The concept of "founding members" for the Justice League can vary slightly depending on the comic book era or adaptation, but the most iconic and widely recognized original lineup from their debut in The Brave and the Bold #28 (1960) consists of seven core heroes. These characters were chosen to represent the pinnacle of DC Comics' pantheon at the time, establishing a powerful and diverse team that would inspire countless future superhero ensembles.
The seven original founding members of the Justice League of America are:
While these seven are the definitive original members, later retellings and reboots (like the New 52 or Rebirth eras) have sometimes altered the initial roster or the exact circumstances of their formation. However, the 1960 lineup remains the most historically significant.
Pro tip: While the core seven are widely accepted, some early stories occasionally omitted Martian Manhunter or included Black Canary as an early addition, especially in later Silver Age retcons. For the purest original answer, stick to the iconic seven.