History Heartwarming / JusticeLeague

---->'''Draaga:''' What's life without honor? I'm not worthy.\\

* Lex Luthor finds out that he has a rare and incurable form of blood poisoning. Superman's immediate reaction leaves no doubt that he actually still cares about Lex in some way.

** Really, any time a Leaguer shields a more vulnerable member with themselves count. Also in this episode, when Martian Manhunter jumps in front of Darkseid's Omega beams aimed for Hawkgirl, which knocked him out for a while; Hawkgirl has to drag him all the way back to the surface.
* In the end, when Allfather fears that Brainiac and Darkseid's attack has completely wiped out all of New Genesis and it's people, the children come running from the forest, alongside everyone else. Allfather is completely overjoyed and asked how it was possible. The Little Girl replied that it was Forager who hid them safely in his hive to protect them all, which stuns Allfather. Forager at first prostates himself, thinking the god will punish him for thinking they couldn't survive on their own, but Allfather graciously picks him up and ask for his forgiveness, thinking he and all of New Genesis were above those in the ground. He welcomes Forager among them in gratitude for saving everyone, saying that he has found his place to call home, which inspires J'onn that Hawkgirl may one day find a home of her own.

* During the second part of the B-story, J'onn has done a psychic sweep on the entire city in an attempt to locate Luthor but can now hear everyone's thoughts. Struck by the sheer amount of human selfishness, he hides in the forest to ponder who he is fighting for anyway. That's when he stumbles upon a group looking for a lost little girl, and all of their thoughts are on finding her - even those who don't know her at all. So J'onn finds the girl and delivers her back, but when they all try to thank him he modestly phases through the ground and re-emerges on a hill nearby...only for Wonder Woman to remark "You're not getting away that easy" and give the big Martian a heartfelt hug...which he returns.
* Later, both J'onn's insistence on helping the others fight the android, and their insistence that he stay safely away.

* J'onn gets one per hero, as he helps Superman, Green Lantern and Flash shake the nightmares Doctor Destiny has trapped them in by reminding them of their own heroic identities.
* Quickly swamped in [[NightmareFuel/JusticeLeague Nightmare Fuel]], but Dream [[Characters/SupermanJimmyOlsen Jimmy Olsen's]] one line: "I'm here for you, big guy." It's a sweet expression of Jimmy's UndyingLoyalty to Superman, and it's also adorable that they've grown closer to the degree that he feels comfortable using an AffectionateNickname rather than Supes' title.[[note]]assuming that the dream matches reality[[/note]]
* While it was intended as SelfDeprecation by the creators, Superman's elated reaction is also rather heartwarming. While Jimmy's title was originally given him by Angela Chen, by this time they've become so close that Superman's subconscious mind calls the young reporter "my pal." He then hugs Jimmy in joy at having somebody around who's not treating him like a monster. [[AndCallHimGeorge Unfortunately, it all goes downhill from there.]]

* Diana quickly making friends with Wild Party Girl Audrey (a princess set to be married). The two are close at a rather fast pace, and even get along enough that Diana, the symbol of Truth, takes Audrey at her word when dealing with a potential super villain. She trusts her that much.

* When Batman alters the coordinates to Savage's machine to the Kaznian Castle and he and Wonder Woman evacuate the area along with all personnel sans Savage himself, he shields Audrey when the blast makes impact and Diana shields him.

** It helps that when she buries him, we get Hawkgirl saying solemnly that she 'tried her best to do it according to human customs'. Cue the tombstone, saying "Solomon Grundy - Born on a Monday" quoting the nursery rhyme he got his name from.

* When Superman finds out that they are essentially sacrificing Grundy, he asked if Grundy even understands what they are asking of him. It goes to show that, while enemies, Superman cares for the well-being of others, and doesn't want someone like Grundy to be taken advantage of.

* Diana keeping herself from attacking Mongul (as she and Batman needed to hear about the Black Mercy from him) and sitting through his insults, only to go off the moment [[BerserkButton he claimed Superman maintained a "pretense of being a selfless hero".]]
* Though doubling as a TearJerker, Mongul wonders what exactly Superman's Black Mercy-induced greatest fantasy is, suggesting it's that Superman is a conquering warlord, believing there's a man with all of Superman's power wouldn't dream of that. When we see it, his greatest fantasy is...living as a farmer on Krypton with a reporter wife (who is a physical mixture of Lois Lane and Lana Lang), a son, and a dog. It's heartwarming to see that, yes, Superman truly is the simple goodhearted farmboy we all know and love.

* A meta example: the ending of this episode is a deliberate homage to the opening of the first episode of ''WesternAnimation/BatmanTheAnimatedSeries'', which aired over 10 years before 'Epilogue' was made. It really puts that amount of time into perspective, to see how far the creative team came since that simple beginning.

** Meta-example, but Creator/MarkHamill voicing The Trickster is a sort of RoleReprise from ''Series/TheFlash1990'', and elements from the that show were added to The Trickster's design.

* A more meta one, but one of the things destroyed in the museum is a statue of the Turtle Man, a.k.a. the first supervillain the modern Flash ever faced. Mind you, that was the Barry Allen version and not the Wally West version, but it's a nice callback to the character's origins.

* It's one giant EarnYourHappyEnding for Bruce. ''WesternAnimation/BatmanBeyond'' did a lot to give Bruce a DownerBeginning, starting off the series with no connection to many of his former friends, retired from the superhero life, living alone and with most of his company taken over. By this time, he's found someone to continue the fight, reconciled with the friends he has left, got his company back, and has found a son in Terry both figuratively and literally. Given that this is Batman, he might hold on just long enough to see his grandkids.

** It's also implied this act was the turning point in Waller's previously-antagonistic relationship with Batman. When Waller recount this story to Terry in the Present, she praises Bruce's compassion and empathy here and elsewhere.

-->'''Batman:''' No. We never leave a man behind. Right?\\

* While they initially joined against them with Godfrey, the people are quick to thank Flash (Who was the punching bag/prime target of Godfrey's in the episode), showing that the Flash's influence is important to the team.

* The Justice League really show their commitment to their friends in this episode. From Hawkgirl beating up a bunch of Lanterns for abandoning John, to the Flash effectively acting as an attorney to him, to Superman and J’onn investigating the scene of the crime. Literally none of them will give up on their friend, even if he’s already given up on himself.

* Despite his actions, Aquaman is [[PapaWolf VERY protective of his son]]. To the point that he makes the ultimate sacrifice to save their lives: [[LifeorLimbDecision Sawing off his own hand to save his son]].

---> '''Draaga''': What's life without honor? I'm not worthy.\\
'''Superman''': Draaga, the real test of honor isn't how you die, it's how you ''live''. *flies off, leaving Draaga looking at the crown in contemplation*

* Batman shouting "No!" and breaks free when the gorillas are about to use JackBauerInterrogationTechnique on Hawkgirl.

* The amount of effort the women take when Aresia puts her plague on the male gender. They are all over the place and trying to save as many people. Many of which are likely their husbands, sons, fathers, or even just friends or neighbors. They are doing all they can to help everyone they can.

* There is a great Heartwarmer/Tearjerker moment near the end when, while the League battles Ray (though they're outmatched by his powers), the Guild sees what's going on. Realizing that defeating Ray will end their existence, they quickly decide it doesn't matter. In the end, they manage to strain the mutant boy to his limits. Without his concentration, the city disappears...and so does the Guild.

* Just before they disappear, the Guild look at Green Lantern, and all of them [[GoOutWithASmile have a soft smile]] [[FaceDeathWithDignity of acceptance on their faces,]] and the Streak [[ItHasBeenAnHonor gives him one last salute]].

** Catman's genuine concern for J'onn when the Martian collapsed while the pair was trying to catch Sportsman.

-->'''Cheetah:''' (''while cuddling with Batman'') Too much curiosity can be dangerous.\\

'''Batman:''' (''whispers'') Try me.\\
(''Cheetah smiles before leaning in and kissing him'')

* John and Rex's friendship, while shaky, is very strong. Sapphire tells John that Rex has followed his career avidly, and even been jealous of him – the selfless hero, even though John was jealous of Mason for being successful. After the climatic battle, John even says that Rex went out a hero, and Sapphire says that it would have meant the world to him to hear John say that, just before Mason comes back and John ends up being content with his own life.
* In Justice League Unlimited, "The Once and Future Thing Part Two: Time, Warped", Warhawk reveals himself as John's son, Rex Stewart, a strong indicator that he is named after Rex Mason.

* The very last scene, where Wonder Woman goes to the nursing home to visit Steve Trevor (who, FYI, is her canon love interest from the GoldenAge). Cue ManlyTears indeed.
--> '''Steve Trevor:''' "Angel..."

'''Kilowog:''' Hey, little poozer. *[[HandshakeSubstitute fist bump]]*\\

* Any time Flash and Kilowog are on screen at the same time, it's awesome AND heartwarming.

'''Hawgirl:''' Grundy, I don't beli- ''*stops upon seeing his hopeful smile*'' ''Yes.'' It's waiting for you.\\

'''Aquaman:''' It's faith, Hawkgirl. You're not supposed to understand it. You just have it. ''*bows*''

-->'''Batman:''' I've got some things to say. I should've said them when you were here, but...Despite our differences, I have nothing but respect for you. I hope you knew...''know'' that. You taught me that justice doesn't have to come from the darkness. I'll miss...''*explosion off in the distance*'' What did you call it, Clark? The "Never-Ending Battle"?

** While Batman is reviewing footage of Superman’s “death”, he’s stroking a piece of what is clearly Superman’s cape.

-->"He saved my life once."\\
"He saved everybody's life ''more'' than once."

--> "Yeah, ''tears''. It's okay, man, we ''all'' feel the same way."

* Superman is sent to the far future of Earth, where immortal supervillain ComicBook/VandalSavage has been the last survivor of the human race for 30,000 years, after a failed attempt at global conquest accidentally brought about global devastation. Having come to repent for his crimes, Savage prepares to send Superman back using his [[ContinuityNod time machine]] (which Vandal can't use himself) armed with the knowledge to prevent this from happening, even though that means this particular version of Vandal Savage in the future will never have existed.

-->'''Batman''': No. We never leave a man behind. Right?\\
'''Shayera''': ''*smiles*'' Right.
* Shayera removes her mask for the first time in the series, revealing herself to be stunningly beautiful. This is while is with John. In Private. They then share their first kiss.

'''Ultra-Humanite:''' No, no. I had one just like it when I wa- ''*remembers Flash is there and composes himself*'' It's very nice. The guard will show you out.\\
''*Flash leaves, and Ultra-Humanite turns on a spotlight, reflecting light off the tree all around his cell. However, Flash peeks in, smiling.*''

---> '''Clark:''' And he said he didn't bring a gift....

--> ''*John Stewart walks out of the conference room, dejected*''\\
'''Batman''': The most mysterious creatures in the universe.\\
'''John''': Sorry?\\
'''Batman''': Women. Don't be too hard on yourself. You didn't know she was spoken for.\\
'''John''': How did you–?\\
'''Batman''': It wasn't hard to figure out. The point is, these things happen. You just have to deal with it.\\
'''John''': Thanks. I'll keep that in mind.\\
'''J'onn''': Believe me, I know how painful it can be when two people who are so involved– *is interrupted by the Flash's arrival*

--->'''Wonder Woman:''' ''*[[AffectionateGestureToTheHead tousles his hair]]*'' Red hair. It suits you.\\
'''Flash:''' ''*brightly*'' You think?

'''Batman:''' ''*smiles*'' Right back at you.

'''Shayera:''' I don't know. Someplace where the fate of the world isn't in my hands. Someplace where there are no more secrets...No more lies...\\
'''John:''' WasItAllALie\\
'''Shayera:''' I love you, John. I never lied about that. *flies off*\\
'''John:''' *sheds a tear* ...I love you, too.

* All appearances to the contrary, Aquaman's antagonistic behavior during his game of chess with Shayera was a genuine attempt at helping her get back on her feet. Makes sense when you contrast Shayera's current bored and disinterested personality [[FridgeBrilliance with her former warlike, fiery temper.]]

--->"I believe in second chances. I believe in redemption. But mostly, [[TrueCompanions I believe in my friends.]]" ''*lays his hand on Hawkgirl's shoulder*''

--->'''Woman:''' You saved our lives. God bless you, ''[[BilingualBonus Chica Halcón]]''. [[note]]Spanish for "Hawk Girl"[[/note]]\\
'''John Stewart:''' *softly* [[YouAreBetterThanYouThinkYouAre You deserve that too]].

* The brief kiss David (Chronos) Clinton gives his wife Enid just before he attempts to re-write the timeline proves that despite all his psychoses, he still cares about her.

--->'''John Stewart:''' ''*saves Warhawk by firing a blast at Woof*'' [[PapaWolf Get away from my kid!]]

'''Big Barda:''' You're just too far away to hear it. ''[[AwLookTheyReallyDoLoveEachOther *Barda kneels down and hugs Oberon*]]''

* The idea of Martian Manhunter playing a game with Flash, being the ComicallySerious folk he is. Actually, just the friendship between them is good in the end.

* The Question, despite his cynicism and conspiracy theory tendencies, is willing to take a bullet for Superman and the rest of the League by taking down Lex Luthor to avert a potential BadFuture. As he tells Luthor, "I'm a well-known crackpot. The Justice League's reputation will survive my actions...and Superman's legacy will remain intact."

** The best part of this moment is that it's a ShoutOut to ComicBook/BatmanTheDarkKnightReturns, where Superman has the same reaction after he thinks he killed Batman.

--> '''Superman:''' As of right now, we're disbanding the Justice League. This is the end.\\

** This scene was also very reminiscent of the times when Alfred would try and make sure that Bruce's health was in good order. Now Bruce does the same for Terry, and it is perhaps the clearest indicator that the younger man has truly EARNED the role of Batman.

--> '''Bruce:''' You're a stubborn piece of work, you know that.\\
'''Terry:''' ''*warmly*'' Just like my old man.

* At the end of the episode, Shayera and the last surviving Blackhawk paid their respects to the deceased members. When Fire asks why they have to protect Blackhawk Island - which she describes as a "musty old museum" - instead of going after Lex, Flash tells her that saving the island is worth it, considering that the Blackhawks helped the League restore history during "The Savage Time".

-->'''Flash:''' [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSQ-h_2WGkw I'll come visit you in the hospital. We'll play darts...the soft kind]].

** For added points, the Trickster [[Creator/MarkHamill shares his voice]] with another [[ComicBook/TheJoker DCAU villain]] - but the interaction between them and their nemesis couldn't be further apart.
** Meta-example, but Creator/MarkHamill voicing The Trickster is a sort of RoleReprise from Series/TheFlash1990, and elements from the that show were added to The Trickster's design.

* Flash spends the entire episode simply ''gushing'' about his hometown. He knows the name of damn near ''everyone'' there and works as a simple forensic scientist. He's one of the few Leaguers to catch bad guys in ''both'' identities. He's also [[CantActPervertedTowardALoveInterest incredibly considerate and respectful to Linda Park]] (his canonical LoveInterest) in stark contrast to his [[CasanovaWannabe usual behavior with the opposite sex]].

* Flash tries to convince Batman to come to his award ceremony...''and he actually does''. It was sweet beyond words, further proving that Batman is cold on the outside but he genuinely cares about his friends. Especially Wally, who's basically [[TheHeart a walking heartwarming moment]] anyway.

--> '''Orion:''' Now I understand. You [[ObfuscatingStupidity play the fool]] to [[SadClown hide a warrior's pain.]]\\

** That actually ends up qualifying as a [=CMoH=] in and of itself. With a single, honest statement that sums up the kind of man — indeed, the kind of ''hero'' Flash is, The Fastest Man Alive gets a genuine smile out of the Dark Knight. How many people in the DCAU can say they've gotten a ''real'' smile out of the Batman?

--->'''Stargirl:''' ''*impressed*'' Wow, you really know how to work a crowd.\\

--->'''Old Woman''': No need to thank me, son. You just get yourself better. World still needs protecting, you know.

* We learn early on that the historical records in the 31st century indicated that Supergirl was never heard from again after her 21st birthday and that only two members of the Justice League returned to their own time, thus suggesting that Supergirl was going to die. So after a battle with a mind-controlled Green Lantern, it appears Supergirl is dead and we're going to have a TearJerker moment. But we soon see that Supergirl's all right -- and that the reason why she doesn't return to her own time is because she chooses to stay in the future, in part to pursue a romance with Braniac 5!

* The teamwork between the heroes and villains qualifies. There are lives saved by both sides toward the other (Shining Knight goes out of his way to save Star Sapphire), and while it's not real surprising the heroes will make an effort to save even the villains, the other way around is pretty heartwarming. These guys all hate the League, and could easily chalk up a hero's death as happening in battle, but there are least a couple of instances shown where the villains are not just fighting the enemy, but actually go OUT OF THEIR WAY to save one of the heroes. One that comes to mind, Hawkgirl, whose wing has been speared preventing her from flying, uses her mace to destroy the power core of one of the Apokolips drill machines. She receives a powerful electric shock in the process, then falls to the ground, weakened, and start to faint, only for Atomic Skull to catch her and carry her to safety, throwing a warning to Commander Steel on the way. It's capped off by a funny heartwarming moment as Atomic Skull yells "Yeah!" to celebrate the team's victory when the drill machine goes kerblooey.

* The fact that the series ends with a shot of Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman.
** Furthermore, the last conversation Superman and Batman have on the show just proves how the two have gone from vaguely antagonistic rivals from their first meeting to genuine friends capable of ribbing each other.
--->'''Superman:''' A head start? You’re getting soft in your old age.\\
'''Batman:''' ''[warmly smiling]'' Don’t you have a tall building to go leap?

[[/folder]]

** Diana has her suspicions that Bruce and Batman are in fact the one and the same, and playfully confides this to Batman at the end: He insists he doesn't know what she's talking about]], but she knows.

** And then there's Batman, rescuing the little girl from the apartment fire:
--->'''Little Girl:''' I'm scared.\\

** Diana has her suspicions that Bruce and Batman are in fact the one and the same, and playfully confides this to Batman at the end. [[PlausibleDeniability He insists he doesn't know what she's talking about]], but she knows.

'''Batman:''' ...I don't know what you're talking about.\\
'''Wonder Woman:''' If you say so. But you're still taking me dancing. ''*holds onto his arm and they walk away together arm-in-arm*''

!!Per wiki policy, Administrivia/SpoilersOff applies here and all spoilers are unmarked. [[{{Administrivia/YouHaveBeenWarned}} You Have Been Warned.]]

'''Amanda Waller:''' You know, the Lord's been a great comfort to me all these years. Try not to look so surprised. Yeah, I've got a lot to answer for when I meet Him, but I'd like to believe that for all the harm I've caused, I've also done some good. Maybe the angels need a sharp sword too. Like the Good Book says, He moves in mysterious ways. His plan is a mystery, but here's what isn't. He gave us free will. We choose our own fate, for good or ill. I've known Bruce Wayne for over fifty years, and I've been keeping an eye on you your whole life. You're not Bruce's clone, you're his ''son''. There are similarities, mind you, but more than a few differences too. You don't quite have his magnificent brain, for instance; you do have his heart though, and for all that fierce exterior I've never met anyone who cared as deeply about his fellow man as Bruce Wayne, except maybe you. You want to have a little better life than the old man's? Take care of the people who love you. Or don't. It's your choice.

** The reason he asks Batman is because he wants some of the other Justice Leaguers there too -- not to see him honored, but because he views it as an honor to ''all of them.''

--> '''Orion:''' Now I understand. You [[ObfuscatingStupidity play the fool]] [[SadClown to hide a warrior's pain.]]\\
'''Flash:''' "Dude. The bad guys went down, and nobody got hurt. You know what I call that? ''A really good day.''

-->'''Cheetah:''' (while next to Batman) Too much curiosity can be dangerous.\\

'''Batman:''' *whispers* Try me.\\
(Cheetah smiles before leaning in and kissing him)

* It's one giant EarnYourHappyEnding for Bruce. ''WesternAnimation/BatmanBeyond'' did a lot to give Bruce a DownerEnding, starting off the series with no connection to many of his former friends, retired from the superhero life, living alone and with most of his company taken over. By this time, he's found someone to continue the fight, reconciled with the friends he has left, got his company back, and has found a son in Terry both figuratively and literally. Given that this is Batman, he might hold on just long enough to see his grandkids.