10 Times The Justice League Were Utterly Destroyed

5. Justice League Detroit Destroyed

Batman Tower of Babel Wonder Woman Green Lantern
DC Comics

The “Justice League Detroit” was the unkind nickname of the second iteration of the Justice League of America, created by Gerry Conway and Chuck Patton. With the destruction of the Justice League satellite, Aquaman restructured the charter so that all members had to give their full time to the team. Despite their protests, most members left except for Zatanna, Martian Manhunter, and the Elongated Man. The team soon recruited newer heroes Vixen, Steel, Gypsy, and Vibe.

The team faced old foes like Amazo, the Royal Flush Gang, and Professor Ivo, and new threats like the Overlord and his Cadre. When his wife Mera resurfaced, Aquaman quit the team, leaving J’onn in charge. After the re-emergence of a massively powerful Despero called for a return of many of the former team, Batman rejoined to train the neophyte heroes, but his responsibilities in Gotham City pulled him away.

In a story arc that began in Justice League of America #258 and was written by J.M. DeMatteis, the President abolished all superhero activity. Professor Ivo returned and unleashed android duplicates of himself on the League. One killed Vibe, another wounded Gypsy but took her home, and a third beat Steel so severely that his grandfather turned off his life support. Vixen quit because the deaths unleashed a monstrous side to her. J'onn J'onzz received a call from Washington D.C., which led to the Legends miniseries.

Contributor
Contributor

John Wilson has been a comic book and pop culture fan his entire life. He has written for a number of websites on the subject over the years and is especially pleased to be at WhatCulture. John has written two comic books for Last Ember Press Studio and has recently self-published a children's book called "Blue." When not spending far too much time on the internet, John spends time with his lovely wife, Kim, their goofy dog, Tesla, and two very spoiled cats.