DC Comics: 8 Characters That Betrayed the Justice League

Overview of Betrayals in the Justice League

Aquaman feigned allegiance to his adversarial brother, ultimately leading to the capture of his allies.
Maxwell Lord committed a shocking murder of a hero, subsequently manipulating Superman to attack the League.
Green Arrow collaborated with Amanda Waller to restrain meta-humans, revealing a critical, time-sensitive revelation.

The ever-evolving universe of DC Comics has spanned over eight decades, showcasing an array of narratives, characters, and numerous reboots. It’s noteworthy that it has been 65 years since the Justice League first debuted, illustrating the long history of transformations and betrayals experienced by both the team and its members throughout the years.

Each iteration of the Justice League features distinct narratives, as various heroes experience conflicts with the team. Throughout their storied histories, some of the most cherished heroes have chosen to go against the League, resulting in unprecedented betrayal. Here’s a closer look at some of the most notable instances of betrayal within the Justice League.

1. Aquaman

Choosing Atlantis Over the League

Issue: The Throne Of Atlantis
Publication Date: 2012-2013

Aquaman, a steadfast member of the Justice League, has often faced skepticism throughout his portrayal. Thanks to the cinematic portrayal by Jason Momoa and recent comic adaptations, he has reclaimed a formidable reputation. However, in the Throne of Atlantis storyline, Aquaman found himself in a precarious position, forced to masquerade as an ally to his villainous brother, Ocean Master. This deception led to an intense showdown resulting in Aquaman’s devastating defeat of his Justice League colleagues, inadvertently leading to their imprisonment by Atlantis.

2. Maxwell Lord

A Shocking Murder and League Attack

Issue: Countdown To Infinite Crisis
Year: 2005

Known for his morally grey decisions, Maxwell Lord inflicted one of the most brutal betrayals in the Justice League lore. As events unfolded during Infinite Crisis, Blue Beetle uncovered Lord’s plan of monitoring and ultimately annihilating the superhero community. When Beetle refused Lord’s persuasions, he was met with a fatal gunshot to the head. In a shocking coup, Maxwell manipulated Superman into attacking the League, resulting in a tragic confrontation that left Wonder Woman compelled to kill him, fracturing the bonds between the league’s most powerful heroes.

3. Green Arrow

Collaboration with Amanda Waller

Issue: Absolute Power #1
Publication Year: 2024

In a recent turn of events, Green Arrow found himself embroiled in a betrayal against the Justice League orchestrated by Amanda Waller. Under pressure, he aided Waller’s endeavor to strip meta-humans of their powers, an act that led to many heroes being left vulnerable and in hiding. As the meta-human community plotted a Resistance Movement under Nightwing’s leadership, Arrow’s alliance shifted again, revealing his status as a double agent who had been instilled with a time-sensitive notion by Martian Manhunter that justified his treachery. While this twist adds depth to his character, it marks a dark chapter in the League’s history.

4. Steve Trevor

Creating an Opposition League

Issue: Justice League Of America
Publication Year: 2013

While not a core member of the Justice League, Steve Trevor has consistently served as a liaison between the heroes, particularly Wonder Woman. However, following a romantic setback and assuming leadership of ARGUS in the New 52 storyline, Trevor initiated an alternative “Justice League of America” tasked specifically with undermining the main League. He handpicked members based on their potential to counteract the Justice League’s established heroes, thus engaging in betrayal rather than collaboration.

5. Hal Jordan

Transformation into Parallax

Issue: Emerald Twilight
Year: 1994

Hal Jordan, once regarded as the primary Green Lantern and a stalwart ally of the Justice League, succumbed to madness after the destruction of his home city by Mongul. His ensuing quest to restore the city led to a catastrophic confrontation with the Green Lantern Corps. His transformation into Parallax marked a critical moment in DC history, as he attempted to reshape the universe itself, forcing his former allies to confront him, thus changing the entire narrative of the DC Universe and bringing new challenges and heroes to the forefront.

6. Snapper Carr

Betrayal through Deception

Issue: Justice League Of America
Published: 1969

Despite his status as a hero, Snapper Carr never held full membership in the Justice League and often found himself overshadowed. In a misguided turn of events, he became entangled in a conspiracy from a man known as John Dough, who professed that the world would be better off without superheroes. Snapper’s allegiance led to disastrous consequences when he helped capture Batman, risking the lives of his fellow heroes when Dough’s true identity as the Joker was unveiled. This marked a significant point of betrayal, as Snapper chose to trust a villain over the friends he had fought alongside.

7. Batman

Prepared for Ultimate Betrayal

Issue: JLA: Tower Of Babel
Year: 2000

Considered the epitome of heroism, Batman often operates with an intense level of caution, preparing for any eventualities. This was profoundly illustrated in Tower of Babel, where Ra’s Al Ghul exposed Batman’s contingency plans designed to neutralize his teammates should they ever go rogue. While Batman did not directly betray the League, the exposure of his plans enabled Ghul to incapacitate the entire team, nearly resulting in catastrophic outcomes. Although Batman’s intention stemmed from a desire to protect, his mistrust almost led to the destruction of the very ideals he upholds.

8. The Justice League

The League’s Collapse through Betrayed Principles

Issue: Identity Crisis
Publication Year: 2004

In a pivotal narrative questioning the moral compass of the Justice League, the story Identity Crisis exposed the ethical decay within the team. The League’s decision to erase Doctor Light’s memory after a brutal assault spun into a web of secrets and distrust, ultimately leading to their downfall. Additionally, erasing memories from Batman and manipulating him into creating an orbital surveillance system further diminished trust among the heroes. This cascade of betrayals resulted in a fractured alliance among key members, significantly altering the dynamic of the entire DC Universe.

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