The Justice League Rejected An Iconic Member For the Worst Reason

The Justice League, one of the most renowned superhero teams of all time, initially rejected Hawkwoman because of one ridiculous rule. Thanagarian police officer, Shayera Hol, is one of the most renowned members of the Justice League, appearing as one of the founding members of the team in the 2000s popular animated series, Justice League and Justice League: Unlimited. Her fierce personality and advanced skill set make her a valuable member of the League. In many ways, Hawkwoman outshines her male counterpart, Hawkman. However, Shayera was not nearly as respected in early issues of Justice League of America.

In Justice League of America #31, by Gardner Fox and Mike Sekowsky, Hawkman and Hawkwoman (known then as Hawkgirl) are approached by the Atom, bearing great news. Hawkman has been invited to join the Justice League! Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for his wife, who is informed by the Atom that the League’s by-laws “permit taking in only one member at a time.” Hawkwoman doesn’t appear fazed by this at all, simply honored that Hawkman was offered the position.

It wasn’t until almost two decades later when Shayera was initiated into the team in Justice League of America #146. In this issue, a dangerous villain takes over Red Tornado’s body and Hawkman insists that his wife receives full Justice League status. While other members may have been more willing to invite Hawkwoman to the team, Superman refuses, explaining that it’s against their rule of duplicating powers. Outraged, Hawkman chooses to stand by his wife, exclaiming “The JLA can have both of us—or neither of us!” It’s not until the Phantom Stranger intercedes that Superman agrees to granting Hawkwoman temporary status while they focus on the task at hand. Even when Shayera is offered a position on the team, it’s only because of her husband’s interference. Future iterations of Hawkwoman would’ve charged at Superman with her mace and forced him to apologize for his blatant disrespect.

By the end of the story, Hawkwoman is officially accepted by the League and the real Red Tornado is welcomed back. It’s unfortunate that, compared to other Justice Leaguers, Hawkwoman receives such a lengthy probationary period before she’s allowed to join. Even the original Justice League lineup had power duplicates, with several characters possessing super-strength, flight, and super speed. Superman himself duplicates several of the abilities of Wonder Woman, Martian Manhunter, the Flash, and Green Lantern. The main issue DC had was too many female characters being based on existing male heroes.

It’s disappointing yet unsurprising that a female character would be considered redundant in the Silver Age of comics. The second female superhero to join the Justice League was Black Canary, in 1969, almost a decade after the team was formed. Even Wonder Woman, one of the League’s founding members, initially played the role of secretary in the proto-Justice League, the Justice Society. Comics have come a long way since the 60s, with Hawkwoman even receiving a solo comic titled Hawkgirl in 2006. While the Justice League may still have a major gender imbalance, DC is pushing more to create engaging stories featuring strong female heroes and role models.

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