Best Justice League Leaders in DC

Summary

• Superman embodies compassion, justice and experience, making him a natural leader of the Justice League.

• Batman's strategic mind and planning skills could make him an ideal leader despite his sometimes controversial methods.

• Martian Manhunter's intelligence, level-headedness, and experience make him a strong and underrated choice to lead the Justice League.

The Justice League is the premier team of heroes in the DC Universe and one of the most popular superhero teams in fiction. Although the initial cast almost always consisted of seven main members, there have been over 150 members in the Justice League since its debut in issue 28 of The Brave and the Bold in 1960.

Although the League is intended as a group of heroes working together as a team with no defined leader, there have been many leaders over the years, whether by consensus among fans or by the in-universe characters. Here are the best leaders of the Justice League.

1

Superman

The Last Son of Krypton

• First appearance – Action Comics #1 (1938)
• Creator -Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster
• Real name – Clark Kent, Kal-El

Superman is the best leader of the Justice League. Despite his immense powers, it is his moral compass and good heart that make him a great leader. His compassion, experience, sense of justice and general presence often lead to him taking on the leadership role even when it is not intended.

Although Man of Steel's boy scout nature leads him to save everyone, including villains, he is known for making difficult decisions and making sacrifices when the situation is at its worst. As the beacon of hope for the entire DC Universe, Superman is the natural choice.

2

Batman

The world's greatest detective

• First appearance – Detective Comics #27 (1939)
• Creator -Bill Finger, Bob Kane
• Real name -Bruce Wayne

Many fans would argue that Batman is the best leader of the Justice League, and that's a valid argument. Batman is perhaps the best strategist and tactician in all of DC, which is ideal for being the leader of the world's most important superhero team.

The Dark Knight is a master planner and plans to eliminate not only most of the villains, but also most of the heroes. It is these contingencies that both help and hinder Batman from becoming the best leader of the Justice League. From a fan perspective it makes perfect sense, but in-universe most characters distrust Batman because of these plans, and a leader must be trusted and trusted by his teammates.

3

Martian Manhunter

The Mars Detective

• First appearance – Detective Comics #225 (1955)
• Creator -Joseph Samachson, Joe Certa
• Real name – J'onn J'onzz

Martian Manhunter is perhaps one of the Justice League's most underrated heroes and arguably one of the most powerful. What makes Martain Manhunter one of the Justice League's best leaders is his lack of attachment to any particular place on Earth.

Unlike Superman and Batman who have specific places they monitor like Metropolis and Gotham, Martian Manhunter doesn't have a specific place he needs to be, allowing him to watch over the entire planet from the Watchtower. He is level-headed, extremely intelligent and has great experience, all ideal qualities for a leader. Batman himself has stated that he believes Martian Manhunter is the best leader of the Justice League.

4

Black canary

The chosen leader

• First appearance – Flash Comics #86 (1947)
• Creator – Robert Kanigher, Carmine Infantito
• Real name – Dinah Drake / Dinah Laruel Lance

The Black Canary was the first member of the Justice League to be elected chairman/leader. Her experience, compassion and strategic mind gave her an edge and the support of her fellow heroes, and she did a fantastic job as a leader.

Although it was later revealed that Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman chose Dinah because they couldn't commit to running the League themselves, the fact that they chose her over any other Justice League member is a distinction for themselves.

5

Wonder Woman

The Princess of Themyscira

• First appearance – All Star Comics #8 (1941)
• Creator -William Moulton Marston
• Real name -Diana Prince

As part of the DC trinity with Superman and Batman, Wonder Woman is a popular choice to lead the Justice League. Through her upbringing, Diana Prince was groomed to be the future leader of the Amazons and therefore has extensive experience, knowledge and training for a leadership role.

Over the years, Wonder Woman has taken on the leadership role on many occasions, most notably during the Darkseid War. Wonder Woman was also the leader of the Justice League Dark and arguably their best leader.

6

Aquaman

The King of Atlantis

• First appearance – More funny comics #73 (1941)
• Creator – Paul Norris, Mort Weisinger
• Real name – Arthur Curry / Orin Atlanson

Although many fans consider Aquaman to be a joke, he is one of the most important members of the Justice League, especially when it comes to a sea-related threat. As a founding member of the original Justice League cast, Aquaman has led the League on many occasions.

Perhaps the most notable portrayal of Aquaman as leader of the Justice League comes from the animated series Young Justice. Despite being the second Aquaman, Kaldur'ahm, his skills, experience, and general personality are virtually identical to the original. As leader, Aquaman led the Justice League through some of the most difficult times in this universe.

7

Green arrow

The Emerald Archer

• First appearance – More funny comics #73 (1941)
• Creator – Mort Weisinger, George Papp
• Real name -Oliver Jonas Queen

Although Green Arrow wasn't actually the leader of the Justice League in the comics, he may be the League's best leader in live action. In the CW-verse, better known as the Arrowverse, Oliver Queen leads this universe's version of the Justice League.

As leader, Green Arrow led the team against one of the greatest threats in the DC Universe, the Anti-Monitor, even giving his own life to defeat the Anit-Monitor. As leader, he also faced off against an evil Superman, the Reverse Flash, and even an evil version of himself.

8

Cyborg

More machine than human

• First appearance – DC Comics Presents #26 (1980)
• Creator – Marv Wolfman, George Perez
• Real name -Victor Stone

Although many fans argue that Cyborg should be in the Teen Titans and not the Justice League, Cyborg has proven time and time again that he is an indispensable member of the team and a great leader, even in the worst of situations.

With his cybernetic enhancements, Cyborg can process data almost as quickly as a speedster, and with a genius-level intellect, he is one of the best tacticians and strategists in all of DC. With nearly unlimited knowledge and the ability to access most data on Earth, Cyborg can make split-second decisions that have helped him lead the Justice League.