“Justice League” unleashes the characters from DC’s top team, the Justice League of America—yes, the Super Friends—the major collaboration that kicked off comics’ Silver Age. The original league itself signaled DC’s resurgence in the 1960s with its first appearance in “The Brave and the Bold” # 28 in 1960 from the genius of Gardner Fox. At times, they have been epic, funny and complex. The Justice League is, above all else, important. They were then some of the most iconic characters in all of comics, and each has a formidable history, some of them dating back over 75 years:

Superman (Clark Kent)

First appearance: “Action Comics” # 1 in 1938

Creators: Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster

He is the ultimate superhero come to Earth from the destroyed Planet Krypton with flight, super strength, invulnerability and heat vision, among many other powers. He is the protector of Metropolis.

Batman (Bruce Wayne)

First appearance: Detective Comics # 27 in 1939

Creators: Bob Kane and Bill Finger

A millionaire vigilante with superior fighting skills, the Dark Knight also has an advanced arsenal of vehicles, equipment and weapons to fight crime in Gotham City.

Wonder Woman (Diana Prince)

First appearance: “All-Star Comics” # 8 in 1941

Creator: William Moulton Marston

A super-strong, relentless Amazon warrior from the mystical island of Themyscira, she is trained in the arts of war and armed with a magical sword, shield and lasso. She is the most important and popular heroine in comics.

The Flash (Barry Allen)

First Appearance: “Showcase” # 4 in 1956

Creators: Carmine Infantino and Robert Kanigher

The definitive super speedster, Barry became the Fastest Man Alive after a fateful lab accident. No one wears red and gold like The Flash.

Aquaman (Arthur Curry)

First appearance: “More Fun Comics” # 73, 1941

Creators: Mort Weisinger and Paul Norris

The half-Atlantean, half-human Aquaman wields a mighty trident, breathes underwater and possesses marine telepathy.

Cyborg (Victor Stone)

First Appearance: “DC Comics Presents” # 26 in 1980

Creators: Marv Wolfman and George Perez

An athlete whose life is saved when his scientist father merged his body with high-tech components, Cyborg can fly, is superhumanly resilient and fires bolts of energy. He is one of the most memorable members of the junior super team the Teen Titans.