Superheroes. For the longest time, superheroes have encompassed the readers' imagination thanks to their unique abilities. As time went on, these characters eventually joined together and created many superhero teams.
The first one to have ever existed was the Justice Society, which was created to fight against World War 2. Over time, this team eventually inspired other teams to exist, whether from Justice League or even Marvel's Avengers. There are several key differences between the Justice Society and the Justice League that have to be acknowledged. Here are 10 differences between the two teams.
10 Time Period
One of the more obvious differences that are made between the two teams in the different time periods. When the Justice Society was made, they were created during the Golden Age of comics. This means that the Justice Society originated during World War 2.
Meanwhile, during the Justice League era of comics, they came out around the Silver Age of comics. So roughly around the 50s and 60s comics. There, it had many stories that focused on furthering the science-fiction aspects of the story, like aliens.
9 Members
A distinctive difference that is pretty important between the two teams. There is always a diverse separation between the two teams. Characters like Superman and Batman are practically synonymous with the Justice League. Being around in many of its origins even though they have been part of the Justice Society before. Not only that, but the member sizes between the two is an extreme gap. Something that will be explored later on.
8 Justice Society Views Itself As A Family
As stated in a statement by Batman, the Justice Society tends to view themselves more or less as a family. While they are a superhero team capable of stopping any supervillain that comes in their way, they are also an older group of heroes with children and other younger characters. As a result, they tend to act as teachers and pass on many lessons for characters who want to become better heroes.
7 Justice League Views Itself As A Strike Force
Although the Justice League has always been relatively close to each other, they don't really see themselves in the same vein as the Justice Society because of the larger roster of characters. They act much more as a team similar to the Avengers, where they unite together to face off against a greater threat. Whether it is affecting the multiverse or even a planetary threat, the Justice League will always be there to stop it.
6 The Justice League Is Much Larger
Brought up earlier before, the Justice League was described by Batman to be more similar to a strike force. With the vast roster of characters, this would mean that the Justice League is extensive. Easily dwarfing the likes of the Justice Society with ease. This is shown by the constant roster changes with the characters and the fact that they are all incredibly diverse. A trait that has been the case for decades.
5 The Justice Society Age And Give Their Experiences To Newer Generations
As mentioned earlier, the Golden Age characters are often the older superheroes who offer their experiences to the newer generations. Because they have always been connected to the World War 2 era in the future, it only makes sense that they would be the few to naturally age to the decades onward. Especially since older characters like more famous Superman always stay in the forefront.
4 Justice Society Came First
As showcased multiple times, the Justice Society was the first superhero team established in the DC universe as they were created back in the Golden Age period.
Characters from that era would eventually come forth in future series, and active members eventually became molded into the Justice League in some form or fashion. But it can be overstated how much sheer impact the Justice Society has done for not just DC but comic books in general.
3 The Justice League Is More Prominent
This is one of the more obvious things about the Justice League in general. At the end of the day, despite the Justice Society coming in first in terms of teams in the timeline, the Justice League is what most people think of. They are the equivalent to the Avengers and, as such, almost stands up tall to them. Not only that, but the Justice League is generally always a staple to DC Comics. The Justice Society may have the legacy, but the Justice League has the presence.
2 The Justice League Trinity Weren't Founders Of The Justice Society (Technically)
Funny enough, even though the Justice Society are known for their superhero ensemble, the trinity themselves were not part of the founding. The main three only joined the Justice Society later on in its run. Meanwhile, the Justice League they were there from the beginning.
During the Silver Age of comics, the trinity ended up fighting against Starro The Conqueror and the rest of the Justice League. Later interpretations of the Justice Society ended up having the trinity, but it was later on in either different piles of earth or eras.
1 Jay Garrick And Alan Scott Characters Are Golden Age Originals
No matter what major team exists within the DC universe, it always seems like the Justice League and Justice Society will always have a Flash and Green Lantern. However, the mantle and importance of these two characters, in particular, is what sets them apart.
With origins that are very different from their more popular contemporaries, it is important to note their importance to the table. As without them, the pantheons that came after wouldn't be a thing. Plus, since they are the most important Justice Society members, it's only fair that their legacy will exist with the Justice League with their successors.