"Justice League of America"- The Early Classic Years (1960's-1970's)

During DC Comics' late 50's-early 60's great revised-superhero revival; a truly amazing superhero team emerged! The Justice League of America made their smashing debut in "The Brave and the Bold"#28 (Feb./Mar. 1960)! They immediately gained their own title by Oct. 1960. The series was created by Julius Schwartz (editor), Gardner Fox (writer) and Mike Sekowsky (artist).

The Justice League's first members included---Green Lantern; The Flash; Wonder Woman; Aquaman; Martian Manhunter; and Lucas 'Snapper' Carr (a teenager who tagged along). Superman and Batman joined soon after; followed by Green Arrow; Hawkman; and The Atom (during the first 4 years). This was the core team for many years. Some of the early (and recurring) villains included---Starro the Conqueror; Dr. Light; Amazo (who could absorb all of the JLA's powers, at once); The Key; and Earth III's Crime Syndicate of America.

The Justice League (of Earth I) teamed with their Earth II counterparts; The Justice Society (Golden-Age superheroes), for the 1st time; in issues #21-22. This became an annual event for years to come. One of the early team-ups introduced a grown version of Earth II's Robin, as a member of The Justice Society. The Red Tornado (an android) made his 1st appearance, in the following year.Wonder Woman (in #69) and Martian Manhunter (in #71), left the series, but both returned in later years.

After Gardner Fox & Mike Sekowsky left the series, the reigns were given to Denny O'Neil (writer) & Dick Dillin (artist, who pencilled the series from issue #64-Aug. 1968 to #183-Oct. 1980; That's quite an amazing feat!). Other writers, whose work appeared during that time included---Len Wein; Cary Bates; Elliot S. Maggin; and Gerry Conway (who did a lot of writing for Marvel Comics, also); to name but a few of the greats!

Black Canary moved from Earth II to Earth I, after the death of her husband (issues #73-74) and joined the JLA. 'Snapper' Carr left the group, after he was tricked by The Joker, into betraying the whereabouts of the JLA's original cave headquarters (#77). The JLA moved to their orbiting satellite headquarters in the following issue! In issues #100-102 (JLA-JSA team-up), the Golden-Age superhero team-The Seven Soldiers of Victory---Star-Spangled Kid & Stripesy; Green Arrow & Speedy; The Vigilante; The Shining Knight; The Crimson Avenger (and Wing), was re-introduced. The Red Tornado sacrificed himself to save Earth II (during this same adventure), but was somehow propelled to Earth I; where he soon joined the JLA!  Issues #107-108, The Freedom Fighters (Uncle Sam Black Condor; Doll Man; The Ray; The Phantom Lady; & The Human Bomb); were introduced. They were originally Golden-Age heroes from the cancelled "Quality Comics" company. They gained their own series soon after. Other heroes joined the JLA during the 70's including---Elongated Man; Hawkwoman; Zatanna; and Firestorm.

The Justice League has made countless TV appearances including---(Animated) Superman / Aquaman Hour of Adventure; Super Friends (for quite a few seasons); Justice League; Justice League Unlimited; Batman: The Brave and the Bold; and several quality 'Warner Premiere' animated feature films.
(Live-Action) "Legends of the Superheroes"; and various episodes of "Smallville".
There have also been many Video Games, featuring The Justice League.

The series has undergone a lot of changes over the past few decades; but fantastic superheroes, exciting adventure, quality artwork & excellent storytelling will always remain!!!