team of metahumans to protect the world from an approaching threat of catastrophic proportions.
Director: Zack Snyder | Stars: Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Amy Adams
Votes: 433,959
Guardians of the Galaxy
15. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
12A | 121 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy
8 Rate 76 Metascore
A group of intergalactic criminals must pull together to stop a fanatical warrior with plans to purge the universe.
Director: James Gunn | Stars: Chris Pratt, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Zoe Saldana
Votes: 1,262,713 | Gross: $333.18M
Spider-Man: Homecoming
16. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
12A | 133 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
7.4 Rate 73 Metascore
Peter Parker balances his life as an ordinary high school student in Queens with his superhero alter-ego Spider-Man, and finds himself on the trail of a new menace prowling the skies of New York City.
Director: Jon Watts | Stars: Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Robert Downey Jr., Marisa Tomei
Votes: 711,405 | Gross: $334.20M
Deadpool 2
17. Deadpool 2 (2018)
15 | 119 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy
7.6 Rate 66 Metascore
Foul-mouthed mutant mercenary Wade Wilson (a.k.a. Deadpool) assembles a team of fellow mutant rogues to protect a young boy with supernatural abilities from the brutal, time-traveling cyborg Cable.
Director: David Leitch | Stars: Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin, Morena Baccarin, Julian Dennison
Votes: 635,309 | Gross: $324.59M
X-Men: First Class
18. X-Men: First Class (2011)
12A | 131 min | Action, Sci-Fi
7.7 Rate 65 Metascore
In the 1960s, superpowered humans Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr work together to find others like them, but Erik's vengeful pursuit of an ambitious mutant who ruined his life causes a schism to divide them.
Director: Matthew Vaughn | Stars: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Kevin Bacon
Votes: 718,859 | Gross: $146.41M
Avengers: Age of Ultron
19. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
12A | 141 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
7.3 Rate 66 Metascore
When Tony Stark and Bruce Banner try to jump-start a dormant peacekeeping program called Ultron, things go horribly wrong and it's up to Earth's mightiest heroes to stop the villainous Ultron from enacting his terrible plan.
Director: Joss Whedon | Stars: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth
Votes: 913,910 | Gross: $459.01M
Thor: Ragnarok
20. Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
12A | 130 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy
7.9 Rate 74 Metascore
Imprisoned on the planet Sakaar, Thor must race against time to return to Asgard and stop Ragnarök, the destruction of his world, at the hands of the powerful and ruthless villain Hela.
Director: Taika Waititi | Stars: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Mark Ruffalo
Votes: 808,214 | Gross: $315.06M
Deadpool
21. Deadpool (2016)
15 | 108 min | Action, Comedy
8 Rate 65 Metascore
A wisecracking mercenary gets experimented on and becomes immortal yet hideously scarred, and sets out to track down the man who ruined his looks.
Director: Tim Miller | Stars: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, T.J. Miller, Ed Skrein
Votes: 1,111,170 | Gross: $363.07M
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
22. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
12A | 150 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy
7.9 Rate 64 Metascore
Still reeling from the loss of Gamora, Peter Quill rallies his team to defend the universe and one of their own - a mission that could mean the end of the Guardians if not successful.
Director: James Gunn | Stars: Chris Pratt, Chukwudi Iwuji, Bradley Cooper, Pom Klementieff
Votes: 368,839 | Gross: $359.00M
X-Men 2
23. X-Men 2 (2003)
12A | 134 min | Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller
7.4 Rate 68 Metascore
When anti-mutant Colonel William Stryker kidnaps Professor X and attacks his school, the X-Men must ally with their archenemy Magneto to stop him.
Director: Bryan Singer | Stars: Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, Ian McKellen
Votes: 572,001 | Gross: $214.95M
Aquaman
24. Aquaman (2018)
12A | 143 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
6.8 Rate 55 Metascore
Arthur Curry, the human-born heir to the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, goes on a quest to prevent a war between the worlds of ocean and land.
Director: James Wan | Stars: Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, Willem Dafoe, Patrick Wilson
Votes: 515,161 | Gross: $335.06M
The Suicide Squad
25. The Suicide Squad (2021)
15 | 132 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy
7.2 Rate 72 Metascore
Supervillains Harley Quinn, Bloodsport, Peacemaker, and a collection of nutty cons at Belle Reve prison join the super-secret, super-shady Task Force X as they are dropped off at the remote, enemy-infused island of Corto Maltese.
Director: James Gunn | Stars: Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, John Cena, Joel Kinnaman
Votes: 402,184 | Gross: $55.82M
Wonder Woman
26. Wonder Woman (2017)
12A | 141 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
7.3 Rate 76 Metascore
When a pilot crashes and tells of conflict in the outside world, Diana, an Amazonian warrior in training, leaves home to fight a war, discovering her full powers and true destiny.
Director: Patty Jenkins | Stars: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Robin Wright, Lucy Davis
Votes: 694,640 | Gross: $412.56M
Dredd
27. Dredd (2012)
18 | 95 min | Action, Crime, Sci-Fi
7.1 Rate 60 Metascore
In a violent, futuristic city where the police have the authority to act as judge, jury and executioner, a cop teams with a trainee to take down a gang that deals the reality-altering drug, SLO-MO.
Director: Pete Travis | Stars: Karl Urban, Olivia Thirlby, Lena Headey, Rachel Wood
Votes: 292,027 | Gross: $13.41M
The Crow
28. The Crow (1994)
18 | 102 min | Action, Crime, Drama
7.5 Rate 71 Metascore
A man brutally murdered comes back to life as an undead avenger of his and his fiancée's murder.
Director: Alex Proyas | Stars: Brandon Lee, Michael Wincott, Rochelle Davis, Ernie Hudson
Votes: 197,323 | Gross: $50.69M
Shazam!
29. Shazam! (2019)
12A | 132 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy
7 Rate 71 Metascore
A newly fostered young boy in search of his mother instead finds unexpected super powers and soon gains a powerful enemy.
Director: David F. Sandberg | Stars: Zachary Levi, Mark Strong, Asher Angel, Jack Dylan Grazer
Votes: 381,205 | Gross: $140.37M
Superman
30. Superman (1978)
A | 143 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
7.4 Rate 82 Metascore
An alien orphan is sent from his dying planet to Earth, where he grows up to become his adoptive home's first and greatest superhero.
Director: Richard Donner | Stars: Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Gene Hackman, Marlon Brando
Votes: 186,094 | Gross: $134.22M
Iron Man 3
31. Iron Man 3 (2013)
12A | 130 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
7.1 Rate 62 Metascore
When Tony Stark's world is torn apart by a formidable terrorist called the Mandarin, he starts an odyssey of rebuilding and retribution.
Director: Shane Black | Stars: Robert Downey Jr., Guy Pearce, Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle
Votes: 892,655 | Gross: $409.01M
X-Men
32. X-Men (2000)
12A | 104 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
7.3 Rate 64 Metascore
In a world where mutants (evolved super-powered humans) exist and are discriminated against, two groups form for an inevitable clash: the supremacist Brotherhood, and the pacifist X-Men.
Director: Bryan Singer | Stars: Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, Famke Janssen
Votes: 641,322 | Gross: $157.30M
The Amazing Spider-Man
33. The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
12A | 136 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
6.9 Rate 66 Metascore
After Peter Parker is bitten by a genetically altered spider, he gains newfound, spider-like powers and ventures out to save the city from the machinations of a mysterious reptilian foe.
Director: Marc Webb | Stars: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Irrfan Khan
Votes: 695,854 | Gross: $262.03M
The Incredible Hulk
34. The Incredible Hulk (2008)
12A | 112 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
6.6 Rate 61 Metascore
Bruce Banner, a scientist on the run from the U.S. Government, must find a cure for the monster he turns into whenever he loses his temper.
Director: Louis Leterrier | Stars: Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, William Hurt
Votes: 519,783 | Gross: $134.52M
Man of Steel
35. Man of Steel (2013)
12A | 143 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
7.1 Rate 55 Metascore
An alien child is evacuated from his dying world and sent to Earth to live among humans. His peace is threatened when other survivors of his home planet invade Earth.
Director: Zack Snyder | Stars: Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Diane Lane
Votes: 807,055 | Gross: $291.05M
Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2
36. Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2 (2017)
12A | 136 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy
7.6 Rate 67 Metascore
The Guardians struggle to keep together as a team while dealing with their personal family issues, notably Star-Lord's encounter with his father, the ambitious celestial being Ego.
Director: James Gunn | Stars: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel
Votes: 751,615 | Gross: $389.81M
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut
37. Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut (1980)
PG | 116 min | Action, Adventure, Romance
7.6 Rate
Superman agrees to sacrifice his powers to start a relationship with Lois Lane, unaware that three Kryptonian criminals he inadvertently released are conquering Earth.
Directors: Richard Donner, Richard Lester | Stars: Gene Hackman, Christopher Reeve, Marlon Brando, Ned Beatty
Votes: 18,840
Blade
38. Blade (1998)
18 | 120 min | Action, Horror, Sci-Fi
7.1 Rate 47 Metascore
A half-vampire, half-mortal man becomes a protector of the mortal race, while slaying evil vampires.
Director: Stephen Norrington | Stars: Wesley Snipes, Stephen Dorff, Kris Kristofferson, N'Bushe Wright
Votes: 295,612 | Gross: $70.09M
The Wolverine
39. The Wolverine (2013)
12A | 126 min | Action, Sci-Fi
6.7 Rate 61 Metascore
Wolverine comes to Japan to meet an old friend whose life he saved years ago, and gets embroiled in a conspiracy involving yakuza and mutants.
Director: James Mangold | Stars: Hugh Jackman, Will Yun Lee, Tao Okamoto, Rila Fukushima
Votes: 488,297 | Gross: $132.56M
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
40. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
12A | 136 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
7.7 Rate 70 Metascore
As Steve Rogers struggles to embrace his role in the modern world, he teams up with a fellow Avenger and S.H.I.E.L.D agent, Black Widow, to battle a new threat from history: an assassin known as the Winter Soldier.
Directors: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo | Stars: Chris Evans, Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Robert Redford
Votes: 892,359 | Gross: $259.77M
Super
41. Super (I) (2010)
18 | 96 min | Action, Comedy, Crime
6.7 Rate 50 Metascore
After his wife falls under the influence of a drug dealer, an everyday guy transforms himself into Crimson Bolt, a superhero with the best intentions, but lacking in heroic skills.
Director: James Gunn | Stars: Rainn Wilson, Elliot Page, Liv Tyler, Kevin Bacon
Votes: 83,408 | Gross: $0.32M
Ant-Man
42. Ant-Man (2015)
12A | 117 min | Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi
7.2 Rate 64 Metascore
Armed with a super-suit with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, cat burglar Scott Lang must embrace his inner hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym, pull off a plan that will save the world.
Director: Peyton Reed | Stars: Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Corey Stoll, Evangeline Lilly
Votes: 715,967 | Gross: $180.20M
Venom
43. Venom (2018)
15 | 112 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
6.6 Rate 35 Metascore
A failed reporter is bonded to an alien entity, one of many symbiotes who have invaded Earth. But the being takes a liking to Earth and decides to protect it.
Director: Ruben Fleischer | Stars: Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, Riz Ahmed, Scott Haze
Votes: 531,478 | Gross: $213.52M
Black Adam
44. Black Adam (2022)
12A | 125 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
6.2 Rate 41 Metascore
Nearly 5,000 years after he was bestowed with the almighty powers of the Egyptian gods--and imprisoned just as quickly--Black Adam is freed from his earthly tomb, ready to unleash his unique form of justice on the modern world.
Director: Jaume Collet-Serra | Stars: Dwayne Johnson, Aldis Hodge, Pierce Brosnan, Noah Centineo
Votes: 269,437 | Gross: $168.15M
Spider-Man 2
45. Spider-Man 2 (2004)
PG | 127 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
7.5 Rate 83 Metascore
Peter Parker is beset with troubles in his failing personal life as he battles a former brilliant scientist named Otto Octavius.
Director: Sam Raimi | Stars: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Alfred Molina, James Franco
Votes: 700,196 | Gross: $373.59M
Captain America: Civil War
46. Captain America: Civil War (2016)
12A | 147 min | Action, Sci-Fi
7.8 Rate 75 Metascore
Political involvement in the Avengers' affairs causes a rift between Captain America and Iron Man.
Directors: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo | Stars: Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan
Votes: 842,193 | Gross: $408.08M
Doctor Strange
47. Doctor Strange (2016)
12A | 115 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
7.5 Rate 72 Metascore
While on a journey of physical and spiritual healing, a brilliant neurosurgeon is drawn into the world of the mystic arts.
Director: Scott Derrickson | Stars: Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong
Votes: 796,381 | Gross: $232.64M
Captain Marvel
48. Captain Marvel (2019)
12A | 123 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
6.8 Rate 64 Metascore
Carol Danvers becomes one of the universe's most powerful heroes when Earth is caught in the middle of a galactic war between two alien races.
Directors: Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck | Stars: Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Mendelsohn, Jude Law
Votes: 604,533 | Gross: $426.83M
Spider-Man: Far from Home
49. Spider-Man: Far from Home (2019)
12A | 129 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy
7.4 Rate 69 Metascore
Following the events of Avengers: Endgame (2019), Spider-Man must step up to take on new threats in a world that has changed forever.
Director: Jon Watts | Stars: Tom Holland, Samuel L. Jackson, Jake Gyllenhaal, Marisa Tomei
Votes: 547,813 | Gross: $390.53M
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
50. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
12A | 126 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
6.9 Rate 60 Metascore
Doctor Strange teams up with a mysterious teenage girl from his dreams who can travel across multiverses, to battle multiple threats, including other-universe versions of himself, which threaten to wipe out millions across the multiverse. They seek help from Wanda the Scarlet Witch, Wong and others.
Director: Sam Raimi | Stars: Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Wong
Votes: 469,993 | Gross: $411.33M
Thor: The Dark World
51. Thor: The Dark World (2013)
12A | 112 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
6.8 Rate 54 Metascore
When the Dark Elves attempt to plunge the universe into darkness, Thor must embark on a perilous and personal journey that will reunite him with doctor Jane Foster.
Director: Alan Taylor | Stars: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgård
Votes: 719,455 | Gross: $206.36M
Suicide Squad
52. Suicide Squad (2016)
15 | 123 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
5.9 Rate 40 Metascore
A secret government agency recruits some of the most dangerous incarcerated super-villains to form a defensive task force. Their first mission: save the world from the apocalypse.
Director: David Ayer | Stars: Will Smith, Jared Leto, Margot Robbie, Viola Davis
Votes: 717,875 | Gross: $325.10M
Captain America: The First Avenger
53. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
12A | 124 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
6.9 Rate 66 Metascore
Steve Rogers, a rejected military soldier, transforms into Captain America after taking a dose of a "Super-Soldier serum". But being Captain America comes at a price as he attempts to take down a warmonger and a terrorist organization.
Director: Joe Johnston | Stars: Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving, Samuel L. Jackson, Hayley Atwell
Votes: 889,982 | Gross: $176.65M
Thor
54. Thor (2011)
12A | 115 min | Action, Fantasy
7 Rate 57 Metascore
The powerful but arrogant god Thor is cast out of Asgard to live amongst humans in Midgard (Earth), where he soon becomes one of their finest defenders.
Director: Kenneth Branagh | Stars: Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Hopkins, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston
Votes: 893,543 | Gross: $181.03M
Spider-Man
55. Spider-Man (2002)
12 | 121 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
7.4 Rate 73 Metascore
After being bitten by a genetically-modified spider, a shy teenager gains spider-like abilities that he uses to fight injustice as a masked superhero and face a vengeful enemy.
Director: Sam Raimi | Stars: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Willem Dafoe, James Franco
Votes: 870,178 | Gross: $403.71M
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
56. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
12A | 151 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
6.5 Rate 44 Metascore
Batman is manipulated by Lex Luthor to fear Superman. Superman´s existence is meanwhile dividing the world and he is framed for murder during an international crisis. The heroes clash and force the neutral Wonder Woman to reemerge.
Director: Zack Snyder | Stars: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Jesse Eisenberg
Votes: 748,326 | Gross: $330.36M
Ultimate Edition
Chronicle
57. Chronicle (2012)
15 | 89 min | Action, Drama, Sci-Fi
7 Rate 69 Metascore
Three high school friends gain superpowers after making an incredible discovery underground. Soon they find their lives spinning out of control and their bond tested as they embrace their darker sides.
Director: Josh Trank | Stars: Dane DeHaan, Alex Russell, Michael B. Jordan, Michael Kelly
Votes: 263,001 | Gross: $64.58M
Blade II
58. Blade II (2002)
18 | 117 min | Action, Horror, Sci-Fi
6.7 Rate 52 Metascore
Blade forms an uneasy alliance with the vampire council in order to combat the Reapers, who are feeding on vampires.
Director: Guillermo del Toro | Stars: Wesley Snipes, Kris Kristofferson, Ron Perlman, Leonor Varela
Votes: 232,482 | Gross: $82.35M
Batman
59. Batman (1989)
12 | 126 min | Action, Adventure
7.5 Rate 69 Metascore
The Dark Knight of Gotham City begins his war on crime with his first major enemy being Jack Napier, a criminal who becomes the clownishly homicidal Joker.
Director: Tim Burton | Stars: Michael Keaton, Jack Nicholson, Kim Basinger, Robert Wuhl
Votes: 401,011 | Gross: $251.19M
Flash Gordon
60. Flash Gordon (1980)
A | 111 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
6.5 Rate 58 Metascore
A football player and his friends travel to the planet Mongo and find themselves fighting the tyranny of Ming the Merciless to save Earth.
Director: Mike Hodges | Stars: Sam J. Jones, Melody Anderson, Max von Sydow, Topol
Votes: 60,951
Ant-Man and the Wasp
61. Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)
12A | 118 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy
7 Rate 70 Metascore
As Scott Lang balances being both a superhero and a father, Hope van Dyne and Dr. Hank Pym present an urgent new mission that finds the Ant-Man fighting alongside The Wasp to uncover secrets from their past.
Director: Peyton Reed | Stars: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Peña, Walton Goggins
Votes: 444,740 | Gross: $216.65M
The Amazing Spider-Man 2
62. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)
12A | 142 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
6.6 Rate 53 Metascore
When New York is put under siege by Oscorp, it is up to Spider-Man to save the city he swore to protect as well as his loved ones.
Director: Marc Webb | Stars: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Jamie Foxx, Paul Giamatti
Votes: 532,480 | Gross: $202.85M
Hellboy II: The Golden Army
63. Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008)
12A | 120 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
7 Rate 78 Metascore
A prince of the mythical world starts a rebellion against humanity in order to rule the Earth. Hellboy and his team must fight to stop him from locating the all-powerful Golden Army.
Director: Guillermo del Toro | Stars: Ron Perlman, Selma Blair, Doug Jones, John Alexander
Votes: 284,291 | Gross: $75.75M
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
64. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)
12A | 112 min | Action, Comedy, Fantasy
7.6 Rate 69 Metascore
In a magically realistic version of Toronto, a young man must defeat his new girlfriend's seven evil exes one by one in order to win her heart.
Director: Edgar Wright | Stars: Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Kieran Culkin, Anna Kendrick
Votes: 461,852 | Gross: $31.49M
Hellboy
65. Hellboy (2004)
12A | 122 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
6.8 Rate 72 Metascore
A demon raised from infancy after being conjured by and rescued from the Nazis, grows up to become a defender against the forces of darkness.
Director: Guillermo del Toro | Stars: Ron Perlman, Doug Jones, Selma Blair, John Hurt
Votes: 347,334 | Gross: $59.62M
The Mask
66. The Mask (1994)
PG | 101 min | Action, Comedy, Crime
6.9 Rate 59 Metascore
Bank clerk Stanley Ipkiss is transformed into a manic superhero when he wears a mysterious mask.
Director: Chuck Russell | Stars: Jim Carrey, Cameron Diaz, Peter Riegert, Peter Greene
Votes: 415,530 | Gross: $119.94M
Superman Returns
67. Superman Returns (2006)
12A | 154 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
6.1 Rate 72 Metascore
Superman returns to Earth after spending five years in space examining his homeworld Krypton. But he finds things have changed while he was gone, and he must once again prove himself important to the world.
Director: Bryan Singer | Stars: Brandon Routh, Kevin Spacey, Kate Bosworth, James Marsden
Votes: 290,471 | Gross: $200.08M
Batman Returns
68. Batman Returns (1992)
12 | 126 min | Action, Crime, Fantasy
7.1 Rate 68 Metascore
While Batman deals with a deformed man calling himself the Penguin wreaking havoc across Gotham with the help of a cruel businessman, a female employee of the latter becomes the Catwoman with her own vendetta.
Director: Tim Burton | Stars: Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken
Votes: 324,819 | Gross: $162.83M
Defendor
69. Defendor (2009)
15 | 101 min | Comedy, Crime, Drama
6.7 Rate 57 Metascore
Arthur Poppington, a regular man who adopts a superhero persona, known as "Defendor", combs the city streets at night, in search of his archenemy, Captain Industry.
Director: Peter Stebbings | Stars: Woody Harrelson, Kat Dennings, Sandra Oh, Elias Koteas
Votes: 37,459 | Gross: $0.04M
Constantine
70. Constantine (2005)
15 | 121 min | Action, Fantasy, Horror
7 Rate 50 Metascore
Supernatural exorcist and demonologist John Constantine helps a policewoman prove her sister's death was not a suicide, but something more.
Director: Francis Lawrence | Stars: Keanu Reeves, Rachel Weisz, Djimon Hounsou, Shia LaBeouf
Votes: 370,490 | Gross: $75.98M
Hancock
71. Hancock (2008)
12A | 92 min | Action, Comedy, Drama
6.4 Rate 49 Metascore
Hancock is a superhero whose ill-considered behavior regularly causes damage in the millions. He changes when the person he saves helps him improve his public image.
Director: Peter Berg | Stars: Will Smith, Charlize Theron, Jason Bateman, Jae Head
Votes: 508,159 | Gross: $227.95M
Iron Man 2
72. Iron Man 2 (2010)
12A | 124 min | Action, Sci-Fi
6.9 Rate 57 Metascore
With the world now aware of his identity as Iron Man, Tony Stark must contend with both his declining health and a vengeful mad man with ties to his father's legacy.
Director: Jon Favreau | Stars: Robert Downey Jr., Mickey Rourke, Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle
Votes: 861,316 | Gross: $312.43M
Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles
73. Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles (1990)
93 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy
6.8 Rate 51 Metascore
Four teenage mutant ninja turtles emerge from the shadows to protect New York City from a gang of criminal ninjas.
Director: Steve Barron | Stars: Judith Hoag, Elias Koteas, Josh Pais, David Forman
Votes: 103,916 | Gross: $135.27M
X-Men: Apocalypse
74. X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)
12A | 144 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
6.9 Rate 52 Metascore
In the 1980s the X-Men must defeat an ancient all-powerful mutant, En Sabah Nur, who intends to thrive through bringing destruction to the world.
Director: Bryan Singer | Stars: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult
Votes: 457,299 | Gross: $155.44M
Black Panther
75. Black Panther (2018)
12A | 134 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
7.3 Rate 88 Metascore
T'Challa, heir to the hidden but advanced kingdom of Wakanda, must step forward to lead his people into a new future and must confront a challenger from his country's past.
Director: Ryan Coogler | Stars: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira
Votes: 829,936 | Gross: $700.06M
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
76. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)
12A | 124 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy
6.1 Rate 48 Metascore
Scott Lang and Hope Van Dyne are dragged into the Quantum Realm, along with Hope's parents and Scott's daughter Cassie. Together they must find a way to escape, but what secrets is Hope's mother hiding? And who is the mysterious Kang?
Director: Peyton Reed | Stars: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas, Michelle Pfeiffer
Votes: 221,661 | Gross: $214.50M
Kick-Ass 2
77. Kick-Ass 2 (2013)
15 | 103 min | Action, Comedy, Crime
6.5 Rate 41 Metascore
Following Kick-Ass' heroics, other citizens are inspired to become masked crusaders, but Red Mist leads his own group of evil super-villains to get revenge, kill Kick-Ass, and destroy everything he stands for.
Director: Jeff Wadlow | Stars: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Chloë Grace Moretz, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Jim Carrey
Votes: 286,508 | Gross: $28.80M
Hulk
78. Hulk (2003)
12A | 138 min | Action, Sci-Fi
5.6 Rate 54 Metascore
Bruce Banner, a genetics researcher with a tragic past, suffers an accident that causes him to transform into a raging green monster when he gets angry.
Director: Ang Lee | Stars: Eric Bana, Jennifer Connelly, Sam Elliott, Josh Lucas
Votes: 277,339 | Gross: $132.18M
X-Men Origins: Wolverine
79. X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
12A | 107 min | Action, Sci-Fi
6.5 Rate 40 Metascore
The early years of James Logan, featuring his rivalry with his brother Victor Creed, his service in the special forces team Weapon X, and his experimentation into the metal-lined mutant Wolverine.
Director: Gavin Hood | Stars: Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber, Ryan Reynolds, Danny Huston
Votes: 526,659 | Gross: $179.88M
Batman Forever
80. Batman Forever (1995)
12 | 121 min | Action, Adventure
5.4 Rate 54 Metascore
Batman must battle former district attorney Harvey Dent, who is now Two-Face and Edward Nygma, The Riddler with help from an amorous psychologist and a young circus acrobat who becomes his sidekick, Robin.
Director: Joel Schumacher | Stars: Val Kilmer, Tommy Lee Jones, Jim Carrey, Nicole Kidman
Votes: 265,032 | Gross: $184.03M
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
81. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
12A | 132 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
7.4 Rate 71 Metascore
Shang-Chi, the master of weaponry-based Kung Fu, is forced to confront his past after being drawn into the Ten Rings organization.
Director: Destin Daniel Cretton | Stars: Simu Liu, Awkwafina, Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Ben Kingsley
Votes: 429,147 | Gross: $224.54M
Venom: Let There Be Carnage
82. Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021)
15 | 97 min | Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller
5.9 Rate 49 Metascore
Eddie Brock attempts to reignite his career by interviewing serial killer Cletus Kasady, who becomes the host of the symbiote Carnage and escapes prison after a failed execution.
Director: Andy Serkis | Stars: Tom Hardy, Woody Harrelson, Michelle Williams, Naomie Harris
Votes: 255,254 | Gross: $213.55M
X-Men: The Last Stand
83. X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
12A | 104 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
6.6 Rate 58 Metascore
The human government develops a cure for mutations, and Jean Gray becomes a darker uncontrollable persona called the Phoenix who allies with Magneto, causing escalation into an all-out battle for the X-Men.
Director: Brett Ratner | Stars: Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, Famke Janssen
Votes: 537,027 | Gross: $234.36M
Spider-Man 3
84. Spider-Man 3 (2007)
12A | 139 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
6.3 Rate 59 Metascore
A strange black entity from another world bonds with Peter Parker and causes inner turmoil as he contends with new villains, temptations, and revenge.
Director: Sam Raimi | Stars: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Topher Grace, Thomas Haden Church
Votes: 630,923 | Gross: $336.53M
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows
85. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows (2016)
12A | 112 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy
5.9 Rate 40 Metascore
The Turtles get into another battle with their enemy the Shredder, who has acquired new allies: the mutant thugs Bebop and Rocksteady and the alien being Krang.
Director: Dave Green | Stars: Megan Fox, Will Arnett, Tyler Perry, Laura Linney
Votes: 99,112 | Gross: $82.05M
Blade: Trinity
86. Blade: Trinity (2004)
15 | 113 min | Action, Horror, Sci-Fi
5.8 Rate 38 Metascore
Blade, now a wanted man by the FBI, must join forces with the Nightstalkers to face his most challenging enemy yet: Dracula.
Director: David S. Goyer | Stars: Wesley Snipes, Kris Kristofferson, Parker Posey, Ryan Reynolds
Votes: 187,040 | Gross: $52.41M
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
87. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014)
12A | 101 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy
5.8 Rate 31 Metascore
When a kingpin threatens New York City, a group of mutated turtle warriors must emerge from the shadows to protect their home.
Director: Jonathan Liebesman | Stars: Megan Fox, Will Arnett, William Fichtner, Noel Fisher
Votes: 218,995 | Gross: $191.20M
The New Mutants
88. The New Mutants (2020)
15 | 94 min | Action, Horror, Mystery
5.3 Rate 43 Metascore
Five young mutants, just discovering their abilities while held in a secret facility against their will, fight to escape their past sins and save themselves.
Director: Josh Boone | Stars: Maisie Williams, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Heaton, Alice Braga
Votes: 88,157 | Gross: $23.86M
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze
89. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze (1991)
88 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy
6 Rate 45 Metascore
The Turtles discover their origins while they endeavour to save New York City from the evil Shredder and his Foot Clan.
Director: Michael Pressman | Stars: Paige Turco, David Warner, Michelan Sisti, Leif Tilden
Votes: 60,562 | Gross: $78.66M
Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer
90. Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007)
PG | 92 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
5.6 Rate 45 Metascore
The Fantastic Four learn that they aren't the only super-powered beings in the universe when they square off against the powerful Silver Surfer and the planet-eating Galactus.
Director: Tim Story | Stars: Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans, Michael Chiklis
Votes: 275,904 | Gross: $131.92M
Green Lantern
91. Green Lantern (2011)
12A | 114 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
5.5 Rate 39 Metascore
Reckless test pilot Hal Jordan is granted an alien ring that bestows him with otherworldly powers that inducts him into an intergalactic police force, the Green Lantern Corps.
Director: Martin Campbell | Stars: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Mark Strong
Votes: 294,828 | Gross: $116.60M
Fantastic Four
92. Fantastic Four (I) (2005)
PG | 106 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
5.7 Rate 40 Metascore
A group of astronauts gain superpowers after a cosmic radiation exposure and must use them to oppose the plans of their enemy, Doctor Victor Von Doom.
Director: Tim Story | Stars: Ioan Gruffudd, Michael Chiklis, Chris Evans, Jessica Alba
Votes: 341,971 | Gross: $154.70M
Watch on Prime Video
rent/buy from GBP3.09
X-Men: Dark Phoenix
93. X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019)
12A | 113 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
5.7 Rate 43 Metascore
Jean Grey begins to develop incredible powers that corrupt and turn her into a Dark Phoenix, causing the X-Men to decide if her life is worth more than all of humanity.
Director: Simon Kinberg | Stars: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult
Votes: 202,414 | Gross: $65.85M
Watch on Prime Video
rent/buy from GBP2.49
Ghost Rider
94. Ghost Rider (2007)
12A | 110 min | Action, Fantasy, Thriller
5.3 Rate 35 Metascore
When motorcycle rider Johnny Blaze sells his soul to the Devil to save his father's life, he is transformed into the Ghost Rider, the Devil's own bounty hunter, and is sent to hunt down sinners.
Director: Mark Steven Johnson | Stars: Nicolas Cage, Eva Mendes, Sam Elliott, Matt Long
Votes: 250,643 | Gross: $115.80M
Birds of Prey
95. Birds of Prey (2020)
15 | 109 min | Action, Comedy, Crime
6.1 Rate 60 Metascore
After splitting with the Joker, Harley Quinn joins superheroines Black Canary, Huntress, and Renee Montoya to save a young girl from an evil crime lord.
Director: Cathy Yan | Stars: Margot Robbie, Rosie Perez, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jurnee Smollett
Votes: 262,136 | Gross: $84.16M
Daredevil
96. Daredevil (2003)
15 | 103 min | Action, Crime
5.3 Rate 42 Metascore
A man blinded by toxic waste which also enhanced his remaining senses fights crime as an acrobatic martial arts superhero.
Director: Mark Steven Johnson | Stars: Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, Colin Farrell, Michael Clarke Duncan
Votes: 228,026 | Gross: $102.54M
Eternals
97. Eternals (2021)
12A | 156 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
6.3 Rate 52 Metascore
The saga of the Eternals, a race of immortal beings who lived on Earth and shaped its history and civilizations.
Director: Chloé Zhao | Stars: Gemma Chan, Richard Madden, Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek
Votes: 380,622 | Gross: $164.87M
Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance
98. Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2011)
12A | 96 min | Action, Fantasy, Thriller
4.3 Rate 34 Metascore
Johnny Blaze, tortured by the Ghost Rider's curse, gets a chance of redemption through protecting the Devil's son, whose father is pursuing him.
Directors: Mark Neveldine, Brian Taylor | Stars: Nicolas Cage, Ciarán Hinds, Idris Elba, Violante Placido
Votes: 125,460 | Gross: $51.77M
Batman & Robin
99. Batman & Robin (1997)
PG | 125 min | Action, Sci-Fi
3.8 Rate 29 Metascore
Batman and Robin try to keep their relationship together even as they must stop Mr. Freeze and Poison Ivy from freezing Gotham City.
Director: Joel Schumacher | Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger, George Clooney, Chris O'Donnell, Uma Thurman
Votes: 266,481 | Gross: $107.33M
Fantastic Four
100. Fantastic Four (2015)
12A | 100 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
4.3 Rate 27 Metascore
Four young outsiders teleport to an alternate and dangerous universe which alters their physical form in shocking ways. The four must learn to harness their new abilities and work together to save Earth from a former friend turned enemy.
Director: Josh Trank | Stars: Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Bell