The Arrowverse has introduced a considerable amount of Justice League characters since 2012. When Arrow began almost a decade ago, it was just the start of what would become one of the biggest shared TV universes of all time. It didn't take long before the Green Arrow drama began building out its franchise as The Flash became the first spinoff series. With the Arrowverse gaining a rapid following, The CW began launching one DC TV series after another almost every season. Thanks to this franchise, more than five shows have come to life, with The CW's DC TV universe closing in on its tenth anniversary.
But as the Arrowverse has expanded over the years, The CW has managed to introduce a large number of DC Comics characters. While the network may never get to properly do a Justice League get-together, like Zack Snyder's Justice League, several team members have made their way to the small screen. In the beginning, it looked like some of the biggest ones like Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, and more would never be allowed to pop up on The CW. Due to Warner Bros. having certain restrictions for the TV division, some significant players are off-limits. But fortunately, some of them have broken through the limitations.
The longer the Arrowverse continues, The CW may come closer to the point where all of the heavy hitters from the Justice League have appeared in one way or another. However, until that time comes, the DC TV shows have still managed to introduce multiple heroes and villains that have been part of the Justice League. Some have come and gone over the years, while others have only just begun their Arrowverse journey. A couple of Justice League characters have also managed to make their way into the Arrowverse through simple Easter eggs and name drops.
Superman
Since debuting in Supergirl season 2, Clark Kent/Superman has been one of the heroes who has operated the longest. Superman was a recurring guest in the Arrowverse until he took part in the last two crossovers. But ever since Crisis on Infinite Earths, Clark and Lois have become regular CW players through Superman & Lois. After the creation of Earth-Prime, Superman became one of the founding members of the Arrowverse's iteration of the Justice League, even though the team hasn't been named.
Batman
With Batwoman's introduction during the Elseworlds crossover also came Batman, but with a big twist. At some point in his career, Bruce Wayne left Gotham City very suddenly. When Bruce vanished, so did Batman, as became apparent to the citizen of Gotham. No one knows where Bruce is in the world as Luke Fox has tried to contact him over the years. But through Batwoman season 1, they established some of Batman's history that seemingly included him taking Joker's life. While the real Bruce hasn't returned, Warren Christie was cast as the face of the Arrowverse's famous Justice League vigilante when Hush temporarily got his looks thanks to Alice.
Wonder Woman
Before Wonder Woman was officially confirmed to be in the Arrowverse, Legends of Tomorrow had established that Themyscira exists in their world. Legends of Tomorrow season 3, episode 6, "Helen Hunt," revealed that the iconic Amazonian island is on Earth-1. It wasn't until Batwoman season 1, episode 2, "The Rabbit Hole," that the Justice League heroine got name-dropped. When Sophie Moore confronted Kate Kane about being the Batman imposter, Bruce's cousin denies it. However, Kate made a comedic remark that she'd suit up as Wonder Woman if she ever had to save Sophie while dressed up as a superhero. There have also been Wonder Woman Easter eggs over the years, including the villain Cheetah.
The Flash
Ever since his introduction in Arrow season 2, Barry Allen/the Flash, has been one of the Arrowverse's central characters. The Flash became the series that seeded the idea of Crisis on Infinite Earths happening one day after the pilot ended with the future newspaper that alluded to Barry's vanishing one day. Through Barry's character arc, the Arrowverse has introduced concepts like the Multiverse and time travel. But for every season that goes by, Barry has grown into one of the most powerful heroes in the Arrowverse. While a different Flash did vanish during Crisis on Infinite Earths, Barry was crucial in reviving the Multiverse and help create Earth-Prime. As one of the seven Paragons, The Flash was revealed to be the Paragon of Love.
Aquaman
Wonder Woman isn't the only prominent Justice League character that Batwoman confirmed to live in the Arrowverse. In Batwoman season 2, episode 10, "Time Off For Good Behavior," Aquaman's name is said by Luke when he jokingly suggests that the ocean hero would be the next person that Black Mask accused of the death of his daughter. Before Aquaman's confirmed existence, The Flash had brought up Atlantis multiple times as a place that Cisco Ramon has visited in the last two seasons. While it was unclear if Atlantis was still a sunken kingdom like in the comics, with Batwoman establishing Aquaman being out there makes it more likely that Atlantis does exist underwater.
Martian Manhunter
Through Supergirl, the Arrowverse got to introduce another major founding Justice League member: the Martian Manhunter. Throughout his history, J'onn J'onzz has been one of the principal heroes in Supergirl's life after revealing that he wasn't the real Hank Henshaw. While Martian Manhunter is one of the most powerful beings, J'onn's most significant impact throughout the series is acting as a surrogate father to Kara and Alex Danvers. Martian Manhunter also played a substantial role in Crisis on Infinite Earths as the Paragon of Honor and restored everyone's memories from before Earth-Prime was born. Thanks to J'onn's Martian abilities, he helped create the Martian Memory Restorer that other shows use.
Supergirl
Before Superman became a regular player in the Arrowverse, Kara Zor-El/Supergirl, was the franchise's front and center Kryptonian. After having lived in her cousin's shadow for years, Kara became her own hero as National City's protector. Before Crisis on Infinite Earths, Supergirl was tied to the Arrowverse through the Multiverse by existing on Earth-38. But after Earth-Prime's creation, Kara and her supporting characters live in the same universe as the rest. Not only did Supergirl become a founder of Arrowverse's Justice League, but she also turned out to be the Paragon of Hope.
Green Arrow
Oliver Queen may not be a founder of the Justice League in the comics, but the Green Arrow is the one that made the Arrowverse possible through Arrow. For several years, Oliver was the hero that technically brought everyone together as the franchise grew. Arrow ended after eight years, but not without giving Oliver the biggest heroic exit of anyone in the Arrowverse. Not only was Oliver destined to die in Crisis on Infinite Earths, he also took on a new mantle as the Spectre. The Green Arrow died early during Crisis; he returned and used his Spectre powers to reboot the Multiverse while also recreating Earth-Prime, with the Paragons' help. While the world learned about his big sacrifice, Felicity Smoak joins Oliver in the afterlife, as they get a happy ending.
Black Canary
Another iconic Justice League heroine that has been part of Arrowverse's legacy is Dinah Laurel Lance/Black Canary. But Arrow didn't just get one iteration of Laurel as her Earth-2 doppelganger, Black Siren, also came into the picture after the Earth-1 version died. The original Laurel became the Black Canary in Arrow season 3 after her sister Sara died. But not long after Laurel's death the following season, the Earth-2 counterpart came into the picture, starting as a villain. Black Siren eventually redeems herself and becomes another Black Canary in Arrow season 7. Post-Crisis, the Earth-2 Laurel now lives on Earth-Prime, currently in 2040 with Mia Queen and Dinah Drake.
Black Lightning
Another Justice League hero who began his run outside the Arrowverse was Jefferson Pierce/Black Lightning until the third season changed that. Jefferson had initially given up the hero life but eventually came out of retirement after his daughters were kidnapped. But as Jennifer and Anissa's super-powers began to emerge, Black Lightning also had unfinished business with Tobias Whale. During Crisis on Infinite Earths, Jefferson is his Earth's only survivor as he helps the team try and stop the Anti-Monitor. After Earth-Prime's birth, the world of Black Lightning officially joined the rest of the Arrowverse, while Jefferson was also part of creating The CW's Justice League.
Batwoman
While Kate Kane hasn't been Batwoman since Ryan Wilder took over, the Paragon of Courage had to become Gotham's new protector in Bruce's absence. During her time as Batwoman, Kate tried to save her sister Beth, who became the villainous Alice. Through Crisis on Infinite Earths, Batwoman was also one of the eight heroes that became part of Arrowverse's Justice League. Even though Ryan has taken over her mantle, Kate's still alive as Black Mask is holding her prisoner.
Firestorm
While the Arrowverse made Firestorm a Legend, he has a history of being a Justice League member. When Ronnie Raymond and Martin Stein got hit by Harrison Wells' particle accelerator, it combined them into the superhero Firestorm. After Ronnie's death in The Flash season 2, Jax Jackson became the new half to Martin's Firestorm on Legends of Tomorrow for several seasons. But during Crisis on Earth-X, Martin was shot by Nazi soldiers and later on passed away when he severed his connection to Jax so the latter could live.
Vibe
Since the beginning of The Flash, Cisco Ramon has been one of the crucial players of Team Flash as he eventually became the superhero Vibe, who also has a history with the Justice League. Once Cisco began discovering his powers, Vibe became one of the critical Multiverse players for the Arrowverse until The Flash season 5, when he gave up his abilities. However, that is not Cisco's only big role as he is the technical genius on the team who helps create their tech, costumes, and more. Even without his powers, Cisco has resumed his superhero duties, but as Mecha-Vibe.
Killer Frost
Even though Killer Frost is traditionally a villain in the comics, she has gone on to join the Justice League as a hero in the DC Universe. On The Flash, Caitlin Snow's Killer Frost persona emerged after Flashpoint, where she changed into a metahuman with ice powers. Initially, Killer Frost was also an antagonist who committed several crimes as the ice persona took over Caitlin. But in the last few seasons of The Flash, Frost has gone in a more heroic direction and become a big part of Team Flash. In The Flash season 7, Frost and Caitlin got their own bodies instead of sharing one.
Kid Flash
Barry isn't the only Flash that has been part of the Justice League over the decades, as there have been other speedsters too. One of them is Wally West, who began as Kid Flash before taking over Barry's mantle after his initial death. On The Flash, Wally was introduced in the second season and eventually became a hero himself. As Kid Flash, Wally has helped protect Central City while also joining the Legends for a season. While Wally's not a regular Arrowverse player anymore, he does help take care of the world outside of Central City.
Captain Cold
While Captain Cold began as one of The Rogues on The Flash, Leonard Snart became a hero on Legends of Tomorrow. Like Firestorm, Snart isn't a Legend in the comics, but he also became a Justice League member in The New 52. During Legends of Tomorrow season 1, Snart slowly began to evolve into a redeemed hero while helping his crew protect the timeline. However, at the end of the season, Snart sacrifices himself to help the Waverider team while taking down the Time Masters with him. Even though other versions of Snart have appeared after that, the original Captain Cold has stayed dead for years as he's remembered as a Legend post-Crisis on Infinite Earths.
The Atom
One of the original Legends was Ray Palmer/the Atom, who began his journey in Arrow season 3 before joining the time-traveling spinoff series. For five seasons on Legends of Tomorrow, Ray helped his team fight evil in the past, present, and future as the size-shrinking superhero. But as he fell in love with Nora Darhk, they eventually got married before leaving the team in Legends of Tomorrow season 5. While the Justice League member may no longer be in the Arrowverse regularly, Ray isn't the only Atom on Earth-Prime.
Arsenal
While Roy Harper never got to take part in the bigger Arrowverse crossovers, the canonical Justice League archer has played an instrumental role throughout Arrow's early seasons. Roy turned his life around after Oliver, as the Hood, saved him from being murdered. Eventually, Roy would become part of Team Arrow as he became Arsenal, rather than Red Arrow. During Arrow season 3, Roy had to fake his death by pretending to be the Emerald Archer to protect Oliver's secret. But in the series finale of Arrow, he eventually got engaged to Thea Queen/Speedy as they got their happy ending.
Lex Luthor
Killer Frost and Captain Cold aren't the only villains who have Justice League memberships in the mythology. Supergirl season 4 introduced Lex Luthor, who has become a recurring villain throughout the last three seasons. But in Crisis on Infinite Earths, Lex used the Book of Destiny to make himself the Paragon of Truth by replacing the Earth-96 Superman. Together with the other Paragons, Lex helped fight the Anti-Monitor before Earth-Prime was born. Initially, Lex got a clean slate as the world had no memories of him ever being a super-villain, although that didn't last long. In recent years, Lex has also become a Justice League member, even if it didn't last forever.
Other Justice League Members in the Arrowverse
- Catwoman - During the Elseworlds crossover, Selina Kyle/Catwoman was confirmed to exist in the Arrowverse as her DC legacy also includes being part of the Justice League.
- Connor Hawke - While Arrowverse's Connor Hawke is a very different character than his comic counterpart, he becomes Green Arrow in the DC lore and gets accepted into the Justice League.
- Doctor Light - The Flash has had two different takes on Doctor Light, with Earth-2 Linda Park being one of them while Kimiyo Hoshi carries the mantle post-Crisis. However, Kimiyo has been part of the Justice League in the comics as a hero instead.
- Elongated Man - Ralph Dibny was part of The Flash for three seasons until the seventh season wrote him out. However, Elongated Man is one of the oldest Justice League members, going back to 1973.
- Gypsy - While the Arrowverse's Cynthia only appeared in a handful of episodes between The Flash seasons 3 to 5 and, before her death, she was a big part of Vibe's story. In the comics, Cynthia has been on different Justice League teams.
- Hawkgirl - Legends of Tomorrow season 1 had Kendra Saunders, a.k.a. Hawkgirl, as one of the original Waverider members after her introduction on The Flash.
- Hawkman - Kendra wasn't the only winged warrior on the Waverider as Carter Hall, a.k.a. Hawkman, fought beside her as they took down Vandal Savage together.
- Jessie Quick - Originating from Earth-2, Arrowverse's Jesse Wells/Jessie Quick, has been involved with the Flash Family while in the comics, Jesse has been on the Justice League.
- Jonathan Kent - While Superman & Lois' Jonathan Kent is different from the comics, he is actually Superboy in the DC Universe. Jon has even gone on to become Superman and operated as part of the Justice League in DC Future State.
- Katana - Arrow's version of Tatsu Yamashiro became one of Oliver's good allies in the Arrowverse after the third season explored their history. In the comics, Katana has been on multiple teams, including the Justice League.
- Mon-El - While Supergirl's Mon-El is mainly associated with the Legion of Superheroes, he has also been involved with the Justice League in the comics.
- Red Tornado - Traditionally a hero in the Justice League comics, the Arrowverse had two versions of Red Tornado that were both villains instead.
- Ryan Choi (The Atom II) - During Crisis on Infinite Earths, the Arrowverse introduced Ryan Choi, who in the comics also becomes the Atom and joins the Justice League. The Crisis crossover revealed that Ryan was the Paragon of Humanity who helped the other Paragons restore the Multiverse.
- Stargirl - While Stargirl's Courtney Whitmore lives on Earth-2, she leads the newly revived Justice Society of America. Even though she is most associated with the JSA, Courtney's legacy also includes having been a Justice League member.
- Sue Dearbon - In the comics, Sue was an honorary member of the Justice League until she died in Identity Crisis. Arrowverse's Sue is significantly different from her comic counterpart as she's a spy and not just a socialite on The Flash.
- Ted Kord - While the Blue Beetle hasn't appeared in the Arrowverse yet, Ted Kord continues to get referenced while the shows use his company, Kord Industries.
- The Ray - During Crisis on Earth-X, Ray Terrill/the Ray was introduced as part of Earth-X's Freedom Fighters. While Ray also comes from Earth-1, he eventually joined the Freedom Fighters on Earth-X to fight back against the Nazis.
- Vixen - While Mari McCabe mostly appeared in her animated Arrowverse series, the Justice League heroine also got to come to life in live-action in Arrow season 4.