7 Animated Superheroes & Villains Who Made the Jump Into Marvel & DC Comics

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As a movie critic, I’ve seen countless superhero origins, and it’s easy to forget that every character, good or bad, has a beginning. We all know the stories – the radioactive spider bite, the tragic loss, whatever kicks off their heroic or villainous journey. But what really fascinates me isn’t just how they get powers, it’s how these characters even came to be in the first place – the story of their creation and how they ended up gracing the panels of our favorite comics.

Many popular heroes and villains actually began their lives as animated characters. Originally appearing in a cartoon series episode or animated movie, their popularity and importance grew until they transitioned to the world of comic books. Here are seven characters who started as animated favorites and now appear in Marvel and DC Comics, enriching those comic book universes.

7) Harley Quinn

Harley Quinn is arguably the most well-known character to originate in animation and then appear in comic books. Created by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm for Batman: The Animated Series, she first appeared in the 1992 episode “Joker’s Favor” as a one-time helper for the Joker. She quickly became a popular, recurring character as the Joker’s sidekick and love interest, and in 1999, she officially debuted in the comic book Batman: Harley Quinn #1.

Harley Quinn is now a core part of the DC universe. Originally known as the Joker’s partner, she’s evolved significantly over time. She’s moved away from being a simple villain and is now often portrayed as an antihero, even joining teams like the Suicide Squad and the Birds of Prey.

6) X-23/Laura Kinney

X-23 first appeared in the 2003 animated series X-Men: Evolution and later became a significant character in Marvel comics. Originally introduced as a female clone of Wolverine, she debuted in the comic book NYX #3 in 2004 and has been a fan favorite ever since.

Laura’s backstory has changed quite a bit over time. She started as a clone, but it was later discovered she’s actually Wolverine’s biological daughter. She even briefly took on Wolverine’s identity and costume. During a period in the X-Men’s Krakoa era, a duplicate of Laura was created because she was believed to be dead, using mutant resurrection technology. When the original Laura returned, she adopted the name Talon, but Talon was later killed during the ‘Fall of X’ storyline.

5) H.E.R.B.I.E.

Believe it or not, the popular Marvel robot, H.E.R.B.I.E., actually began as a cartoon character! He first showed up in the 1978 animated series The New Fantastic Four, in an episode called “A Monster Among Us,” with Frank Welker providing the voice. Later, in 1979, H.E.R.B.I.E. made his way into Marvel comics, starting with issue #209 of Fantastic Four.

The story behind H.E.R.B.I.E. is interesting: he was originally created for the Fantastic Four animated series because the Human Torch couldn’t be used. The idea was to keep the Human Torch available for a potential movie that ultimately never materialized. Since the Fantastic Four need four members, H.E.R.B.I.E. filled the gap. Over time, he’s become a fan favorite and even appeared in a live-action adaptation.

4) Livewire

Livewire first appeared in the 1997 animated series Superman: The Animated Series in an episode also called “Livewire.” The story introduced Leslie Willis, a well-known and often controversial radio personality who gained the ability to control electricity after being intentionally exposed to a lightning strike that was meant for Superman. Soon after her animated debut, she appeared in the comic book Superman Adventures #5 in 1997. However, she didn’t appear in a main DC Comics title until Action Comics #835 in 2006.

Livewire, though a relatively recent addition to the villain roster, has quickly become a formidable opponent. Her backstory differs somewhat between the comic books and the animated series. She’s also crossed over into live-action television, appearing in both Smallville and Supergirl within the Arrowverse.

3) Firestar/Angelica Jones

Angelica Jones, also known as Firestar, first appeared in the 1981 animated series Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends. She was created because the show’s producers wanted to use the Human Torch, but couldn’t secure the rights. While initially featured in a non-official Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends comic book in 1981, Firestar became so popular that she was later incorporated into the main Marvel comic universe with her debut in Uncanny X-Men #193 in 1985.

I’ve been a fan of Firestar for a long time, and it’s easy to see why she’s such a strong hero! She’s got incredible powers – everything from controlling nuclear fission to just blasting heat, and she can even fly. She’s been a key part of the X-Men for years, and recently played a big role in the ‘Fall of X’ event. Plus, she’s also fought alongside the Avengers, which just proves how versatile and powerful she is.

2) The Phantasm/Andrea Beaumont

Andrea Beaumont, also known as The Phantasm, is a well-known animated character who first appeared in the 1993 film Batman: Mask of the Phantasm. She was originally Bruce Wayne’s fiancée, but later became a vengeful killer, hunting down the people responsible for her father’s death.

Though the character was a fan favorite in the animated Batman world and briefly appeared in a 1994 Batman comic, she didn’t officially become part of the main comic book story until 2020. That’s when she reappeared in the Batman/Catwoman series, asking for help with her son.

1) Terry McGinnis

Though not quite as groundbreaking as Harley Quinn’s transition, Terry McGinnis’s move from animated series to comic books is significant. Originally introduced in Batman Beyond: Rebirth, Part 1 in 1999, Terry McGinnis is the Batman of the future, stepping into the role after Bruce Wayne’s retirement. He first appeared in the Batman Beyond comic series in 1999, but wasn’t officially part of the main DC Universe storyline until later, with his first canonical appearance in Superman/Batman Annual #4.

Terry has been a beloved character ever since he was created. Although he isn’t a central figure in the main DC universe as a future Batman, he’s appeared in several stories. His take on Gotham’s future and the Batman legacy remains popular, especially through the ongoing Batman Beyond comics.

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2025-12-18 18:15