While the status quo of the DC Universe continues to be impacted by The Death of the Justice League, it’s a perfect time for Justice League International to return to comics. The iconic roster of Batman, Black Canary, Blue Beetle, Guy Gardner, and more created a fun dynamic that would make for a refreshing change of pace from the typical team.
When the Justice League International first showed up in 1987, it was a result of Crisis on Infinite Earths, in which the DC Multiverse was drastically reimagined. The new team was among the bold initiative to reinvent the publisher’s most popular titles, alongside George Perez’s Wonder Woman and Mike Baron’s Flash. The critically acclaimed run began with Justice League #1, written by Keith Giffen with art by Kevin Maguire.
As the DC Universe undergoes major changes during The Death of the Justice League, it seems like Justice League International needs to make a comeback. In midst of recent dark storylines, the JLI would provide a contrasting light tone. The comedic team stood out from more serious characters, particularly with members like Captain Marvel, Guy Gardner, and Mister Miracle. The title’s experimentation with its tone positioned Batman as the “straight man,” as he often dealt with his team’s shenanigans. On the opposite side of the spectrum, Green Lantern Guy Gardner was characterized as a short-tempered superhero, who seemed to forget he should be selfless at times. The rest of the team included Black Canary, Blue Beetle, Doctor Fate, Doctor Light, and Martian Manhunter.
Although the roster itself might require a shakeup to fit into ongoing continuity, the essence of JLI should be incorporated following the Justice League’s demise. For a short time, they showed up in The New 52, which was also a reimagining of the DC Universe. Now, the publisher has another opportunity to revive the team in the absence of heroes like Superman, Aquaman, Batman, Green Lantern, and Wonder Woman.
At the time of their initial publication, the Justice League International were the next logical step from the original team, the Justice League of America. Now, the team was concerned with the rest of the world, as they were prompted to go into space to deal with a new threat. Throughout their tenure as the League, they experienced a few changes in membership, but the few resignations which occurred felt comparable to the mundane real world circumstance of someone quitting a part-time job. The grounded and lighter take represented by the Justice League International should return to comics.
