This list was practically impossible to make. Do you have any idea how many physically strong characters are in the Justice League?! A lot, okay! A lot. However, after combing through countless comics, scouring through numerous fan message boards, and puzzling through hours of mental debate, we have come to the resulting conclusion.
Bear in mind before plunging ahead that these rankings are based on several versions of these characters. Different iterations of the DC Universe exist, and they had to be taken into account. Read on if you want a ranked list of the physically strongest (not most powerful) members of the Justice League.
Updated by Amanda Hurych on January 22, 2020: The world of comic books is constantly changing. Additions to super teams are made more than you would think, and the creation of entirely new teams is a frequent occurrence. With DC Rebirth in full swing, we thought we'd revisit our favorite muscular Justice League Members and see who else has joined their ranks.
13 Aztek (Nayeli Constant)
Aztek is a fairly new face to the Justice League of America as she is now, with the identity of Nayeli Constant. However, the superhero persona of "Aztek" comes with the fancy helmet she sports. This helmet gifts her the usual collection of superhuman powers, one of which is to pack a really mean punch. Nayeli might not be the first "Aztek" we've seen in the DC universe, but she's doing a fine job of proving how strong she really is.
12 The Atom (Ray Palmer)
Ray Palmer has the ability to shrink down to minuscule sizes. He can be the height of a penny, a flea, or an actual atom. However, he maintains a superhuman level of strength when he shrinks down to tiny size. His physical strength is nowhere near Superman's (who is higher up on this list), but it is still impressive.
He can knock down men a hundred times his size when in a tiny state. Ray Palmer proves that strength can come in small packages. Picture a molecule taking down a mountain. That's the Atom in a nutshell.
11 Hawkgirl (Shiera/Shayera)
Did you know there are three Hawkgirls? If you didn't, congratulations on your newfound knowledge. Thanks to an Nth metal belt, Hawkgirl possesses superhuman strength. Given that she uses melee-oriented weapons, it makes sense that she has the strength to wield them.
In the DC Animated Universe, Hawkgirl is frequently portrayed as a physically strong character. In fact, she's one of the heavy-hitters on the team. She goes on the offensive when other heroes (cough, cough, Batman) need to fight from the sidelines.
10 Hawkman (Carter Hall)
Like it or lump it, it is a scientifically proven fact that men possess more upper body strength than women. It is unfortunate and hardly fair, but that's what we have to work with. As such, Hawkman is stronger than Hawkgirl.
They both gather their strength from their Nth metal belts and costuming. Given that Hawkman has that upper body strength going for him, we're going to put him a notch above Hawkgirl in the strength department. But hey, if it counts for anything, we think Hawkgirl's ferocity would put Carter to shame in a fight.
9 Mera
No longer to be left behind in the bubbles of Arthur Curry's wake, Mera became a member of the Justice League of America. As with many Atlanteans, Mera is incredibly strong. In addition to her physical strength, Mera brings with her a host of supernatural powers. Unfortunately, since she doesn't have the same bloodline as Arthur's royal genes, she's not as physically strong as him. But we'd still like to see Arthur do half of the stuff Mera can do. Alas, that's another list for another time.
8 Aquaman (Arthur Curry)
We just know we're going to get Aquaman fans here (by which we mean Jason Momoa fans) complaining that Aquaman should be higher on this list. However, we're not trying to say Aquaman is not strong. He's a heck of lot stronger than many other DC heroes not on this list.
It's just his unfortunate lot in life to be in a group with such powerful friends. Aquaman's Atlantean strength is a birthright, which automatically places him a rung above the Hawk-people and the Atom. His strength is undeniable, but it also pales in comparison to these upcoming Justice League members.
7 Firestorm (Ronald Raymond)
The Firestorm Matrix gifted Ronnie with a bunch of cool abilities, and one of them is superhuman strength. Using the Matrix in such a manner can turn Firestorm into a being of immense physical potential.
The whole basis of Firestorm's abilities revolve around matter manipulation. If he were to upgrade his own matter, thereby enhancing his physical strength, Firestorm becomes a regular powerhouse. It's a shame not many people outside of avid comic fans know who Firestorm is. He's an interesting (and darn physically strong) character.
6 Red Tornado
Red Tornado's strength comes from the fact that he is a highly efficient and powerful android. His body, not bound by fragile human limitations, can achieve amazing feats of physical wonder. For example, using his android capabilities, Red Tornado can create cyclones. What, did you think he was called "Red Tornado" for nothing?
These cyclones not only affect the weather, but he can actually use them to achieve flight. We'll tell you one thing for sure: we would not want to get in an arm wrestling match against the Red Tornado.
5 Lobo
Lobo's physical capabilities are as erratic as his personality. In some comics, Lobo is no stronger than your average man. In others, he's taking on gods and laughing while he does it. With his new inclusion on the Justice League of America's roster, we want to give a nod in the direction of Lobo's insane, albeit inconsistent, strength. In those issues where he appears in all his crazy, Czarnian glory, he is a sight to behold. On occasion, Lobo has been known to hold his own against the strength of Superman. Now that's what we call strong.
4 Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman's origin is different, depending on which version of her story you are reading. However, in nearly every iteration, she is crafted by the Greek gods and goddesses (specifically Zeus or Aphrodite depending on the version you're looking at).
When you have a pantheon of gods in your corner, you can bet your physical strength is going to be off the charts. Ignoring some of Diana's weaker iterations, Wonder Woman is a veritable powerhouse. She can take on Ares, the Greek god of war, or she can fight a horde of enemy soldiers. Her strength is matched only by her formidable fighting skills.
3 Captain Marvel (Billy Batson)
Before you ask, no, we're not talking about Marvel's Captain Marvel. We are actually talking about DC's Captain Marvel. Many of you might know him as Billy Batson or, better yet, as the "Shazam" guy. Billy got his powers from the Wizard Shazam, who imbued him with several gifts.
The most relevant of these is the "Strength of Hercules." Thanks to that, this guy has nearly god-tier levels of strength, with some versions of Captain Marvel being able to move celestial bodies in outer space. He has often been compared to Superman in terms of how strong he is.
2 Martian Manhunter
With his steady voice and calm demeanor, you might not give the Martian Manhunter a second thought in a contest of strength. He should not be overlooked. Even Superman has stated that he believes J'onn to be more powerful than himself (though this statement probably takes into consideration all of the Martian Manhunter's abilities).
J'onn J'onzz is one strong dude, with the ability to lift and destroy large objects in a single hand. Those big, green pectoral muscles aren't just for show. Of course, we suppose he can shape-shift himself to look more muscular.
1 Superman
Who else did you think was going to be at the top of this list? Superman is known for his strength. Superhuman strength is basically his number one ability. Even if it wasn't, his strong deeds should speak for themselves. His strongest iteration is definitely Superman Prime, from DC One Million.
That Superman spent some vacation time in the sun for a bit and emerged with almost infinite strength and power. (we all know what solar energy does to a Kryptonian). Superman is the pinnacle of physical strength for both the Justice League and the DC Universe.