JUSTICE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL Might Inspire a DCU Justice Gang

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It’s quite evident that James Gunn’s Justice Gang team appears to have drawn significant influence from the ’80s/90s Justice League International (JLI) comics series, created by Keith Giffen, J.M. DeMatteis, and Kevin Maguire. This version of the League was characterized by a roster that excluded many of its traditional heavyweights, instead led by Maxwell Lord. Notable members included Green Lantern Guy Gardner and Metamorpho. The similarities are striking, aren’t they? Could it be possible that Gunn is laying the groundwork for a series or film based on the JLI within the DCU, but under the name Justice Gang instead?

It seems highly probable that the title “Justice League” is being saved for a potential future film featuring DC Comics’ most prominent characters such as Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. Given how seldom a live-action Justice League has been presented, it’s crucial to gather all the key players. In our opinion, it might even be adapted from the animated series lineup. Until the main cast unites, a spin-off titled “Justice Gang” could flourish as an interim measure. As for the medium, we believe a series on HBO Max would be more suitable than a movie, considering the episodic, sitcom-esque vibe of the classic JLI comics.

Instead of asking about which characters would be included, let’s discuss the characters that Maxwell Lord might consider recruiting for his Justice Gang, based on our favorite JLI comics. Here are some heroes we think should join:

1. Superman – Since he’s already a part of the established Superman universe, it’s a given.
2. We also believe that Mister Terrific deserves to lead his own team, but let’s focus on the Justice Gang for now.
3. The best JLI comics featured various heroes in their teams, and we think Maxwell Lord should consider including these heroes as well:
4. (You can fill in the names of the heroes you think should be included here)

So, here’s who we recommend for Maxwell Lord to recruit into his revamped Justice Gang!

Blue Beetle and Booster Gold

In the mid-80s, DC Comics introduced two heroes – Blue Beetle (Ted Kord) and Booster Gold – but their individual series didn’t resonate much with readers. When these titles were unexpectedly discontinued, they found a new lease of life in Justice League International (JLI), where they became beloved underdogs. Both characters were once tech billionaires who lost their fortunes, relying only on their superhero careers for sustenance. They also shared a common interest in flirting with women. Their friendship was one of the best-loved friendships ever published by DC Comics. It was announced that Booster Gold would star in his own DC Universe show in 2023. However, it would be ideal to pair him up with his best buddy Ted Kord for a joint Justice League project as well.

Fire and Ice

As a passionate film buff, I’d rephrase it this way: Before they graced the Justice League International, these two women were mere footnotes in Hollywood’s B-list. However, their transformation into Fire and Ice, as part of the Global Guardians, saw them embodying heroism for Brazil (Green Flame) and Norway (Icemaiden). Although these characters initially shone only sporadically in the Super Friends comics, it was the Justice League International that brought them back into the limelight, rebranding them as Fire and Ice. They soon became the female counterparts to Blue & Gold, proving indispensable members of the team. Ice often found herself captivated by the enigmatic Guy Gardner, a unique individual capable of seeing beyond his abrasive exterior.

Mister Miracle and Big Barda

The animated adaptation of Tom King and Mitch Gerads’ critically acclaimed “Mister Miracle” series is coming to HBO Max, and it seems likely that it will be part of the DC Universe, like the upcoming “Creature Commandos.” Given this, there’s been talk about introducing live-action versions of Mister Miracle and his wife Big Barda into the Justice League. In the comics, Mister Miracle is Scott Free, Darkseid’s adopted son who uses his escape artist skills to thwart evil. Barda, on the other hand, was once a member of Darkseid’s elite Female Fury squad before defecting and joining forces with Scott. Together, they lived in a carnival (and later in suburbia) while also being key members of the Justice League International. They are one of the most beloved husband-wife teams in comics, and it would be great to see them portrayed by James Gunn in live-action.

This version is more conversational and easier to read, while still maintaining the original meaning and tone.

Shazam

Indeed, you’re correct that Shazam was previously featured in the DCEU. However, given the financial performance of the last film, it’s unlikely Warner Bros. will revisit that specific version again. But let me clarify, we’re not discussing Zachary Levi’s portrayal. Instead, we’re talking about Shazam (also known as Captain Marvel), who was an initial member of the Justice League International. The “child in a grown-up body” aspect fit perfectly with the comic book’s comedic tone and suits Gunn’s creative style as well. Given that he may not get a standalone project soon, why not utilize this iconic hero here? Of course, this would require recasting.

Martian Manhunter (J’onn J’onzz)

J’onn J’onzz, who heads the JLI (Justice League International), is an original member of the Justice League but hasn’t starred in his own solo comic series for a substantial period. This suggests that DC Studios may not be planning a Martian Manhunter series or film at this time. Instead, in the comics, he serves as the emotional core of the Justice League, a lonely alien from Mars who fits in with a group of unconventional human superheroes. In a well-made Justice League movie, he should certainly share the spotlight with Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. On the other hand, a potential Justice Gang series could be an excellent platform to introduce him to the DC Universe. Additionally, director James Gunn has hinted that Chukwudi Iwuji, who played a role in Peacemaker season one, might take on another character within the DCU in the future. He seems like a perfect fit for the Martian Manhunter character.

As a follower, I can’t help but suggest some ideal members for the Justice League International (JLI) team that could fit perfectly: Elongated Man, a flexible superhero, and his spouse, Sue. Another contender is Rocket Red from Russia; however, his character might be too reminiscent of Red Guardian in Marvel’s universe. If director Gunn decides to pursue the JLI concept with his Justice Gang, I think there are numerous comic book characters that could make excellent members for this team. Here’s hoping that any future projects secretly in development are a JLI-inspired Justice Gang taking center stage!

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2025-09-04 02:33