The Justice League Finally Have A (PERFECT) Battle Cry

Warning: SPOILERS for Justice League #46

The Justice League finally has its own battle cry — its own version of “Avengers Assemble” — and it is absolutely perfect. Superheroes are well-known for their catchphrases, and all the best superhero teams have their own rallying cry.

The most famous of these, of course, is “Avengers Assemble.” This was first said by the Mighty Thor in 1964’s Avengers #10, and over the decades it has become an established part of Marvel lore. Every Avenger recruit dreams of the day they call out the battle cry. When Marvel launched the MCU, they swiftly realized how important this phrase would be. They avoided using it in 2012’s The Avengers, and teased it in 2015’s Avengers: Age of Ultron. Finally, at long last, Captain America uttered those immortal words to kick off the third-act battle in Avengers: Endgame. In came on the heels of the portal scene, as the MCU’s heroes gathered at last to stand against the might of Thanos.

Curiously, DC’s Justice League has never had a catchphrase – until this week’s Justice League #46. The wrath of the Spectre has been unleashed on Earth, and Wonder Woman has led the Justice League to the island of Themyscira to enter the pits of Hell and stop him. With the Amazons now under the Spectre’s influence, Diana realizes she has no option but to fight her friends and family. She quickly puts together a strategy, and then utters a phrase: “Justice League advance!“

The comment lacks the alliteration of “Avengers Assemble,” but it’s actually quite effective. It contains the essence of the Justice League; the idea that justice is advancing, relentless and unstoppable in the face of evil. This theme has been at the heart of Robert Venditti’s current Justice League run, and Wonder Woman has just vocalized it perfectly. Meanwhile, Diana’s word-choice evokes her martial tradition, her military tradition as a member of the Amazons. The implication is that, though the Justice League roster is a small one, they have the sheer power and might of an army. Little surprise the Justice League cut through the Amazons with astounding ease, ably assisted by the fact Diana understands the tactics that will be deployed perfectly.

Oddly enough, it’s quite appropriate for Wonder Woman to be the one who comes up with the rallying cry. That, too, invites comparisons with Marvel’s “Avengers Assemble,” which was first said by Thor. In both cases, it’s the mythic heroes of DC and Marvel who are leading the charge (even if Justice League fans know it couldn’t happen any other way).

About The Author

Thomas Bacon
(4898 Articles Published)

Tom Bacon is one of Screen Rant’s staff writers, as well as a Peer Mentor for new writers and a member of the Care Team, offering support and a listening ear to members of the Comics group. A lifelong fan of major franchises including Star Wars, Doctor Who, and Marvel, Tom is delighted his childhood is back – and this time it’s cool. You can find him on Twitter @TomABacon.

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A graduate of Edge Hill University, Tom remains strongly connected with his alma mater as a volunteer chaplain. He’s heavily involved with his local church, and anyone who checks him out on Twitter will swiftly learn he’s into British politics too.

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