First off - thanks for all the cool input (Zongar!). If (i.e. "when") I do more cover recreations I'll hit you all up.
I neglected to mention that instead of the JLA it would be my own super-group, the Sentinels (see
http://www.comicartfans.com/GalleryPiece.asp?Piece=812999&GSub=107702 ) and the Freedom Brigade (see
http://www.comicartfans.com/GalleryPiece.asp?Piece=816767&GSub=107702 ).
At any rate, here are my thoughts on it for anyone interested:
JLA:
Batman - Obvious answer is Black Terror, with his old sidekick "Tim" standing in for Robin. Slightly less obvious, but even better is the Black Lion (and "Cub") as they are based on animals (like Batman and Robin) AND the ears ;-)
Flash - Silver Streak is the only way to go. Speed Centaur f'rinstance ain't happening;
Aquaman - The Shark or Barry Cuda are, no offense, super lame. I'm going with Hydroman, as I've already established him as being in the Sentinels;
Hawkman - Airman, I prefer his costume to the Eagle's;
Green Arrow - I like The Arrow, but the Spider is cool too;
Black Canary - Black Cat would sort of be the obvious one, or Blue Lady as mentioned.
JSA:
Wonder Woman - I agree that Amazona would be the best parallel, but I'm going with Nelvana of the Northern Lights. She's a chick, a demi-goddess, and has at least a distinictive costume element (the weird headband/feathers thing). Plus, also a future (past?) Freedom Brigade member (and past and future (?) Sentinels member). Whew.
Dr. Mid-Nite - Nightro, can't beat that;
Robin - As above, it would be Cub;
Wildcat - I like the Cat-Man idea, I think I'll go with that;
Hourman -
stupid drug addicts
Johnny Thunder - Zongar!!! Plus his imp for fun (maybe he's making the cloud they're in).
Here's the monkey wrench in the whole thing. Black Lion and Cub totally match, as does Blue Lady (or Black Cat). However, my current obscure faves are the Grim Reaper and the Black Orchid, so I was going to use them. And move Orchid over beside Reaper (who's filling in Batman's position), cause - they be knockin' boots, yo. Oh, and that means I was going to use a grown up Kid Terror or Kid Fury or Cub, but then ... no sidekick/hero relation going on .... damn. And Robin is the most prominent character in the image. Hmm..
That kind of destroys the parallels though. Not decided on that one. Which option will I regret less after it's bought and paid for? Who knows.
Also - the original artist, Ernie Chan, is still around and taking commissions ... and his rates aren't bad .... hmmm ....