In this tour, we will be looking at characters (and concepts) that appear in the pages of DC Comics, yet originated in media outside of comic books. Radio, television, movie theaters, and other mediums have all helped shape the mythos of the DC universe.
Grab a snack, settle in, and let's get things started! As with most tours, the entries are presented in no specific order.
Characters who only appeared as background or single-panel characters in the comics will not be included (for example Mas y Menos from the Teen Titans television cartoon or the Cathy Lee Crosby version of Wonder Woman from the failed 1974 TV movie pilot).
1. GENERAL PHILIP BLANKENSHIP
General Blankenship first appeared in The New Original Wonder Woman pilot TV movie that aired in 1975. He was played by John Randolph. Ratings were strong so a (shortened titled) Wonder Woman mid-season series debuted in early 1976. General Blankenship appeared in all 13 episodes of season 1, though the role was recast with actor John Eastham.
Because the series was set during World War II, the Wonder Woman comic book decided to switch focus to the Earth-Two Wonder Woman for a short time, with stories based in the 1940s to coincide with the television show. During this period, General Blankenship appeared in Wonder Woman's printed adventures in both her own eponymous title and in World's Finest Comics.
2. PERRY WHITE
Perry White is the editor of the Daily Planet newspaper where Clark Kent and Lois Lane are employed as reporters. Perry was created for The Adventures of Superman radio serial. He was voiced by actor Julian Noa. The character hit the airwaves in February 1940. He was eventually integrated into the printed DC universe in Superman #7 (Nov. 1940). Before Perry's arrival, the staff at the Daily Planet worked for editor George Taylor.
3. SUPERMAN'S PARENTS
Superman's father was mentioned in Action Comics #1 (June 1938) as "a scientist", but his parents were not seen until 1939, and they first appeared in the Superman comic strip featured in newspapers. They didn't appear in a comic book until More Fun Comics #101 (Jan. 1945).
In their initial comic strip appearance, Superman's parents are named Jor-L and Lora. Their names will be altered down the road, and that will be covered in a later entry on this tour.
4. The Wonder Twins and Gleek
The Wonder Twins (Zan and Jayna) along with their monkey (Gleek) are aliens who have superpowers. When Zan and Jayna touch, usually shouting "Wonder Twin powers... activate!" they activate temporary powers. Zan can transform into any form or state of water, and Jayna is able to transform into any animal she thinks of. Gleek has a prehensile tail that can stretch to great lengths. These characters were created for the second incarnation of the Hanna-Barbara Super Friends franchise, The All New Super Friends Hour (1977). The twins would appear in four later iterations of the series, through 1985.
They first appeared in comics in Super Friends #7 (Oct. 1977). Whether this title was part of the mainstream DC universe is an argument that is oft disputed. Your tour guide falls into the camp that believes the title was not! The twins and Gleek were reintroduced in Extreme Justice #9 (1995) and with that, any argument as to whether they were part of the mainstream DC universe was over!
The twins have gone on to appear in the animated Teen Titans Go! television series and in a live-action portrayal on the CW series, Smallville.
They first appeared in comics in Super Friends #7 (Oct. 1977). Whether this title was part of the mainstream DC universe is an argument that is oft disputed. Your tour guide falls into the camp that believes the title was not! The twins and Gleek were reintroduced in Extreme Justice #9 (1995) and with that, any argument as to whether they were part of the mainstream DC universe was over!
The twins have gone on to appear in the animated Teen Titans Go! television series and in a live-action portrayal on the CW series, Smallville.
5. MERCY GRAVES
Mercy first appeared in 1996 on the TV series Superman: The Animated Series. She is the bodyguard and chauffeur for Lex Luthor. She would eventually cross over into other animated DC series as well as in live-action series. And of course, she ended up in the pages of DC Comics.... thus her inclusion in this tour!
Mercy first appeared in 1996 on the TV series Superman: The Animated Series. She is the bodyguard and chauffeur for Lex Luthor. She would eventually cross over into other animated DC series as well as in live-action series. And of course, she ended up in the pages of DC Comics.... thus her inclusion in this tour!
Her first comic appearance in mainstream continuity was in 1999.
6. CHIEF O'HARA
When the campy Batman television TV series hit the airwaves in 1966, one of the regular characters featured on the show was Chief O'Hara, O'Hara is a member of the Gotham City Police Department and a sort of bumbling "man-Friday" for Commissioner Gordon. He was portrayed by Actor Stafford Repp and appeared in all 120 episodes.
Chief O'Hara was mentioned in DC Comics in August 1966 but he didn't actually appear in print until 1977 in Detective Comics #461 (July 1976). His appearances since then have been sporadic.
When the campy Batman television TV series hit the airwaves in 1966, one of the regular characters featured on the show was Chief O'Hara, O'Hara is a member of the Gotham City Police Department and a sort of bumbling "man-Friday" for Commissioner Gordon. He was portrayed by Actor Stafford Repp and appeared in all 120 episodes.
Chief O'Hara was mentioned in DC Comics in August 1966 but he didn't actually appear in print until 1977 in Detective Comics #461 (July 1976). His appearances since then have been sporadic.
7. URSA
Superman (1978) and Superman II (1980) featured three Kryptonian criminals who had been banished to the Phantom Zone for war crimes. The female member of this trio was Ursa, portrayed by Sarah Douglas. The character is very devoted to serving General Zod.
The character transitioned to the pages of DC Comics in 2007 in Action Comics #845. In the comics, she is the wife of Zod.
Superman (1978) and Superman II (1980) featured three Kryptonian criminals who had been banished to the Phantom Zone for war crimes. The female member of this trio was Ursa, portrayed by Sarah Douglas. The character is very devoted to serving General Zod.
The character transitioned to the pages of DC Comics in 2007 in Action Comics #845. In the comics, she is the wife of Zod.
8. SUPERMAN TEAMING WITH BATMAN AND ROBIN
The first time Superman teamed with Batman and Robin it wasn't in the pages of a DC Comic, it happened instead on The Adventures of Superman radio show on March 2, 1945. Granted, the three had appeared on covers together and in single panel meetings before then (All-Star Comics #7 for example), but their first actual teaming on a mutual adventure occurred on radio. Their secret identities are offered up to each other at this time.
Batman was voiced by Stacy Harris and Robin was voiced by Ronald Liss. The duo would team with Superman on the radio serial over a dozen times. Typically writing them in would provide Superman actor Bud Collier some time to take vacations.
When Superman first teamed with Batman (and Robin) in the comics, well, that meeting has been told, re-told, molded, twisted, repurposed, and trotted out more times than one human should be asked to remember! From a chronological standpoint, that first teaming occurred in Superman #76 (May 1952).
Batman was voiced by Stacy Harris and Robin was voiced by Ronald Liss. The duo would team with Superman on the radio serial over a dozen times. Typically writing them in would provide Superman actor Bud Collier some time to take vacations.
When Superman first teamed with Batman (and Robin) in the comics, well, that meeting has been told, re-told, molded, twisted, repurposed, and trotted out more times than one human should be asked to remember! From a chronological standpoint, that first teaming occurred in Superman #76 (May 1952).
9. HARLEY QUINN
Given the immense popularity of Harley Quinn, it's hard to remember that she started out as a throwaway character on Batman The Animated Series in episode 7 (Sept. 1992). She was voiced by Arleen Sorkis. She was simply referred to as Joker's Hench Wench in the original script. Arleen's performance really made the character come to life, and as a result, Harley Quinn was later written into episode 35, and subsequently 8 more episodes over three seasons.
Since that time Harley Quinn has been integrated into not only the mainstream DC Universe, but she has been portrayed in live-action television and in three major motion pictures. She also has her own eponymous series on HBO which has had 4 seasons with a 5th one in production (as of July 2024).
10. LEX LUTHOR BEING BALD
Lex first appeared in Action Comics #23 (April 1940). He was portrayed as having red hair. However, in 1941, artist Leo Nowak mistakenly drew Lex Luthor as bald in the daily Superman newspaper strip. Superman's creators Shuster and Siegel discussed the more striking look and decided to keep it.
In Adventure Comics #271 (Apr. 1960) a revised backstory was written, wherein it's revealed the it was Superboy who caused a young Lex Luthor to lose his hair... thus creating Lex's hatred for the boy/man of steel.
(Pictured is actor Lyle Talbot, the first actor to portray a live-action Lex Luthor in the 1950 film serial, The Atom Man vs Superman.)
In Adventure Comics #271 (Apr. 1960) a revised backstory was written, wherein it's revealed the it was Superboy who caused a young Lex Luthor to lose his hair... thus creating Lex's hatred for the boy/man of steel.
(Pictured is actor Lyle Talbot, the first actor to portray a live-action Lex Luthor in the 1950 film serial, The Atom Man vs Superman.)
11. ISIS
In September of 1974, a live-action television series titled Shazam! hit the Saturday morning kid's lineup on CBS. If featured the DC superhero Captain Marvel, who DC had purchased from Fawcett Comics years earlier, and coincided with DC's decision to publish a new comic book featuring the Captain and his supporting cast, also titled Shazam! Filmation then created an original heroine named Isis. Her show was paired with Captain Marvel's second season as The Shazam/Isis Hour, debuting in September of 1975. The two heroes would even team together on several occasions.
School teacher Andrea Thomas discovered an ancient amulet while on an archeological dig. It had originally been worn by the Egyptian Queen Hatshepsut, an ancient Egyptian pharaoh. The amulet endowed control over the elements and animals to any of Hatshepsut's descendants, which fatefully included Andrea. Wearing the amulet and citing the words, "Oh Mighty Isis", Andrea would be transformed into the goddess superheroine Isis, complete with an amulet headpiece and much longer hair! An interesting sidenote, Isis holds the honor of being the first weekly live-action female superhero in television history. Her series predates both the Bionic Woman (January 1976) and Wonder Woman (April 1976).
School teacher Andrea Thomas discovered an ancient amulet while on an archeological dig. It had originally been worn by the Egyptian Queen Hatshepsut, an ancient Egyptian pharaoh. The amulet endowed control over the elements and animals to any of Hatshepsut's descendants, which fatefully included Andrea. Wearing the amulet and citing the words, "Oh Mighty Isis", Andrea would be transformed into the goddess superheroine Isis, complete with an amulet headpiece and much longer hair! An interesting sidenote, Isis holds the honor of being the first weekly live-action female superhero in television history. Her series predates both the Bionic Woman (January 1976) and Wonder Woman (April 1976).
DC published an Isis comic book with the first issue being dated November 1976. But this title was as part of their DC TV line and was not considered to be part of the DC mainstream universe. The title lasted 8 issues, the final dated January 1978. Because DC did not own the rights to the character, she pretty much faded into obscurity. She wasn't even included in the Crisis on Infinite Earths maxi-series published in 1985/1986 that included pretty much the entire roster of DC characters.
A more modern take on the character debuted in 52 #12 (July 2006). She is an enslaved refugee named Adrianna Tomaz who is presented to Black Adam. He frees her and arranges for her to receive the amulet of Hatshepsut. Stating "I am Isis!", Adrianna is transformed into the heroine goddess Isis. She and Black Adam eventually marry.
A more modern take on the character debuted in 52 #12 (July 2006). She is an enslaved refugee named Adrianna Tomaz who is presented to Black Adam. He frees her and arranges for her to receive the amulet of Hatshepsut. Stating "I am Isis!", Adrianna is transformed into the heroine goddess Isis. She and Black Adam eventually marry.
12. CONDIMENT KING
This villain first appeared on Batman: The Animated Series in 1994. The Joker brainwashes standup comic Buddy Standler into becoming a D-list Batman villain who uses condiments to commit crimes. He was voiced by Stuart Pankin.
The character first transitioned into the pages of DC Comics with an appearance in Birds of Prey #37 (January 2002). He has been used in other titles since, typically as comic relief.
The character first transitioned into the pages of DC Comics with an appearance in Birds of Prey #37 (January 2002). He has been used in other titles since, typically as comic relief.
13. CHASE MERIDIAN
Chase is a criminal psychologist who first appeared in the 1995 film, Batman Forever. In the movie she moves to Gotham City to be a consultant for the Gotham Police Department. She eventually becomes a love interest for Batman/Bruce Wayne. She was portrayed by Nicole Kidman.
Dr. Meridian was integrated into the mainstream DC Universe in Legends of the Dark Knight 100 Page Super Spectacular #4 (2014).
Chase is a criminal psychologist who first appeared in the 1995 film, Batman Forever. In the movie she moves to Gotham City to be a consultant for the Gotham Police Department. She eventually becomes a love interest for Batman/Bruce Wayne. She was portrayed by Nicole Kidman.
Dr. Meridian was integrated into the mainstream DC Universe in Legends of the Dark Knight 100 Page Super Spectacular #4 (2014).
14. LOCK-UP
Lyle Bolton is a former security guard who worked at Arkham Asylum. Because of his brutality to inmates, he was fired. He costumed up and took on the persona of Lock-Up, a vigilante obsessed with taking down the people who fired him. He would arrest and lock up any individuals who he deemed to be the cause of problems in Gotham City. He sees himself as a hero, despite the fact that he robs his victims of their civil rights. He first appears in season 3 of Batman The Animated Series first airing in November 1994. He was voiced by Bruce Weitz.
Lock-Up became the first original character created for the animated series to make the leap to the printed pages of DC Comics. He first appeared in Robin #24 (January 1996).
Lyle Bolton is a former security guard who worked at Arkham Asylum. Because of his brutality to inmates, he was fired. He costumed up and took on the persona of Lock-Up, a vigilante obsessed with taking down the people who fired him. He would arrest and lock up any individuals who he deemed to be the cause of problems in Gotham City. He sees himself as a hero, despite the fact that he robs his victims of their civil rights. He first appears in season 3 of Batman The Animated Series first airing in November 1994. He was voiced by Bruce Weitz.
Lock-Up became the first original character created for the animated series to make the leap to the printed pages of DC Comics. He first appeared in Robin #24 (January 1996).
15. LIONEL LUTHOR
The character of Lionel Luthor was created for the Smallville television series which originally aired from 2001 through 2011. Lionel Luthor is the father of Lex Luthor and he was portrayed by actor John Glover.
In DC Comics, the first appearance of note for Lex Luthor's father occurred in Superman's Girlfriend, Lois Lane #23 (Feb. 1961). In the issue, it's revealed that the name of Lex Luthor's father is Jules Luthor. Jules and his wife (Arlene) have disowned Lex and changed their last name to Thorul.
The integration of the name Lionel Luthor, and his businessman persona, were integrated into DC Comics in 2010 and 2011 during the events of Blackest Night and Flashpoint. The character continued to appear in The New 52 continuity and after that in the DC Rebirth.
In DC Comics, the first appearance of note for Lex Luthor's father occurred in Superman's Girlfriend, Lois Lane #23 (Feb. 1961). In the issue, it's revealed that the name of Lex Luthor's father is Jules Luthor. Jules and his wife (Arlene) have disowned Lex and changed their last name to Thorul.
The integration of the name Lionel Luthor, and his businessman persona, were integrated into DC Comics in 2010 and 2011 during the events of Blackest Night and Flashpoint. The character continued to appear in The New 52 continuity and after that in the DC Rebirth.
16. JIMMY OLSEN
Jimmy was first mentioned by name on The Adventures of Superman radio serial on April 15, 1940. The character was voiced by Jackie Kelk.
Now, over in the comic books, there had been a young red-headed office boy, complete with a bow tie, who had appeared in the background as far back as Action Comics #6 (Nov. 1938). Retroactively it has been accepted that this was Jimmy Olsen. With that said, the name "Jimmy Olsen" did not appear on a printed DC page until Superman #13 (Nov/Dec 1941), more than a year after he had been introduced to the radio-listening public.
17. KRISTEN WELLS
Building some hype during the time of the Superman movies starring Christopher Reeve, there were several Superman-themed novels written by popular DC comic writer Elliot S. Maggin that were published. One of them was Miracle Monday which hit bookstores in 1981. One of the story's central characters is Kristen Wells, a professor from the 29th century who travels back in time to find out how the holiday known as Miracle Monday came to be celebrated.
Jump forward two years and Elliot S. Maggin decides to introduce Kristen Wells into the mainstream DC universe in DC Comics Presents Annual #2 (July 1983). She still resides in the 29th century, but she's now a journalism major and a descendant of Jimmy Olsen. She travels to the past to find the origin of a holiday known in her time as Miracle Monday. Employing technology from her era, she disguises herself and assists Superman as a new hero named Superwoman. Together they defeat a villain known as King Kosmos.
18. ALFRED PENNYWORTH
Alfred Thaddeus Crane Pennyworth is Bruce Wayne's butler and one of the few people entrusted with knowing Batman's secret identity. He not only maintains Wayne Manor, but also the Batcave hidden beneath it. Alfred first appeared in Batman #16 (April 1943), but records indicate that he was created by the writers of the 1943 Batman film serial... added to the comics so that the two would be cohesive.
In the comics, Alfred was originally chubby and clean-shaven. In the movie serial, the character of Alfred was played by William Austin, an actor who was slim and sported a thin mustache. After the serial began airing, Alfred in the comics was sent off to a health resort and returned as a slim fellow with a mustache (Detective #83, Jan 1944)! So, it can be stated with certainty that SLIM Alfred originated in film, not the comics!
(An additional bit of trivia... Alfred was first given a surname in 1945, and it was Beagle! It wasn't until 1969 that it changed to Pennyworth.)
In the comics, Alfred was originally chubby and clean-shaven. In the movie serial, the character of Alfred was played by William Austin, an actor who was slim and sported a thin mustache. After the serial began airing, Alfred in the comics was sent off to a health resort and returned as a slim fellow with a mustache (Detective #83, Jan 1944)! So, it can be stated with certainty that SLIM Alfred originated in film, not the comics!
(An additional bit of trivia... Alfred was first given a surname in 1945, and it was Beagle! It wasn't until 1969 that it changed to Pennyworth.)
19. INSPECTOR HENDERSON
William "Bill" Henderson is a police inspector who works for the Metropolis Police Department. He often acts as a liaison to the law for Superman. He was created as a cast member on The Adventures of Superman radio serial which debuted in 1940. He was originally voiced by Robert Crowley (who was also one of three actors to provide the voice of Batman in the same series).
Inspector Henderson was also a regular cast member on the Adventures of Superman TV series airing from 1952 to 1958 (appearing in 90 of the total 104 episodes). He was portrayed by Robert Shayne.
Inspector Bill Henderson would not appear in DC Comics until 1974, thirty-four years after he was created! His debut in print occurred in Action Comics #440.
Inspector Henderson was also a regular cast member on the Adventures of Superman TV series airing from 1952 to 1958 (appearing in 90 of the total 104 episodes). He was portrayed by Robert Shayne.
Inspector Bill Henderson would not appear in DC Comics until 1974, thirty-four years after he was created! His debut in print occurred in Action Comics #440.
20. CHLOE SULLIVAN
Chloe was created as an original character for the television series, Smallville, which debuted in 2001. She was portrayed by Allison Mack. Her character was the only one, other than Clark/Kal-El, to be a regular cast member in all ten seasons the series was aired. Over the years, Chloe becomes Clark's closest friend, and in season four she become privy to his secret abilities. She often helped to cover for him when he needed to use his abilities. Using her gifts with computers, she later functioned as a sort of de facto Oracle within the Smallville continuity. It is also revealed that she is Lois Lane's cousin.
Chloe made her first appearance in mainstream DC continuity in Action Comics #893 (November 2010). Since the company-wide reboot with The New 52 in 2011 Chloe has not been seen, so she may have been wiped from continuity. Only time will tell.
Chloe made her first appearance in mainstream DC continuity in Action Comics #893 (November 2010). Since the company-wide reboot with The New 52 in 2011 Chloe has not been seen, so she may have been wiped from continuity. Only time will tell.
21. RENEE MONTOYA
Renee first appeared on Batman: The Animated Series in 1992. She was a new police officer in the Gotham Police Force. She was voiced by Ingrid Oliu and appeared in a total of 7 episodes. That same year, she would cross over to the pages of DC Comics in Detective Comics #642.
In 2007, Renee would take over the mantle of the superhero known as The Question. She has become quite popular with important appearances in comic books and as both a live-action and animated character in various DC-related films and television series.
22. NON
Superman (1978) and Superman II (1980) featured three Kryptonian criminals who had been banished to the Phantom Zone for war crimes. One of the three was Non, a mute grunt who communicated through guttural sounds and physical violence. He was portrayed by Jack O'Halloran.
Like fellow Phantom Zone prisoner Ursa (entry 3 of this tour), Non makes his first comic book appearance in the mainstream DC universe in Action Comics #845 (January 2007). In the comics, he is given an expanded backstory as a brilliant Kryptonian scientist who was lobotomized for leading a separatist movement.
Like fellow Phantom Zone prisoner Ursa (entry 3 of this tour), Non makes his first comic book appearance in the mainstream DC universe in Action Comics #845 (January 2007). In the comics, he is given an expanded backstory as a brilliant Kryptonian scientist who was lobotomized for leading a separatist movement.
23. BATGIRL
Barbara Gordon is the daughter of Police Commissioner James Gordon. When first introduced, she is a librarian with exceptional intellect and an eidetic (photographic) memory. Barbara is also Batgirl, a crime-fighting assistant to Batman and Robin.
Her origin is a bit muddled between comic books and television, but she deserves her spot on this tour!
The campy Batman television series that debuted in 1966 was seeking a way to increase sagging ratings. For the show's third season, producer William Dozier wanted to add a female Bat character to the cast. Whether he was aware of DC's previous Bat-Girl (Betty Kane) is uncertain. That character had been retired by DC in 1964.
The concept of a new Batgirl being the daughter of Commissioner Gordan was that of Dozier. From there DC's staff created a full origin story and rolled the character out in Detective Comics #359 (January 1967). So while the character did appear in a comic book first, Barbara Gordon would not exist if not for the television show.
In the Batman TV series, Barbara Gordon/Batgirl is portrayed by actress Yvonne Craig. In the comics, Barbara would eventually be shot by the Joker and finds herself confined to a wheelchair. She operated for years as a hero named Oracle, assisting the superhero community using her skills on the World Wide In more recent years, her injuries have been repaired and she uses her skills as Batgirl once again.
Her origin is a bit muddled between comic books and television, but she deserves her spot on this tour!
The campy Batman television series that debuted in 1966 was seeking a way to increase sagging ratings. For the show's third season, producer William Dozier wanted to add a female Bat character to the cast. Whether he was aware of DC's previous Bat-Girl (Betty Kane) is uncertain. That character had been retired by DC in 1964.
The concept of a new Batgirl being the daughter of Commissioner Gordan was that of Dozier. From there DC's staff created a full origin story and rolled the character out in Detective Comics #359 (January 1967). So while the character did appear in a comic book first, Barbara Gordon would not exist if not for the television show.
In the Batman TV series, Barbara Gordon/Batgirl is portrayed by actress Yvonne Craig. In the comics, Barbara would eventually be shot by the Joker and finds herself confined to a wheelchair. She operated for years as a hero named Oracle, assisting the superhero community using her skills on the World Wide In more recent years, her injuries have been repaired and she uses her skills as Batgirl once again.
24. WENDY, MARVIN, AND WONDER DOG
This trio was featured on the first season of Super Friends, originally airing in 1973. Wendy was voiced by Sherry Alberoni, Marvin and Wonder Dog were voiced by Frank Welker. These characters were jettisoned after season one and replaced by the Wonder Twins.
In DC Comics, Wendy, Marvin, and Wonder Dog appeared in the Super Friends comic book that began publication in 1976. Fandom disagrees on whether this comic book was part of the mainstream DC universe. As previously noted, your tour guide believes that it was not! In the first issue of Super Friends, editor E. Nelson Bridwell established origins and last names for Marvin and Wendy. Marvin White was the son of the original Diana Prince, the nurse who provided Princess Diana with her original alter ego. Wendy Harris was the niece of Harvey Harris, a detective who trained young Bruce Wayne. The trio soon departed from the comic book, just as they did the TV series, once the Wonder Twins came around.
In 2006 DC revived Wendy and Marvin Harris, twins whose father was the villain known as the Calculator. Wendy would eventually become the protégé of Oracle, and assume the codename Proxy.
25. DREAMER
Dreamer was an original character introduced in the 4th season of Supergirl in 2019. She was a regular cast member through the end of the series in 2021 (season 6). Dreamer is the first live-action transgender superhero, portrayed by Nicole Maines.
Dreamer is Nia Nal, an ancestor of Nura Nal (Dream Girl of the Legion of Super-Heroes). Her father is human and her mother Naltorian. Her dream-based powers are generationally inherited.
Dreamer made her comic book debut in DC Pride #1 (August 2021) in a tale penned by Nicole Maines, though the tale was set outside mainstream continuity. Dreamer's origin tale (Bad Dream: A Dreamer Story) also written by actress Maines, was released in 2024. Nia Nal/Dreamer was officially integrated into mainstream DC continuity in Superman: Son of Kal-El #13 dated September 2022.
26. KRYPTONITE
Kryptonite is the remnants of Superman's destroyed home world of Krypton, It has been seen as small pebble-sized rocks, meteor-sized chunks, and even as gas clouds. It originated on The Adventures of Superman radio serial in June of 1943. As described on the radio show it was red and it could incapacitate Superman.
Kryptonite made its first appearance in comic books in Superman #61 (Nov. 1949). It was originally colored red, and sometimes as purple. It would settle in as being green in 1951. Later on, variant colors of kryptonite would be unveiled, each producing differing effects on Kryptonians.
Kryptonite made its first appearance in comic books in Superman #61 (Nov. 1949). It was originally colored red, and sometimes as purple. It would settle in as being green in 1951. Later on, variant colors of kryptonite would be unveiled, each producing differing effects on Kryptonians.
27. JOR-EL AND LARA (SPELLING)
As discussed in Entry #3 of this tour, Superman's parents first debuted in the Superman newspaper strip. But at that time they were Jor-L and Lora.
These two officially became named Jor-El and Lara in the Adventures of Superman novel written by George Lowther, and published in 1942.
28, THE BATCAVE
Batman's hidden underground headquarters made its debut in the 1943 film serial, Batman. The cave provided Batman and Robin with their own crime laboratory. It was first shown in the second episode of the 15-chapter serial.
Prior to the serial, the only thing mentioned in the comics had been a tunnel between Wayne Manor and the barn where the Batmobile was stored. Later it would be noted that there were underground hangers.
Bob Kane and Bill Finger expanded on the film's cave and the hanger concept. The Batcave would finally make its comic book debut in Detective Comics #83 (January 1944).
29. AQUALAD
Aqualad (Kaldur'ahm / Jackson Hyde) has an origin tale similar to Batgirl's. While he was created for the animated television series, Young Justice, DC Comics opted to have him appear in print prior to his on-air debut.
His first television appearance was in November of 2010. He was voiced by Khary Payton. This version of the character grew up in Atlantis and spent time working with Aquaman. He made his comic debut as Jackson Hyde in Brightest Day #4 dated August 2010. This version of the character had brought to land as an infant and adopted by the Hydes. He doesn't learn of his powers or meet Aquaman until he is a teenager. One characteristic shared in both the comics and the animated series is that his biological father is Aquaman's foe, Black Manta.
30. MR. MXYZPTLK
Mr. Mxyzptlk (originally spelled Mxyztplk) is a mischievous magical imp from the "fifth dimension" who often creates havoc for Superman and his friends. The only way to force him to return to his dimension is to trick him into saying his name backward. He made his debut in the Superman daily newspaper strip in 1944.
It was intended that his appearance in Superman #30 (October 1944) be first, but due to some lag time in production, Mxyzptlk ended up appearing in newspapers first.
It was intended that his appearance in Superman #30 (October 1944) be first, but due to some lag time in production, Mxyzptlk ended up appearing in newspapers first.
31. LIVE WIRE
Live Wire made her debut on the second season of Superman: The Animated Series in 1997. She was originally voiced by Lori Petty. Leslie Willis is a radio "shock jock" who is struck by lightning which alters her appearance and gives her powers to manipulate electricity. Though the accident was not Superman's fault, Leslie (now going by Live Wire) blames him, and seeks to destroy him.
Live Wire made her first print appearance in the mainstream DC universe in Action Comics #835 March 2006). Live Wire has gone on to appear in other animated DC series and movies, and has also had live-action portrayals on Supergirl and Smallville.
32. KING TUT
King Tut is a villain created for the 1960's Batman television series. He is a former academic who believes himself to be King Tut. He was popular enough to appear in 10 episodes during the show's three seasons. He was portrayed by Victor Buono.
The character was reimagined for the pages of DC Comics and appeared in Batman Confidential in 2009.
33. JOHN DIGGLE
John Diggle is a character created for the television series, Arrow, debuting on the first episode in October 2012. He is a military veteran who is hired as a bodyguard for Oliver Queen. He is portrayed by David Ramsey. Later in the series, he would become part of "Team Arrow", using the code name Spartan.
John Diggle eventually found his way to the pages of DC Comics in 2013 during the New 52 continuity. Following the company-wide DC Rebirth in 2016, Digger continued to appear, mostly in Green Arrow-related titles.
John Diggle eventually found his way to the pages of DC Comics in 2013 during the New 52 continuity. Following the company-wide DC Rebirth in 2016, Digger continued to appear, mostly in Green Arrow-related titles.
34. SUPERMAN'S S SHIELD
The "S" symbol first appeared in Action Comics #1 (June 1938). The letter S sitting on a yellow shield which was intended to look like a police badge. In the early days, it was often drawn as a simple inverted triangle. While the symbol itself didn't originate in another medium, two aspects of it did. First, the symbol becoming shaped like a diamond was a design introduced in the Fleischer Studios Superman cartoons (1941). In these animated shorts, the background was black, a concept later used in Kingdom Come. Secondly, the concept of the S symbol originated on Krypton. This notion was introduced in the 1978 Superman movie. In the film, the S was said to be a family crest. The symbol being Kryptonian in origin has since been adapted into Superman lore in the pages of DC Comics.
The "S" symbol first appeared in Action Comics #1 (June 1938). The letter S sitting on a yellow shield which was intended to look like a police badge. In the early days, it was often drawn as a simple inverted triangle. While the symbol itself didn't originate in another medium, two aspects of it did. First, the symbol becoming shaped like a diamond was a design introduced in the Fleischer Studios Superman cartoons (1941). In these animated shorts, the background was black, a concept later used in Kingdom Come. Secondly, the concept of the S symbol originated on Krypton. This notion was introduced in the 1978 Superman movie. In the film, the S was said to be a family crest. The symbol being Kryptonian in origin has since been adapted into Superman lore in the pages of DC Comics.
35. NORA FRIES
Nora Fries is the wife of Victor Fries who is also the criminal Mr. Freeze. She first appeared in Batman: The Animated Series in September of 1992. She has a terminal illness so Mr. Freeze keeps her cryogenically frozen until a cure can be discovered.
Nora would eventually make her way into the pages of DC Comics, first appearing in Batman: Mr. Freeze #1 (March 1997). In one storyline, Mr. Freeze attempts to use a Lazarus Pit to cure Nora, but because of her treatments, the pit alters her and she becomes an unstable-minded super-villain named Lazara.
Nora would eventually make her way into the pages of DC Comics, first appearing in Batman: Mr. Freeze #1 (March 1997). In one storyline, Mr. Freeze attempts to use a Lazarus Pit to cure Nora, but because of her treatments, the pit alters her and she becomes an unstable-minded super-villain named Lazara.
36. RED X
Red X first appeared on the Teen Titans animated series. Originally this was merely a persona taken on by Robin while trying to fool Slade Wilson, the Terminator. Later, someone else steals the costume and begins operating as Red X.
Red X made the transition to mainstream DC continuity in Future State: Teen Titans - Ruins #1 (May 2021). It is revealed that he was a former student at the Roy Harper Academy.
37. SUPERMAN'S POWER OF FLIGHT Flight was not included in Superman's original powerset. In his earliest appearances, Kal could only leap an eighth of a mile and come back down.
Superman is commonly said to have first begun flying in the Fleisher Studios animated shorts that began airing in September of 1941. DC gave approval to Fleisher for this alteration since it was easier from a production standpoint.
Prior to this, Superman was once shown "flying" in Superman #10 (June 19410), though this is chalked up to being an error by issue artist Leo Nowak.
Prior still, the Superman radio serial had Superman hovering in the sky (flying) in its second broadcast in 1940. He's then said to "turn in curious flight".
Even prior to this, a British magazine called Triumph featured a drawing of Superman, fist first, flying in space away from Earth. This magazine published reprints of the Superman newspaper strip. This issue was #772, published in August of 1939.
So, the original flight could have been on a movie screen, in a magazine or on the radio... depending on one's point of view!
Red X made the transition to mainstream DC continuity in Future State: Teen Titans - Ruins #1 (May 2021). It is revealed that he was a former student at the Roy Harper Academy.
37. SUPERMAN'S POWER OF FLIGHT Flight was not included in Superman's original powerset. In his earliest appearances, Kal could only leap an eighth of a mile and come back down.
Superman is commonly said to have first begun flying in the Fleisher Studios animated shorts that began airing in September of 1941. DC gave approval to Fleisher for this alteration since it was easier from a production standpoint.
Prior to this, Superman was once shown "flying" in Superman #10 (June 19410), though this is chalked up to being an error by issue artist Leo Nowak.
Prior still, the Superman radio serial had Superman hovering in the sky (flying) in its second broadcast in 1940. He's then said to "turn in curious flight".
Even prior to this, a British magazine called Triumph featured a drawing of Superman, fist first, flying in space away from Earth. This magazine published reprints of the Superman newspaper strip. This issue was #772, published in August of 1939.
So, the original flight could have been on a movie screen, in a magazine or on the radio... depending on one's point of view!
38. SUPERGIRL COSTUME
The "white midriff Supergirl costume" was first introduced in Superman: The Animated Series. The Supergirl who wore it was Kara In-Ze, the sole survivor of a lost Kryptonian colony called Argos. She was voiced by Nicholle Tom. The character is unique to the series.
The white midriff costume would eventually be worn by the post-Crisis on Infinite Earths Matrix/Linda Danvers version of Supergirl. The costume made its printed premiere in Supergirl (vol. 4) #51 (December 2000).
39. GRAY GHOST Gray Ghost was first introduced in Batman: The Animated Series in November 1992. He was a hero on a television program played by an actor named Simon Trent (voiced by Adam West). Young Bruce Wayne was a fan of the Gray Ghost television show.
The white midriff costume would eventually be worn by the post-Crisis on Infinite Earths Matrix/Linda Danvers version of Supergirl. The costume made its printed premiere in Supergirl (vol. 4) #51 (December 2000).
39. GRAY GHOST Gray Ghost was first introduced in Batman: The Animated Series in November 1992. He was a hero on a television program played by an actor named Simon Trent (voiced by Adam West). Young Bruce Wayne was a fan of the Gray Ghost television show.
The Gray Ghost first appeared in print in Batgirl (vol. 3) #9 (June 2010). He was Clancey Johnson, a criminal who Batgirl (Stephanie Brown) had put away. Having seen the error of his ways, he wants to support Batgirl by becoming an unwanted ally, the Gray Ghost.
40. WHITEY MURPHY
Whitey Murphy first appeared in the 1941 Adventures of Captain Marvel movie serials. He was portrayed by William Benedict. In the serial, Whitey is a friend and confidant of Billy Batson.
He was adapted into the comics later that year, first appearing in Whiz Comics #22 (October 1941). He was featured sporadically as a very benign background character... still a friend to Billy Batson.
41. PHANTASM Phantasm first appeared in the animated feature film Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993). Though the character seems to be male, it turns out that Phantasm is actually Andrea Beaumont, a former girlfriend of Bruce Wayne. The character was voiced by Dana Delany in civilian form and by Stacy Keach when in costume. Phantasm is a vigilante antiheroine and villain.
The character made her printed debut in the mainstream DC continuity in Batman/Catwoman #1 in (February 2021).
42. THE LEGION OF DOOM
The Legion of Doom is a group of supervillains working together. It first appeared on the Challenge of the Super Friends animated TV show (season 3 of the Super Friends franchise) in 1978. They operated out of the Hall of Doom, a headquarters located in a swamp.
Members of the Legion of Doom were featured in the Super Friends series published by DC in the 1970s but not as an official group. The Legion of Doom's first mainstream DC appearance happened in Extreme Justice #17 (June 1996).
The Legion of Doom is a group of supervillains working together. It first appeared on the Challenge of the Super Friends animated TV show (season 3 of the Super Friends franchise) in 1978. They operated out of the Hall of Doom, a headquarters located in a swamp.
Members of the Legion of Doom were featured in the Super Friends series published by DC in the 1970s but not as an official group. The Legion of Doom's first mainstream DC appearance happened in Extreme Justice #17 (June 1996).
43. SHAZAM VAN
The Shazam Van (it was never called that!) and Eterni-phone originated in the Shazam! live-action TV series that premiered in September 1974. In the series, Billy Batson travels around the country with Mentor, an older gentleman who provides insight and, well, someone to drive the RV! In the series, Billy is apparently not old enough to drive, but he is old enough to not need to attend school!
In November 1976, this concept was injected into the first volume of Shazam! (#25) Uncle Dudley is slimmed down and grows a mustache (to more closely resemble Mentor), and he and Billy set out in an RV. Additionally, the wizard Shazam gives Billy the Eterni-phone, a device seen on the show that can be used to call upon the "elders", the gods who make up Billy's powerset. In the comics, the RV is the property of WHIZ-TV, and his traveling the country is set up to be part of his job as a reporter for the station.
44. TERRY MCGINNIS
Batman (Terry McGinnis-Wayne) first appeared in the animated series Batman Beyond in 1999. He is a hero of the future who takes over the role of Batman after Bruce Wayne has retired. He was originally voiced by Will Freidle.
The Batman Beyond future became canon in DC Comics in Superman/Batman #22 (October 2005).
This tour has reached its conclusion. I hope that you've enjoyed yourself and that hopefully you've read something you might not have previously known! If there is a character or concept that originated outside the pages of DC Comics that I've missed, leave me a message in the comments! Another tour will be coming your way soon! All characters, names, and elements and the distinctive likenesses thereof are trademarks of DC Comics, Inc.
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