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Leadership in the JLA


When one thinks of leadership, one thinks of great iconic figures who are respectable and fit to look up to. Many people shoot for this image but very few actually fit the profile. In the old Justice League of America books, they had a rotating roster of leadership roles like it was some sort of clubhouse where everybody gets a chance at playing leader. But, nowadays this sort of clubhouse environment thing wouldn't work. Let's look at real life for a second and face the fact that most people have a problem with authority no matter who the person of authority is. Knowing art imitates life, let's switch back to the books now and pick, oh, how about Guy Gardner. Remember his problem with Superman's boy scout type method of leadership, but yet fell in line when Batman forcefully laid down the law (and Guy for that matter) with one punch.

Anyway, the following is the JLA's roster list breaking down their leadership qualities to three groups. Those Who are Fit to Lead, Those Who are Questionable, and Not a Chance.

THOSE WHO ARE FIT TO LEAD

1) Superman: Let’s face it. When we think iconic, we think of Superman. Noble, kind, powerful, humble, and clad in bright colors to help garnish his clean image for all to look up to. With that said, it makes me wonder...leader or figurehead?

2) Batman: Surely the most strategic planner of all time. He is quite capable of pulling all the stings needed to lead the group, but would the rest follow out of trust or out of fear?

3) Aquaman: The Sea King! Obviously the Monarch of Atlantis is fit to lead, he rules his domain which takes up over 70 percent of what we think is ours. But, does he want to? Being a leader is a lot of pressure. It seems he's with the JLA to get away from his everyday pressures and let someone else deal with it.

4) Wonder Woman: Everything Superman is but female (and clay). I don't want to step on any liberals’ toes, but rarely do women get lead roles. She comes close, but realistically it is a man's world.

5) Martian Manhunter: He has everything but good looks. His power rivals Superman's. His intellect rivals Batman's. But this is a prejudice world we live in. If people have a problem with a woman, would anybody really trust a green skinned Martian as a leader?

THOSE WHO ARE QUESTIONABLE

1) Steel: Great intellect, well disciplined, and he probably would make a great leader if he could keep his mind off of tinkering with toys. Maybe he should hang out with Blue Beetle for a while?

2) Huntress: Sharp mind and harsh ways might make a good leader, but as a person she is just too insecure about how she does things. Think maybe Bats should give her a compliment once in a while?

3) Flash: Still young, with much to learn on how to deal with others. But he's well on his way as the leading speedster, running his own little posse.

4) Green Lantern: As of now, he's way too green for this position. He's a good hero but lacks the experience compared to the others. It's a long road for him to travel before crossing leadership street.

5) Big Barda: A born leader with plenty of experience, just ask her husband Mister Miracle. She tells him what to do all the time. She just needs to work on her manners a little.

6) Oracle: The mysterious, all knowing voice, if used right, could lead the group. People commonly fear what they don't know, but soon after it's followed by rebellion.

NOT A CHANCE

1) Zauriel: What the hell happened to him? He came on strong with a mini-series, now he's just there to block scenery. He has no character! I don't care for him! I don't feel for him! He's just there. Now, how can someone like that lead?

2) Plastic Man: Don't make me laugh. No, seriously he doesn’t make me laugh. He's nerve racking and hair-pulling annoying.

3) Orion: Hot headed, and fast tempered loses him votes and respect quickly. Send him back to the Slave Pits of Apocalypse where daddy can show him a thing or two on leadership!

4) Bill Clinton: Nah, I don't even want to go there!!!!

As you can tell from what you just read, I must be one of those people who have a problem with authority. So, let's hear it for teamwork!


-Wallace "Wally" Frost

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