Adventures in the DC Universe
Encyclopedia
While Batman
and Superman
had their own animated series and comic book
follow-ups, the rest of the characters in the would appear in the following comics often.
, Adventures in the DC Universe used the same "animated style" as seen in the DC Animated Universe
, but focused on a rotating cast of characters
from throughout the DC Universe.
Most of the characters appearing in this series had yet to be seen in any DC Animated Universe series and, as such, their designs and histories were quite different than they ended up being in their appearances in the television series, such as Justice League
. For example, Kyle Rayner
often appears in this series, but he appears to be far less like his animated series counterpart (who had not yet appeared on Superman: The Animated Series
), and is more reflective, both visually and historically, of the character appearing in the regular DC Universe comics.
, but set in the continuity (and style) of the television shows Justice League
and Justice League Unlimited
; as opposed to the regular DC Universe.
It is a sister title to Batman Adventures (based on Batman: The Animated Series
) and Superman Adventures
(based on Superman: The Animated Series
).
Justice League Adventures ran for 34 issues from 2002–2004 before being restarted under the title Justice League Unlimited (to match the recreation and renaming of the television series). The new title ran for 46 issues from 2004–2008 before being canceled in May 2008, ending the last production of the DC Animated Universe.
(except for Captain Marvel
, who made a one-time appearance) were unable to appear on Justice League Unlimited due to legal reasons.
Batman
Batman is a fictional character created by the artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger. A comic book superhero, Batman first appeared in Detective Comics #27 , and since then has appeared primarily in publications by DC Comics...
and Superman
Superman
Superman is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in publications by DC Comics, widely considered to be an American cultural icon. Created by American writer Jerry Siegel and Canadian-born American artist Joe Shuster in 1932 while both were living in Cleveland, Ohio, and sold to Detective...
had their own animated series and comic book
Comic book
A comic book or comicbook is a magazine made up of comics, narrative artwork in the form of separate panels that represent individual scenes, often accompanied by dialog as well as including...
follow-ups, the rest of the characters in the would appear in the following comics often.
Adventures in the DC Universe
Adventures in the DC Universe is the title of a comic book published by DC Comics. Following on from Batman Adventures and Superman AdventuresSuperman Adventures
Superman Adventures is a DC Comics comic book series featuring Superman. It is different from other Superman titles in that it is set in the continuity of Superman: The Animated Series as opposed to the regular DC Universe. It ran for 66 issues between 1996 and 2002...
, Adventures in the DC Universe used the same "animated style" as seen in the DC Animated Universe
DC animated universe
The DC Animated Universe is a fan term that refers to a series of popular animated television series and related spin-offs produced by Warner Bros. Animation which share the same continuity. Most of these series are adapted from DC Comics properties...
, but focused on a rotating cast of characters
Fictional character
A character is the representation of a person in a narrative work of art . Derived from the ancient Greek word kharaktêr , the earliest use in English, in this sense, dates from the Restoration, although it became widely used after its appearance in Tom Jones in 1749. From this, the sense of...
from throughout the DC Universe.
Most of the characters appearing in this series had yet to be seen in any DC Animated Universe series and, as such, their designs and histories were quite different than they ended up being in their appearances in the television series, such as Justice League
Justice League
The Justice League, also called the Justice League of America or JLA, is a fictional superhero team that appears in comic books published by DC Comics....
. For example, Kyle Rayner
Kyle Rayner
Kyle Rayner is a fictional comic book superhero appearing in books published by DC Comics, usually in those starring the Green Lantern Corps, an extraterrestrial police force of which Rayner is a member. Created by writer Ron Marz and artist Darryl Banks, Rayner first appeared in Green Lantern vol...
often appears in this series, but he appears to be far less like his animated series counterpart (who had not yet appeared on Superman: The Animated Series
Superman: The Animated Series
Superman: The Animated Series is an American animated television series starring DC Comics' flagship character, Superman. The series was produced by Warner Bros. Animation and aired on The WB from September 6, 1996 to February 12, 2000. Warner Bros...
), and is more reflective, both visually and historically, of the character appearing in the regular DC Universe comics.
Justice League Adventures / Justice League Unlimited
Justice League Adventures is a DC comic book series featuring the Justice LeagueJustice League
The Justice League, also called the Justice League of America or JLA, is a fictional superhero team that appears in comic books published by DC Comics....
, but set in the continuity (and style) of the television shows Justice League
Justice League (TV series)
Justice League is an American animated television series about a team of superheroes which ran from 2001 to 2004 on Cartoon Network. The show was produced by Warner Bros. Animation. It is based on the Justice League of America and associated comic book characters published by DC Comics...
and Justice League Unlimited
Justice League Unlimited
Justice League Unlimited is an American animated television series that was produced by Warner Bros. Animation and aired on Cartoon Network. Featuring a wide array of superheroes from the DC Comics universe, and specifically based on the Justice League superhero team, it is a direct sequel to the...
; as opposed to the regular DC Universe.
It is a sister title to Batman Adventures (based on Batman: The Animated Series
Batman: The Animated Series
Batman: The Animated Series is an American animated series based on the DC Comics character Batman. The series featured an ensemble cast of many voice-actors including Kevin Conroy, Mark Hamill, Efrem Zimbalist, Jr., Arleen Sorkin, and Loren Lester. The series won four Emmy Awards and was nominated...
) and Superman Adventures
Superman Adventures
Superman Adventures is a DC Comics comic book series featuring Superman. It is different from other Superman titles in that it is set in the continuity of Superman: The Animated Series as opposed to the regular DC Universe. It ran for 66 issues between 1996 and 2002...
(based on Superman: The Animated Series
Superman: The Animated Series
Superman: The Animated Series is an American animated television series starring DC Comics' flagship character, Superman. The series was produced by Warner Bros. Animation and aired on The WB from September 6, 1996 to February 12, 2000. Warner Bros...
).
Justice League Adventures ran for 34 issues from 2002–2004 before being restarted under the title Justice League Unlimited (to match the recreation and renaming of the television series). The new title ran for 46 issues from 2004–2008 before being canceled in May 2008, ending the last production of the DC Animated Universe.
Additional characters
While the Justice League and Justice League Unlimited comics did use many characters from the DC Universe, some characters never made it to the screen. Those that did not appear in the television series are listed below:Heroes
- Adam StrangeAdam StrangeAdam Strange is a fictional superhero published by DC Comics. Created by writer Gardner Fox and artist Mike Sekowsky, he first appeared in Showcase #17 .In May 2011, Adam Strange placed 97th on IGN's Top 100 Comic Book Heroes of All Time....
- Justice League Adventures #25-26
- Justice League Unlimited #4
- Was to appear in the Justice League Unlimited episode "Hunter's Moon" (originally titled "Mystery in SpaceMystery in SpaceMystery in Space is the name of two science fiction comic book series published in the United States by DC Comics, then known as National Comics. The first series ran for 110 issues from 1951 - 1966, with a further 7 issues continuing the numbering during a 1980s revival of the title...
", after the title of the comic Adam appeared in), but the character was off-limits to the creative team.
- Alan Scott (Green Lantern)Alan ScottAlan Scott is a fictional character, a superhero in the and the first superhero to bear the name Green Lantern.-Publication history:The original Green Lantern was created by young struggling artist Martin Nodell, who was inspired by the sight of a New York Subway employee waving a red lantern to...
- Adventures in the DC Universe #4
- Justice League Adventures #20 (cameo)
- Justice League Unlimited #40
- He, along with the rest of the Justice Society of AmericaJustice Society of AmericaThe Justice Society of America, or JSA, is a DC Comics superhero group, the first team of superheroes in comic book history. Conceived by editor Sheldon Mayer and writer Gardner Fox, the JSA first appeared in All Star Comics #3 ....
, was to originally appear in the Justice League episode "Legends". The appearance was rejected because their portrayal was too similar to their Golden AgeGolden Age of Comic BooksThe Golden Age of Comic Books was a period in the history of American comic books, generally thought of as lasting from the late 1930s until the late 1940s or early 1950s...
appearance, thus an analogue group (the Justice Guild of AmericaJustice Guild of AmericaThe Justice Guild of America is a superhero team featured in the Justice League animated series two-part episode Legends, an homage to the Golden Age Justice Society of America, and to a degree the Silver Age Justice League of America.-Synopsis:...
) was created.
- Animal ManAnimal ManAnimal Man is a fictional character, a superhero in the . As a result of being in proximity to an exploding extraterrestrial spaceship, Buddy Baker acquires the ability to temporarily “borrow” the abilities of animals...
- Justice League Unlimited #29
- Black LightningBlack LightningBlack Lightning was one of the first major African American superheroes to appear in DC Comics. He debuted in Black Lightning #1 , and was created by Tony Isabella and Trevor Von Eeden.- Publication history :...
- Justice League Unlimited #15, #27
- Usage of the character (outside of the comic books) would have required paying royalties to Tony IsabellaTony IsabellaTony Isabella is an American comic book writer, editor, artist and critic, known as the creator and writer of Marvel Comics' Black Goliath, DC Comics' first major African American superhero, Black Lightning, and as a columnist and critic for the Comics Buyer's Guide.-Marvel Comics:Before he joined...
.
- Blue BeetleBlue BeetleBlue Beetle is the name of three fictional superheroes that appear in American comic books published by a variety of companies since 1939.-Publication history:...
- Adventures in the DC Universe #8
- Justice League Unlimited #5, #20, #43
- The rights to the character were unavailable due to the 1940s radio show of the same name.
- Connor Hawke (Green Arrow)
- Adventures in the DC Universe #13, #16
- Detective ChimpDetective ChimpIn the fictional DC Universe, Detective Chimp is a deerstalker-wearing chimpanzee with human-level intelligence who solves crimes, often with the help of the Bureau of Amplified Animals, a group of intelligent animals that also includes Rex the Wonder Dog...
- Justice League Unlimited #39
- Doctor OccultDoctor OccultDoctor Occult is a fictional character, a magic user in the . Created by Superman's creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, Doctor Occult is the earliest character created by DC Comics still currently in use in its shared universe fiction....
- Justice League Unlimited #14
- FirestormFirestorm (comics)Firestorm is the name of several comic book superheroes published by DC Comics. Ronnie Raymond and Martin Stein, the first Firestorm, debuted in Firestorm, the Nuclear Man #1 , and was created by Gerry Conway and Al Milgrom. Martin Stein, by himself as Firestorm, debuted in Firestorm the Nuclear...
- Justice League Unlimited #3, #8, #16
- Was to be the main character of the Justice League Unlimited episode "The Greatest Story Never Told".
- Freedom FightersFreedom Fighters (comics)Freedom Fighters is a DC Comics comic book superhero team made up of characters acquired from the defunct company Quality Comics. Although the characters were created by Quality, they never were gathered in a group before acquired by DC...
: Uncle SamUncle Sam (comics)Uncle Sam is a fictional character, a DC Comics superhero based on national personification of the United States, Uncle Sam. Uncle Sam first appeared in National Comics #1 and was created by Will Eisner.-Quality Comics:...
, Doll ManDoll ManNote: This article is about the Quality Comics character. For the Full Moon Features film Dollman, see Dollman . For the article on the movie's titular character, please see Brick Bardo....
, Human BombHuman BombThe Human Bomb is a fictional superhero published by DC Comics. He first appeared in Police Comics #1 , and was created by writer and artist Paul Gustavson.-Publication history:...
, Phantom LadyPhantom LadyPhantom Lady is a fictional superheroine, one of the first female superhero characters to debut in the 1940s Golden Age of Comic Books. Originally published by Quality Comics, the character was subsequently published by a series of now-defunct comic book companies, and a new version of the...
, The Ray, and Black CondorBlack CondorBlack Condor is the name of three fictional characters, DC Comics superheroes who have all been members of the Freedom Fighters. The first Black Condor, Richard Grey Jr., was originally a Quality Comics character.-Quality Comics:...
- Justice League Unlimited #17
- Guy GardnerGuy Gardner (comics)Guy Gardner is a fictional character, a comic book superhero published by DC Comics. He is a core member of the Green Lantern family of characters, and for a time was also a significant member of the Justice League family of characters.He was created by John Broome and Gil Kane in Green Lantern...
- Adventures in the DC Universe #4 (cameo)
- Justice League Unlimited #32
- G'NortG'nortG'nort Esplanade G'neesmacher is a fictional character, a DC Comics superhero created by Keith Giffen and J. M. DeMatteis during their Justice League period.G'nort was a member of the Green Lantern Corps and later a Darkstar...
- Justice League Unlimited #46
- ImpulseBart AllenBartholomew "Bart" Allen is a superhero in the . Allen first appeared as the superhero Impulse. He would later go on to become the second Kid Flash and the fourth Flash. Allen's first cameo appearance was in The Flash #91, while his first full appearance was in issue #92...
- Adventures in the DC Universe #13, Annual #1
- Jay Garrick (The Flash)Jay GarrickJay Garrick is a fictional character, a comic book superhero in the DC Comics universe and the first to use the name Flash.-The Flash:...
- Justice League Adventures #20 (cameo)
- Justice League Unlimited #12
- He, along with the rest of the Justice Society of America, was to originally appear in the Justice League episode "Legends". The appearance was rejected because their portrayal was too similar to their Golden Age appearance, thus an analogue group (the Justice Guild of America) was created. His costume does make an appearance in the Justice League Unlimited episode "Flash and Substance".
- Jim CorriganJim CorriganJim Corrigan is the name of three fictional characters that have appeared in numerous comic books published by DC Comics. The first Corrigan initially appeared in More Fun Comics #52 , a deceased cop acting as host to the cosmic entity the Spectre, and was created by Jerry Siegel and Bernard...
- Justice League Unlimited #37
- KamandiKamandiKamandi is an American comic book character, created by artist Jack Kirby and published by DC Comics. The bulk of Kamandi's appearances occurred in the comic series Kamandi: The Last Boy on Earth, which ran from 1972 to 1978....
- Justice League Adventures #30
- Kon-El (Superboy)Superboy (Kon-El)Superboy is a fictional character, a comic book superhero in the DC Comics universe. A modern update of the original Superboy, who is a younger version of Superman, the character first appeared in Adventures of Superman #500 , and was created by writer Karl Kesel and artist Tom Grummett.Originally...
- Adventures in the DC Universe #14, Annual #1
- Kent ShakespeareKent ShakespeareRichard Kent Shakespeare, occasionally codenamed Impulse, is a fictional character in the DC Universe. He became a member of the Legion of Super-Heroes in the 30th century, during the "Five Years Later" era...
- Justice League Adventures #28
- Phantom StrangerPhantom StrangerThe Phantom Stranger is a fictional character of unspecified paranormal origins who battles mysterious and occult forces in various titles published by DC Comics, sometimes under their Vertigo imprint.-Publication history:...
- Justice League Adventures #31
- Justice League Unlimited #14, #28
- Was going to appear in Adventures in the DC Universe #20, but the issue was never printed.
- Bruce TimmBruce TimmBruce Walter Timm is an American character designer, animator and producer. He is also a writer and artist working in comics, and is known for his contributions building the modern DC Comics animated franchise, the DC animated universe.-Animation:Timm's early career in animation was varied; he...
did want to use the Phantom Stranger and the SpectreSpectre (comics)The Spectre is a fictional character and superhero who has appeared in numerous comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in a next issue ad in More Fun Comics #51 and received his first story the following month, #52...
, but could not receive permission. The reason for which was not stated.
- Power GirlPower GirlPower Girl is a DC Comics superheroine, making her first appearance in All Star Comics #58 ....
(Not to be confused with the character Galatea)- Adventures in the DC Universe #6
- Justice League Unlimited #3, #13, #16
- Space Cabby
- Justice League Unlimited #18
- SpectreSpectre (comics)The Spectre is a fictional character and superhero who has appeared in numerous comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in a next issue ad in More Fun Comics #51 and received his first story the following month, #52...
- Justice League Unlimited #37
- Ultra the Multi-AlienUltra the Multi-AlienUltra the Multi-Alien was a science fiction superhero featured in comics published by DC Comics. He first appeared in Mystery in Space #103 , pushing out Adam Strange and Space Ranger from that title...
- Adventures in the DC Universe #5
- ZataraZataraGiovanni "John" Zatara is a fictional character in the DC Universe. He first appeared in Action Comics #1 , and was created by writer and artist Fred Guardineer. He is a stage magician who also practices actual magic...
- Justice League Unlimited #40
- Although he did appear in Batman: The Animated Series, he never made an appearance in Justice League or Justice League Unlimited.
- ZaurielZaurielZauriel is a fictional character in the DC Universe. Originally a guardian angel who served Heaven for millions of years, he willingly fell to Earth and becomes a superhero, having been a member of DC's all-star Justice League. He first appeared in JLA #6...
- Justice League Unlimited #7, #14
Villains
- Anti-MonitorAnti-MonitorThe Anti-Monitor is a fictional character, a comic book supervillain and the antagonist of the 1985 DC Comics miniseries Crisis on Infinite Earths. He first appeared in Crisis on Infinite Earths #2 , and was destroyed in Crisis on Infinite Earths #12, only to return after a long absence in Green...
(cameo)- Justice League Unlimited #32
- Black MantaBlack MantaBlack Manta is a supervillain appearing in DC Comics, primarily as the archenemy of Aquaman. The character debuted in Aquaman #35 .-Fictional character biography:...
- Justice League Unlimited #26
- Was to appear in the Justice League episode "The Enemy Below", but was replaced by DeadshotDeadshotDeadshot is a fictional character, a supervillain/assassin in the DC Universe and an enemy of Batman. He first appears in Batman #59 and was created by Bob Kane, David Vern Reed and Lew Schwartz....
as the appearance was not faithful to the character. - Was to appear in the Legion of Doom in Justice League Unlimited, but due to a restriction on the AquamanAquamanAquaman is a fictional superhero who appears in comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger, the character debuted in More Fun Comics #73 . Initially a backup feature in DC's anthology titles, Aquaman later starred in several volumes of a solo title...
characters, was replaced with Devil RayBlack MantaBlack Manta is a supervillain appearing in DC Comics, primarily as the archenemy of Aquaman. The character debuted in Aquaman #35 .-Fictional character biography:...
.
- Brain Storm
- Justice League Unlimited #8
- Chuma
- Adventures in the DC Universe #3
- Cipher
- Adventures in the DC Universe #1, #8
- Cryonic Man
- Justice League Adventures #12
- General ZodGeneral ZodGeneral Zod is a fictional character who appears in comic books published by DC Comics, a supervillain who is one of Superman's more-prominent enemies. The character first appeared in Adventure Comics #283 , and was created by Robert Bernstein and George Papp...
- Justice League Unlimited #34
- He first appeared in Superman Adventures #21, but the story acts as a new introduction for Zod.
- Girder
- Justice League Unlimited #16
- Houngan
- Adventures in the DC Universe #4
- Matter MasterMatter MasterThe Matter Master is a DC Comics supervillain and a recurring Hawkman foe. Created by Gardner Fox and Joe Kubert, he first appeared in The Brave and the Bold # 35 .-Fictional character history:...
- Justice League Unlimited #31
- Minister BlizzardMinister BlizzardMinister Blizzard is a fictional ice-powered villain who has battled Wonder Woman.-Fictional character biography:Professor Chemico of Holliday College creates a climate changing machine which can make hot and cold climates. He plans to use the machine to make the North Pole into a warm fertile area...
- Justice League Adventures #12
- Rose and ThornRose and ThornRose and Thorn are the two personalities of a Golden Age character in DC Comics.Thorn is a woman with a split personality whose villainous personality has the ability to control plants. Initially, she and her hired thugs opposed The Flash...
- Adventures in the DC Universe Annual #1
- Shrapnel
- Adventures in the DC Universe #4
- SnowmanSnowman (comics)The Snowman is a fictional supervillain in Batman comics. The Snowman first appeared in Batman #337 , and was created by Gerry Conway and Roy Thomas.-Fictional character biography:...
- Justice League Adventures #12
- Time Commander
- Justice League Unlimited #19
Marvel Family
The entire Marvel FamilyMarvel Family
The Marvel Family is a group of fictional characters, a team of superheroes in the Fawcett Comics and DC Comics universes. Created in 1942 by writer Otto Binder and Fawcett artists C. C...
(except for Captain Marvel
Captain Marvel (DC Comics)
Captain Marvel is a fictional comic book superhero, originally published by Fawcett Comics and later by DC Comics. Created in 1939 by artist C. C. Beck and writer Bill Parker, the character first appeared in Whiz Comics #2...
, who made a one-time appearance) were unable to appear on Justice League Unlimited due to legal reasons.
- Black AdamBlack AdamBlack Adam is a fictional comic book character, created in 1945 by Otto Binder & C. C. Beck for Fawcett Comics. Originally created as a one-shot villain for Fawcett Comics' Marvel Family team of superheroes, Black Adam was revived as a recurring supervillain after DC Comics began publishing Captain...
- Adventures in the DC Universe #7
- Captain Marvel Jr.Captain Marvel Jr.Captain Marvel Jr. is a fictional character, a superhero originally published by Fawcett Comics and currently in the . A member of the Marvel Family team of superheroes, he was created by Ed Herron and Mac Raboy, and first appeared in Whiz Comics #25 in December 1941.Captain Marvel Jr.'s...
- Adventures in the DC Universe #7
- Doctor SivanaDoctor SivanaDoctor Thaddeus Bodog Sivana is a fictional comic book supervillain. Created by Bill Parker and C. C. Beck, he first appeared opposite superhero Captain Marvel in Whiz Comics #2 by Fawcett Comics...
- Adventures in the DC Universe #7
- Justice League Unlimited #15
- Mary MarvelMary MarvelMary Marvel is a fictional character, a comic book superheroine, originally published by Fawcett Comics and now owned by DC Comics. Created by Otto Binder and Marc Swayze, she first appeared in Captain Marvel Adventures #18 in...
- Adventures in the DC Universe #7
- Justice League Unlimited #20, #45
- Mister AtomMister AtomMister Atom is a fictional comic book supervillain, a radioactive robot who is regularly seen as an enemy of Captain Marvel. He first appeared in Captain Marvel Adventures #78 in November 1947.- Golden Age and pre-Crisis version :...
- Justice League Unlimited #15, #20
Collected editions
| Title | Material collected | Publication date | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Batman Adventures: Dangerous Dames and Demons | Includes a reprint of the backup story from Adventures in the DC Universe #3 | June 2003 | |
| Shazam! The Greatest Stories Ever Told | Includes a reprint of the first story from Adventures in the DC Universe #5 | February 2008 | |
| Justice League Adventures (TPB Trade paperback (comics) In comics, a trade paperback is a collection of stories originally published in comic books, reprinted in book format, usually capturing one story arc from a single title or a series of stories with a connected story arc or common theme from one or more titles... ) |
Justice League Adventures #1, #3, #6, #10-13 | 2003 | |
| Justice League Adventures (Digest Digest size Digest size is a magazine size, smaller than a conventional or "journal size" magazine but larger than a standard paperback book, approximately 5½ x 8¼ inches, but can also be 5⅜ x 8⅜ inches and 5½ x 7½ inches. These sizes have evolved from the printing press operation end... ) |
|||
| Volume 1: The Magnificent Seven | Justice League Adventures #3, #6, #10-12 | February 2004 | |
| Volume 2: Friends and Foes | Justice League Adventures #13-14, #16, #19-20 | February 2004 | |
| Justice League Unlimited (Digest) | |||
| Volume 1: United They Stand | Justice League Unlimited #1-5 | June 2005 | |
| Volume 2: World's Greatest Heroes | Justice League Unlimited #6-10 | April 2006 | |
| Volume 3: Champions of Justice | Justice League Unlimited #11-15 | April 2006 | |
| Justice League Unlimited (TPB, continues from the digest series) | |||
| Volume 4: Ties That Bind | Justice League Unlimited #16-22 | April 2008 | |
| Volume 5: Heroes | Justice League Unlimited #23-29 | April 2009 | |
External links
- Justice League: The New Frontier Official movie site
- Justice League Adventures comic book guide at The World's Finest
- Justice League Unlimited comic book guide at The World's Finest
- Justice League Unlimited comic book guide at The Metrotower
- Jason Hall interview on Justice League Unlimited #33
- Adventures in the DC Universe at The World's Finest