In their original adventures prior to the Crisis on Infinite Earths, the Forgotten Heroes are all superheroes who, at one point in their career, had discovered a mysterious golden pyramid.

[1] The members of the team are brought together by Immortal Man, who reveals to them that the pyramids are the work of his eons-old foe, Vandal Savage.

With the aid of Superman, the Forgotten Heroes destroy the golden pyramids and save the Earth.

In Crisis on Infinite Earths #10, Animal Man, Dolphin and Rip Hunter again team up, along with Adam Strange, Captain Comet and the Atomic Knight.

Members of the Forgotten Villains include Atom-Master, Enchantress, Faceless Hunter, Kraklow, Mr. Poseidon, Ultivac, and Yggardis the Living Planet.