10 Justice League Heroes Who Were Expelled from the Team

Overview of Justice League Expulsions

Key members of the Justice League have faced expulsion for various reasons.
Wonder Woman’s departure was sparked by manipulation from villains, as seen in *Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League*.
Superman’s ejection resulted from a misguided attempt to mediate conflicts involving the US government and Atlantis.

The Justice League of America stands as one of the most iconic superhero teams in the DC Universe, rivalling even the Avengers in popularity. Comprising legendary heroes like Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Batman, and Superman, the League continues to inspire awe and admiration among fans, both within their universe and beyond.

However, even the most extraordinary alliances experience conflicts that can lead to the dismissal of members. It is important to recognize that the reasons behind these expulsions can range from serious misjudgments to unfortunate circumstances. This article highlights notable heroes who transitioned from esteemed members of the Justice League to exiled figures after various mishaps.

Updated February 18, 2025 by David Heath: The expansive roster of DC heroes often includes members of the Justice League or its spin-offs. For example, characters such as Cyborg from the Teen Titans and Huntress from the Bat-family have crossed paths with the League. Yet, even heroes face the ultimate consequence of expulsion when their actions compromise the group’s mission.

Dismissals from the JLA can result from actions that put lives at risk or misfortunes that render a hero unwelcome. This article revisits and updates a list of heroes who faced expulsion, detailing their circumstances and shedding light on the decisions leading to their exclusion from one of the world’s most powerful super teams.

1 Snapper Carr

Expelled from the League in a Snap

Character Aliases	Lucas Carr
Reason for Expulsion	Led a supervillain to the Secret Sanctuary
Issue	Justice League of America #77 (“Snapper Carr—Super Traitor”)

Snapper Carr may not fit the conventional hero mold, yet he was integral to the early days of the Justice League. He earned honorary membership after thwarting Starro’s mind control. However, feeling disconnected from the League, he aligned with John Dough, an anti-superhero figure, ultimately leading him to betray the League by revealing their Secret Sanctuary’s location. His actions affirmed that even sidekicks can stray from the path of heroism.

2 Martian Manhunter

An Unlucky Character

Character Aliases	John Jones, J’onn J’onzz
Reason for Expulsion	Spied on colleagues
Issues	JLA: Year One #8, New 52

Known for his telepathy, shape-shifting abilities, and loyalty, Martian Manhunter surprised many when he temporarily spied on his fellow League members out of fear for metahuman threats. Although he was later reinstated, an even more profound change occurred during the New 52 reboot when his character was replaced by Cyborg given their perceived similarities to Superman, exposing the vulnerability of even beloved heroes within the shifting landscape of comic book narratives.

3 Captain Atom, Blue Beetle, and Ice

Booted by Bureaucracy

Aliases	Cameron Scott (Atom), Ted Kord (Blue Beetle), Tora Olafsdotter (Ice)
Reason for Expulsion	Pursued the truth too closely
Issue	Justice League of America Vol.1 #54 (JLA: Breakdowns)

The transition of Captain Atom, Blue Beetle, and Ice from JLA members to expelled heroes stemmed from political maneuvering within the organization. When new leadership took over, their investigation into a potentially dangerous conspiracy was halted, leading to their dismissal. The aftermath illustrated how heroes can fall victim to systemic forces, a theme that resonates across modern narratives.

4 Booster Gold

A Momentarily Unfit Hero

Character Aliases	Michael Jon Carter, Mr.“Be a Hero!”
Reason for Expulsion	Lack of commitment and personal flaws
Issues	JLA: Breakdowns, Booster Gold Vol.2 #1

Despite his intriguing past, Booster Gold struggled to prove himself as a dependable fellow JLA member. His fame-seeking behavior and tendency to prioritize personal glory over heroism outlined his shortcomings. Consequently, his journey underscores the challenge of redemption, capturing the ongoing struggle within the world of superheroes.

5 Huntress

Taking Things Personally Cost Her the Job

Character Aliases	Helena Bertinelli, The Crossbow Killer, Matron, Batgirl
Reason for Expulsion	Attempted murder of Prometheus
Issue	JLA Vol.1 #39 (World War 3)

With a personality as tumultuous as her combat skills, Huntress found her aggressive methods put her at odds with the League’s principles. Her violent pursuit of vengeance against their nemesis Prometheus encapsulated her struggle for acceptance in the team. Ultimately, her dismissal due to an unbridled pursuit of revenge highlighted the balance between justice and personal vendettas.

6 Guy Gardner – Warrior

Lone Warrior Gets Left Alone

Character Aliases	Green Lantern, Red Lantern, Warrior
Reason for Expulsion	Claimed leadership of the JLA
Issue	JLA Secret Files & Origins #2

Having fluctuated between Green Lantern and Warrior forms, Guy Gardner often sparked discord within the JLA due to his brash demeanor. His attempt to declare himself the team leader led to tension with other heroes and ultimately contributed to his exit. This example serves as a reminder of how personal ambitions can clash with team dynamics.

7 Barry Allen – The Flash

A Murder Charge Puts the Speedster’s Fate in Jeopardy

Character Aliases	The Scarlet Speedster, Fastest Man Alive
Reason for Expulsion	Charged with second-degree manslaughter
Issue	The Flash Vol.1 #327 (“The Trial of the Flash”)

Despite being one of the League’s most recognizable members, Barry Allen faced severe legal repercussions following an incident in which he accidentally killed Reverse Flash while protecting his fiancée. His trial put his status with the JLA in jeopardy, demonstrating that even the most heroic figures are susceptible to life-altering consequences of their actions.

8 Princess Diana – Wonder Woman

Making the Hard Decision When Teammates Go Rogue

Character Aliases	Warrior Princess, Diana of Themyscira
Reason for Expulsion	Mind control by a villain
Issue	The OMAC Project #4

As a powerful Amazonian warrior, Wonder Woman faced expulsion following a grave misstep caused by villainous manipulation. Her decision to kill Maxwell Lord in an effort to protect her allies ultimately led the League to vote her out. This incident illustrates the difficult moral choices heroes must navigate, particularly when faced with dire circumstances.

9 Clark Kent – Superman

Went Against the Group to Preserve Peace

Character Aliases	Kal-El, The Man of Steel
Reason for Expulsion	Misguided peacekeeping efforts
Issue	Action Comics #1035 (WarWorld Rising)

The Paragon of Justice, Superman, encountered his own downfall during *WarWorld Rising*, where his determination to broker peace resulted in choices that alienated him from the League. This scenario emphasizes the challenge even the noblest heroes face when their altruistic intentions lead to unintended consequences.

10 Bruce Wayne – Batman

Planning Ahead Gone Wrong

Character Aliases	The Caped Crusader, The Dark Knight
Reason for Expulsion	Contingency planning against allies
Issue	JLA Vol.1 #46 (Tower of Babel)

Batman‘s meticulous nature backfired in the *Tower of Babel* storyline when his contingency plans against the League members were exploited by Ra’s al Ghul. This incident led to chaos and distrust within the team, illustrating how even the greatest strategist can make decisions that spiral out of control, resulting in serious repercussions for both himself and the League.

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