15 Justice League Heroes Killed by Z-List Villains
Death is a common occurrence in the superhero world, even for a team as powerful as the Justice League. Regardless of what kind of incredible powers its members possess, it’s not uncommon for a hero to meet their creator, even for powerful heroes like the Flash or Wonder Woman. While many of these deaths are often at the hands of their greatest enemy, it’s sometimes a little-known villain who takes down a Leaguer. A villain doesn’t have to be as famous as the Joker or Darkseid to kill a hero. In fact, sometimes it is the most random villains that turn out to be the most dangerous. Find out the 15 heroes who were killed by the nearly unknown Rogues.
Azrael
Jean-Paul Valley was unfit to replace Batman and cracked under pressure. But he managed to atone, continuing to be a hero in his Azrael identity. Unfortunately, Valley’s time came to an end in Azrael: Agent of the Bat #100 when he confronted Satanic cult leader Nicholas Scratch. Although Azrael only disappeared in the final issue of the series, it was later confirmed that he was dead.
Deadman
Boston Brand is one of the few heroes in DC Comics history whose origins begin with his own death. Before becoming the supernatural hero Deadman, Brand was one of the most famous swingers. But his life was cut short in one tragic act. Not because of an unsuccessful stunt, but because Deadman was shot by the Hook, a small-time member of the League of Assassins.
Animal Man
Avid animal rights advocate and fan-favorite character, Animal Man, quickly crossed over to the other side. In the 52 epic series, Buddy Baker is in space alongside Starfire and Adam Strange. Eventually, they are confronted by Lady Styx, who unleashes a toxin that kills Animal Man Though Buddy does shuffle off the mortal coil, he’s rescued almost instantly by the very same aliens who gave him his powers.
Elongated Man
The last years of Long Man’s life were absolute hell for him. Ralph Dibny loses his wife Sue after Atom’s ex-wife, Jean Loring, kills her. Soon after, he was confronted by Neron, who killed Ralph after teaming up with Felix Faust to steal Ralph’s soul. However, Ralph had the last laugh when his death triggered a spell that trapped Nero and Faust in the Tower of Fate.
Ice
Ice was the heart of Justice League International, but she turned against her friends in the “Judgment Day” crossover. Of course, her evil actions were the result of being mind-controlled by the alien villain Overmaster. Martian Manhunter helped free Ice from her conditioning and brought her back to the Justice League’s side. Unfortunately, she tried attacking Overmaster and he zapped Ice, killing her instantly.
Firestorm
Identity Crisis was a painful time for the Justice League, made all the worse by the death of the young hero Firestorm. DC’s heroes were interrogating every villain they could to find out who murdered Sue Dibny. A small group of heroes fights Shadow Thief, who steals Shining Knight’s sword and impales Ronnie Raymond’s nuclear field. With no other options, Firestorm launched himself into the sky and blew up to protect the surrounding area.
Hawkman and Hawkwoman
Fans know that Hawkman and Hawkwoman are cursed with an endless cycle where they meet, fall in love, and die. But the one who is often left out of this equation is the Hath-Set killer. Hath-Set is the priest who killed Prince Khufu and Princess Chay-Ara with a cursed metal dagger, sending them into an endless cycle of reincarnation. Like the Hawks, Hath-Set reincarnates and is often the one to end their lives.
Aquaman
Aquaman has always been a mainstay member of the Justice League. But Arthur Curry went through some horrific changes during the “One Year Later” storyline. Aquaman became a mutated hermit known as the Dweller of the Depths. The Dweller guided the new Aquaman, Arthur Joseph Curry for a brief period. But the Dweller was targeted by the assassin Narwhal, who succeeded in his mission and killed the original Aquaman.
Superman
As one would expect, Clark’s New 52-era doppelganger went out in a heroic way. A young man named Denny Swan was struck by lightning by Superman’s powers. Believing himself to be Superman, he challenges Clark to a duel. However, his body couldn’t handle the intense power, causing Denny to explode in a solar blast. But the hero flew Swan into the sky where his energy disintegrated the New 52 Superman.
Batman
It was always assumed that Batman would be killed by one of his most iconic enemies. But Detective Comics #1027 suggests that it may be the unexpected villain, Doctor Phosphorus, that brought him in. Phosphorus challenges Batman to combat with the sole purpose of exposing him to radiation. While it’s unknown how this affects Bruce in the main timeline, Batman/Catwoman Special #1 suggests a potential future in which Bruce succumbs to cancer caused by Phosphorus.
Green Arrow
The Green Arrow may only have a bow and a convenient storehouse of arrows, but Oliver’s death saved an entire town. Oliver works undercover in the Eden Corps, an eco-terrorist group run by Hyrax. In Green Arrow #101, Oliver activates a bomb that Hyrax intends to destroy Metropolis. Unfortunately, he had no choice but to sacrifice his arm. Instead of losing his archery skills, Oliver stayed with the bomb, saving Metropolis from certain destruction.
The Justice League
The DC universe came to an abrupt end when its greatest heroes were instantly eliminated. In Justice League #75, Pariah, the team’s former ally, went mad and tried to summon the Great Darkness. The Alliance managed to stop him by destroying his space machine. Enraged, Pariah unleashes a wave of energy that destroys Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and several other heroes. Despite being sent to the containment world, the party members are technically dead.
Arsenal
Arsenal was one of many victims in the attack on Sanctuary in the controversial Heroes in Crisis series. Although it was speculated that Wally West was the perpetrator of the attack, it was later suggested that rogue speed racer Savitar was responsible. Savitar was within the Speed Force, which created powerful surges to expel him. The Speed Force successfully got rid of Savitar, accidentally causing the Sanctuary disaster and killing Roy in the process.
Blue Beetle
One of the worst betrayals comes from someone a particular judge has relied on for years. In Countdown to Infinite Crisis #1, Blue Beetle stumbles across Maxwell Lord and discovers that he is the new leader of Checkmate and intends to stop the superhumans of the world. Lord offered Ted Kord a chance to work with him, but the hero vehemently rebuffed him causing Lord to shoot Blue Beetle in the head.
Martian Manhunter
Martian Manhunter’s death was both violent and tragic. J’onn J’onzz has infiltrated a planet inhabited by many bad guys to keep an eye on things before he is discovered. He was imprisoned and tortured before being “liberated” by the Secret Society of Villains. Hitting Martian Manhunter’s greatest weakness, Libra kills the hero with a flaming spear, but not before sending a psychic message to his allies to inform them of his murder. While they weren’t killed by larger villains, these 15 Justice League deaths prove that even the Z-listers can rock the DCU to its core.