Imitation is the best form of flattery. At times, the by-product is very much clear. Other times a few layers have to be pulled back to spot the similarities. However, it could be a strategic method to keep both sides on their toes and to keep progressing. Marvel and DC have been going through such a cycle. Many stories, characters, narrative arcs, and designs have been influenced or emulated. Some are very obvious. So obvious if a character from Marvel or DC were to fall into the other universe, the narrative would more than likely continue going with just small adjustments. The pinnacle of both universes is the superhero teams that everything seems to revolve around. Avenger members are obvious, as are Justice League members. However, for this particular case, how would the Justice League look if it were made up of Marvel characters? Which Marvel characters fit the motif and characters of the Justice League?
Now there is a Justice League, so to speak, already in Marvel: The Squadron Supreme. This team has some evil versions of the classic Justice League members. But the following will not be discussing the Squadron Supreme. For this article, Marvel heroes will be in discussion to see which ones will fit best. Plus, the original lineup of the Justice League from their first debut will be used.
Thor for Superman
Both Thor and Superman have immense strength, highly durable physiology, and great power to break the rules of nature. And even with that type of power, they still have a soft touch to their approach, especially when it comes to the innocent. Despite they’re godly strength and have the capability of being corrupted by such a high level of power, they are still humbled by the everyday people. They fight for those people. They will force themselves beyond their limit to ensure the safety of all. Multiple Marvel characters could step into this role for Superman, such as Hyperion, Gladiator, or Sentry, but each has some drawbacks. Hyperion is an anti-hero on his best day. Gladiator is limited to how confident he is with himself and Sentry literally has a dark side. But for Thor, if he is worthy enough to wield one of the strongest weapons in the universe, he has to have good intentions with it. The hope that Superman inspires is the worthiness Thor takes to heart.
Daredevil for Batman
Daredevil and Batman both operate on street level and use fear as a weapon. Each has experience in fighting similar threats. Both are experts in martial arts. Each has the tragic experience of being near their parents at the time of that death. After that moment, they use that pain to stop any crime that is brewing or already wreaking havoc. Although Daredevil may lack the arsenal and resources that Batman clearly has, he still matches the Dark Knight’s grit, tenacity, determination, and fearlessness. Even a motif that strikes some fear at first glance. And with a little more brutality and some enhanced senses to his approach, Daredevil still gets the job done. He may not have the high IQ that Batman processes, but with his upbringing in Catholicism and his knowledge of how the law operates, Daredevil has some high-level morals, logic, and wisdom to not only keep himself in line but perhaps a team as well. Plus, more importantly, he brings in the perspective of everyday people. Daredevil will make sure the lives of the honest people don’t get overlooked by a team of godly figures.
Black Panther (Shuri) for Wonder Woman
Much like Themyscira, Wakanda raises strong females. Wonder Woman and Shuri are products of such cultures. Both of them could bring in their own value to the teams. While Wonder Woman provides thousands of years of battle experience, Shuri provides her own high-level intelligence. This type of intelligence may not be the same as battle experience but Shuri could find a way to put more of it into the battle field, such as an AI that helps her fight. A training program that quickly gets her adept. A microchip that programs the master level knowledge of each fighting style. Yet, where she lacks in that extensive experience, she adds her technology to the fight, especially her own Vibranium suit. Technology and experience goes a long way which could also make her the ‘Batman’ of the group as well in that situation. But by having Shuri on the team as Black Panther, it puts an intense warrior on the battlefield. Much like Wonder Woman, the mantle of Black Panther is seen and regarded as a warrior no matter the time or place they are both seen.
Silver Surfer for The Flash
Noran Radd and Barry Allen were living their rather innocent life until an unfortunate even thrusted upon them a great power. After their own personal battle to control it for themselves, they have accepted their role and have used this great power for good, once they detached themselves from the burdens of it. They have the ability to make aspects like time and space their own personal toy. Each have experienced events that no other mortal person could comprehend. And have to live with pain of regret of some actions they have committed. Actions that no matter how much they exert themselves to undo, they cannot. Like the Thor/Superman link, other Marvel speedsters could have stepped in the Flash’s role. However, the Flash is much more than a speedster much like how the Silver Surfer is more than a traveler that goes across the cosmos. Both have immense power that could easily be abused or get corrupted by. Yet, they use their universe bending abilities to perform selfless, beneficial deeds. No other speedster in Marvel has that level of power. Silver Surfer, although not a speedster, could match some of the nature busting abilities of the Scarlett Speedster.
Vision for Martian Manhunter
Martian Manhunter is a character that is the perfect Swiss Army knife. The Martian has all the classic superpowers which makes him a formidable opponent for enemies and allies. He has that classic green Martian look that adds to his instant recognizability with fans. Manhunter’s many lives he has adopted, especially the many human lives he has lived, has added experience to his vast wisdom. Of all the Marvel characters, one could come close to matching Manhunter’s abilities, his look, and his wisdom; Vision. Although they could rival the strength of the heavy hitters on their team, match the intelligence of the smartest on their team, it’s the versatility and the wisdom they bestow that’s engrained in the team’s DNA. With the wisdom they give, Manhunter and Vision keep their teams on a straight moral path at the best or pulls the back on it at the least. The versatility helps keep themselves, and everyone around them, ahead of the enemy. They are a great blend, a great balance of characters that know how to fight but just as importantly, know when it is the right moment to fight. For any super team that may rely on conflict to defeat a threat, its vital to have someone that knows the concepts of morality to avoid conflicts.
Namor for Aquaman
What better person to replace the King of Atlantis with the King of Atlantis, or at least a version of it? Say what you want to say about Aquaman but he is a big piece within the Justice League. He adds more strength, more power, more tech and magic and military might. So does Namor. A big factor that separates the two is Namor’s more aggressive methods in dealing with threats. While Aquaman may see the world in black and white, Namor sees it in grays. Depending on who is threatening, Namor may be viewed as a hero, anti-hero, or villain. Perhaps giving a team an edge, an intimidating factor that warns any potential enemy that they should reconsider their actions. With Namor’s known aggressive tactics, he could give the team a win before the fight has started. On the other hand, he could keep his own team on edge, keep them on their toes, and keep them sharp and in line. In a way, Like Black Panther, Namor could serve as the ‘Batman’ on the team. A member that is willing to assist the team on their own accord, someone who has trust issues and may even assume his own allies may be threats and someone who has their own agenda. Namor, more than anything, could hold the team accountable for any damage that they may cause and expect more out of them.
Nova for Green Lantern
Green Lantern, be it Hal or John, is a space officer that roams around a large section of the universe to protect from threats by wielding a powerful force. As does Nova, in this case Richard Rider. Much like the Green Lantern Corps, the Nova Corps are guardians of the space ways and only empower the strong with an powerful artifact of their own. While the Lanterns have the rings, the Nova’s have their helmets. Green Lantern and Nova could provide that much more raw power and strength and speed to the team. But more vital than that, is the knowledge of the universe. Although many events and enemies call Earth home, that is only a small percentage of threats that are out in the known universe. Nova could provide this new team knowledge of the outer cosmos. Since extraterrestrial foes come to attack Earth or summon Earthbound heroes to venture to the stars, that type of knowledge is critical. Silver Surfer could also provide this type of knowledge. But more is always better. More knowledge, more power, more of everything makes a team better. But Nova has not only seen many fights and has been in the middle of universe shaking ones, sometimes serving as a crucial piece. But, above all, he is someone that has been a part of many teams, sometimes leading them. That is crucial experience to get a super powered team intact.
Unlike the original lineup up The Avengers, the original line up of the Justice League powerhouses, capable of taking on full armies on their own. In addition, they have a foot in many fields like myth, space, science, street level, magic and politics. This line up where Marvel characters fill out those rolls need to reflect that. The Justice League members are Arthurian, mythical and gods in their own right. One is in fact a demigod herself! Again, these members need to embody that scope. But at the same time bring in similar experiences, humbleness, and grit. The Justice League operates and holds themselves differently than the Avengers do so the Marvel characters that take their place has to the honor the League holds dear some justice.
