As a lifelong comic book enthusiast who has seen countless superheroes come and go, I must say that two characters stand out as truly exceptional successors to their iconic predecessors: Terry McGinnis (Batman Beyond) and Laura Kinney (X-23).
In creating movies and TV shows based on Marvel and DC comic book characters, creators often find themselves spoiled for choice with an abundance of source material. However, at times they may encounter creative roadblocks in determining the direction for these characters. To circumvent this issue, new characters are occasionally introduced, such as Agent Phil Coulson from Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and X-23 from the X-Men universe. Additionally, other studios jump into the mix, providing us with popular franchises like the Power Rangers and the Powerpuff Girls.
Among these characters, some have grown to amass a massive following and headline successful TV series and box office films. However, others haven’t received the same level of studio attention as fans think they should. Here are the most enduringly popular TV superheroes that were initially conceived for the small screen.
10 Harley Quinn
First Appeared in Batman: The Animated Series (1992)
To begin with, it’s important to clarify that Harley Quinn, while she may exhibit some heroic traits, is primarily an anti-hero rather than a traditional superhero. Despite her occasional acts of good and even world-saving, we are choosing to overlook her villainous past for this discussion. For those who might wonder why she’s not ranked higher on our list, remember that she doesn’t consistently embody the characteristics of a true superhero.
Originally designed as one of the Joker’s henchmen on the animated series “Batman,” Quinn quickly captured fans’ interest. Over time, she evolved into a beloved character, securing her own TV show titled “Harley Quinn,” joining the Bat-family, and appearing in movies such as “Suicide Squad” and “Birds of Prey.
Why Do Fans Love Harley Quinn?
In a predominantly grim superhero universe, Quinn is known for her unforeseeable behavior and adds an entertaining twist. This is primarily due to her unique blend of lovable and twisted traits, which captivates audiences.
Apart from neglecting to mention a significant factor behind Quinn’s charm, we must credit Arleen Sorkin for her substantial contribution. As the voice actress who brought Harley Quinn to life in Batman: The Animated Series, Sorkin was not just the voice but also the inspiration for the character, according to its creator Paul Dini. In an interview with Yahoo Entertainment, Dini noted that Sorkin possessed a vibrant, quick-witted, and vivacious personality, much like the character she voiced. Moreover, Sorkin provided Quinn’s Brooklyn accent and coined some of her memorable phrases such as referring to the Joker as “Mr. J” and “Pudding.” Truly iconic.
9 Wonder Twins
First Appeared in The All-New Super Friends Hour (1977)
In the late 70s, Hanna-Barbera, famous for beloved cartoon characters such as Fred Flintstone and Yogi Bear, ventured into the superhero realm. Thus, the Wonder Twins were created. On the show The All-New Super Friends Hour, these twins worked alongside some of the most renowned superheroes in the DC Universe, like Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman. Over time, their role on the show lessened, but their unique partnership left a lasting impression. They continued to reappear in shows such as Justice League Unlimited and Smallville.
Why Do We Love the Wonder Twins?
Different from other superheroes, the Wonder Twins function as a duo, where their combined presence triggers their unique abilities. Jayna has the ability to transform into various animal forms, while her brother Zan can morph into any shape or form of water. Although their powers might not be the most original in the DC Universe, they offer an enjoyable twist and emphasize the value of teamwork to young audiences.
It seems the future isn’t holding many new adventures for this valiant duo since their 2022 film was scrapped. Ultimately, the Wonder Twins serve as a delightful and humorous touch to the DC Universe, contributing to the heroic efforts of the Justice League and adding some lighthearted fun to the mix.
8 Firestar
First Appeared in Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends (1981)
Initially, it seemed like Firestar might not make it onto the team of Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends. The initial lineup consisted of Spider-Man, Iceman, and the Human Torch. However, legal complications prevented the Human Torch from joining the show. As a result, the creators introduced a new character with pyrokinetic abilities, which turned out to be beneficial for Marvel. Since Firestar became part of the team, she has been cherished by many superhero enthusiasts.
Why Do We Love Firestar?
Firestar is a pioneer in the realm of female superheroes. Upon joining “Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends“, she attracted a broader audience to the series, as well as fostering interest in comic book culture. Unfortunately, Firestar hasn’t received much recognition from Marvel. At present, she has only made appearances on animated television shows, with no imminent plans for her integration into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It’s regrettable because Firestar deserves more, such as her own TV show or movie. However, if fans continue to express their support, there may be a chance that Marvel Studios will take notice and honor Firestar’s legacy by treating it with the respect it deserves.
7 Tommy Oliver
First Appeared in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (1993)
Many readers might find themselves strongly advocating that either Jason Lee (the Red Ranger) or Kimberly (the Pink Ranger), both original members of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers team and long-time fan favorites, should be considered as representatives for the Power Rangers. However, when it comes to the Power Rangers, Tommy Oliver, the Green Ranger, stands out as a unique case.
Why Do Fans Love Tommy Oliver?
Throughout five different Power Rangers series, Tommy Oliver distinguished himself by wearing four distinct colors, unlike his fellow rangers who usually stick to one. From the very beginning, his green suit set him apart, not just due to its unique color, but because it was adorned with golden armor around the chest area. Unlike other rangers, Tommy initially served as a villain under Rita Repulsa’s control. However, after receiving a wake-up call, he joined the Power Rangers and eventually rose to become their leader.
Besides having a greater variety of distinctive weapons compared to his fellow Power Rangers, Oliver possessed the Sword of Darkness and the Dragon Dagger – an instrument that functions as both a magical flute (sounding more like a trumpet) and a summoner for the Dragonzord. The Power Rangers series is quite extraordinary. Regarding Oliver’s color schemes, he holds the titles of White Ranger in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Red Ranger in Power Rangers Turbo and Zeo, and Black Ranger in Power Rangers Dino Thunder.
6 Bubbles
First Appeared in The Powerpuff Girls (1998)
In a slightly different phrasing: Although some viewers might find Bubbles, voiced by Tara Strong, irritating or whiny, many others recognize her as incredibly cute and powerful when enraged. Prior to obtaining their powers from Chemical X, The Powerpuff Girls (emphasized in bold) were composed of three primary elements: sugar, spice, and all things nice. Given that Bubbles is primarily made up of sugar, it’s no surprise she is known as the sweetest member among the crime-fighting trio.
So Why Do Fans Love Bubbles?
In much the same way as one could swap out Power Rangers for Bubbles, Blossom, or Buttercup, making a compelling argument for each of them, Bubbles stands out from her sisters due to more than just being endearingly cute and amusing. Subtle nuances about Bubbles are what truly distinguish her – throughout the series, we discover that she is a vegetarian and has the ability to converse in several languages, such as Spanish, Japanese, and even squirrel, much like Kronk from “The Emperor’s New Groove.” Watching such an interaction would undeniably be captivating.
However, when it comes to raw power, Bubbles stands alone among her group as the only member who has successfully defeated their arch-enemy, Mojo Jojo, single-handedly. Bubbles played a significant role in elevating The Powerpuff Girls to the top tier of prime-time animated series, so let’s give her due recognition!
5 Claire Bennet
First Appeared in Heroes (2006)
Claire Bennet, a beloved character from the successful series “Heroes” portrayed by Hayden Panettiere, is not your average blonde high school cheerleader. It’s interesting to ponder that Emma Stone, who later became famous in “La La Land,” almost landed the role. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Stone shared that she auditioned for Bennet, but it was said that the producers had already decided on their choice beforehand.
In another room, Stone overheard a conversation as a girl entered and they exclaimed, ‘You are our top choice… on a 1-10 scale, you rate as an 11,’ said Stone. It turned out to be Hayden Panettiere who exited the room moments later. Whether or not that selection was perfect is subjective, but given her popularity in the series, it’s clear she made quite an impression on fans.
Why Do We Love Claire Bennet?
Bennet possesses a remarkable resilience, surpassing even the toughest blows endured by the football players she supports, thanks to her extraordinary ability to regenerate tissue. In other words, you could hypothetically drop her from a great height or expose her to fire, and she’d likely shrug it off as if nothing had happened before continuing with her routine. A particularly unsettling scene for novice viewers involves the kitchen sink garbage disposal.
Fans adored the character Bennet so much that they were disappointed when she was written out of Heroes Reborn. Hayden Panettiere’s captivating portrayal played a role in making Bennet a fan favorite, and her consistent presence throughout the original series added to her popularity. Moreover, the compelling narrative of a teenager discovering supernatural powers made following Bennet’s journey worthwhile, which explained why she appeared frequently.
4 Angel
First Appeared in Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997)
For many fans of “Buffy The Vampire Slayer”, the debate between Team Angel and Team Spike remains ongoing. Given that Angel received his own spin-off series, it’s evident he had greater popularity compared to Spike. Regrettably, a Spike movie envisioned by show creator Joss Whedon never materialized. Additionally, Angel embodies more of a superhero persona as opposed to Spike, which is the reason behind his inclusion on this list.
Initially in season 1, the character Angel, portrayed by David Boreanaz, was intended to be Buffy’s romantic interest. Given that he is a vampire and she is a vampire slayer, one might expect complications. However, Angel isn’t your typical bloodsucker. He possesses a soul and seeks redemption, which leads him to align with Buffy’s group, the Scooby Gang, resulting in some captivating and dramatic episodes on screen.
Why Do Fans Love Angel?
Once again, it’s worth noting that Angel was exceptionally popular, drawing Joss Whedon enough attention to secure a self-named spin-off series. In the show Angel, we delve deeper into this complex character. Although he has feelings for Buffy, their relationship is impossible due to Angel’s past as Angelus, a ruthless Irish vampire who terrorized for over 200 years. After receiving a Romanian curse that granted him a soul, Angel must face the atrocities of his past. If he dares to feel genuine happiness, such as falling in love with Buffy, his darker self, Angelus, resurfaces. This internal struggle ultimately leads to his demise in season 2 of the original series.
In season 3, Angel resurrects only to depart Buffy without a farewell in the final episode, sparking debate among fans about their feelings towards the character. However, it’s undeniable that Angel is widely regarded as one of the most memorable characters from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and the spin-off series Angel is often praised as a standout example of its genre.
3 Hiro Nakamura
First Appeared in Heroes (2006)
Hiro Nakamura seems to embody what I envision Patton Oswalt transforming into if he were gifted with superpowers – brimming with joy and eagerly waiting to harness his abilities. It’s amusing to ponder that Hiro might not have graced our screens in the popular TV series “Heroes”, as the character was essentially a last-minute idea, according to interviews with the show’s creator Tim Kring.
Why Do Fans Love Hiro Nakamura?
Hiro’s ability is something that most people can identify with, as it addresses a question many have pondered: “If given the chance, what changes would you make if you could travel back in time?” This intriguing concept becomes even more captivating when witnessed in the series Heroes.
Hiro’s quirky demeanor might not resonate with all viewers, but there’s a part of his character that many people can identify with: the feeling of being trapped. Before Hiro acquired his powers, he was stuck in an office job like countless others, a situation that often lacks fulfillment. However, the idea of escaping such a life and taking charge of one’s own destiny is something that stirs hope within many hearts.
2 Terry McGinnis
First Appearance – Batman Beyond (1999)
On one occasion, a team from Warner Bros. and DC convened and decided that Batman required a gritty, futuristic revamp to captivate a fresh wave of Batman enthusiasts. They found their answer in Terry McGinnis, the protagonist of Batman Beyond. Under the tutelage of the original Batman, McGinnis was groomed to continue the legacy he had established in Gotham City.
Why Do Fans Love Batman Beyond?
In the series Batman Beyond, we explore a question long pondered by Batman enthusiasts: What transpires when Bruce Wayne grows too old to battle crime? He passes on the mantle to Terry McGinnis and imparts valuable knowledge about crime fighting, hoping that Terry will continue his legacy and safeguard Gotham. Not only does Terry rise to the occasion, but he excels beyond expectations. Even twenty-five years later, Batman Beyond‘s innovative cyberpunk style continues to captivate fans, leaving them eagerly awaiting a live-action adaptation from DC.
1 X-23
First Appeared in X-Men: Evolution (2003)
Born from a clandestine endeavor modeled after the Weapon X project that bonded adamantium with Wolverine’s skeleton, Laura Kinney – more commonly known as X-23 – was subjected to cruel training and manipulation to become an unstoppable killing machine. As her latent mutant abilities manifested, she endured immense suffering. However, eventually, she managed to break free from Weapon X’s grasp and found camaraderie with various X-Men, including Wolverine, Cyclops, and Gambit.
Why Do We Love X23?
It’s clear that X-23 possesses amazing abilities, given she’s essentially Wolverine’s clone. Yet, there are arguments to be made that she ranks among the greatest successors in comic book lore, upholding Wolverine’s legacy following Logan’s demise. In recent years, X-23 has garnered significant popularity as a result of actress Dafne Keen, who portrays her character in Logan. Keen captures the wild and innocent essence of X-23 during her early years, contributing significantly to the character’s growing fanbase since 2017.
A notable aspect of X-23 that strikes a chord with fans is her quest for self-understanding, a phase that many people experience when they take time to explore their own identities and find their true purpose in life. Despite her widespread popularity, X-23 hasn’t starred in a solo film as of yet, but her recent appearances in Deadpool & Wolverine could potentially rally fans to prompt Marvel Studios into launching such a project.
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2024-10-16 01:32