One particular origin of the the Justice League's origin is remaining canon during this re-examination of the DCU's greatest superhero team.

In an interview with the Word Balloon Podcast on Justice League Unlimited crossover, "We Are Yesterday". During the interview, Waid discusses his plans for the future, namely his New History of the DC Universe miniseries.

Comic book art: The New 52 line-up of the Justice League.

Waid is asked if he'll incorporate JLA: Year One into his miniseries, and Waid confirmed he would, but noted that he would use the Justice League's New 52 origin. Waid specifically points out Cyborg will be around, but he won't stick with the team for the same amount of time.

Justice League's New 52 Origin Is Still DC Canon

Cyborg is Still a Founding Justice League Member

Victor Stone Cyborg in New 52 holding one hand out

Fans of the iconic superhero team know that the Justice League first ever appeared together in The Brave and the Bold #28, where Flash, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and Martian Manhunter defended the world from Starro the Conqueror. Of course, that was simply the first time the team appeared in the comics. Later stories revealed the team formed to repel an invasion of shape-shifting aliens. But in the New 52, the team was created as a result of Darkseid invading Earth. In addition to that change, Cyborg was made a founding Justice League member, replacing Martian Manhunter's usual role.

It's a bit surprising to hear that Mark Waid is sticking with this take on the Justice League’s origin. After all, Waid is a fan of the classics, so it’s wild to hear him leave out Martian Manhunter from the first League lineup. Not to mention, this seemingly creates a bit of a continuity headache, since that means Cyborg founded the League, yet chose to be with the Teen Titans afterward. ittedly, it’s a hard needle to thread, but if anyone can do it, it’s someone who knows the DC Universe like the back of their hand, like Mark Waid.

Mark Waid is Pulling Elements From All Eras to Make Sense of DC's Timeline

This Isn't a First for the Justice League

Justice League We Are Yesterday Crossover Cover Assembled

For fans of the original League, it might sting a bit to hear that J'onn is still being deprived of his role in the lineup. But Mark Waid isn't trying to go backward, but rather forward. To create New History of the DC Universe, he's taking different pieces of Justice League history to create a simplified, streamlined take on the classic team. It's not the first time the League's history has changed, and it likely isn't going to be the last. For now, it's best to wait and see what Mark Waid has planned for the Justice League's new history.

New History of the DC Universe #1 is available on June 25th, 2025 from DC Comics.

Source: YouTube