God, I love that stupid joke.
But enough about that, here’s the scoop — “Smallville” fan-fave Chloe will be joining the DC Universe in Superman #674.
Now, before you purists get your Spider-Man Underoos in a knot, let’s look at the long history of comic book characters who have come from outside the comic book world.
1. Jimmy Olsen — Superman’s Pal, was not created for the comic book page, but rather for the radio (or “talkie box,” if you’re 200 years old). That’s right, kids — Jimmy was not in canon to begin with.
2. Firestar – This red-headed mutant was first drawn on a cel for animation before she made it to the Marvel Universe. She appeared on “Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends,” taking the place of the Human Torch (who was tied up in legal limbo at the time).
3. Kryptonite — Superman’s greatest weakness also came from the Adventures of Superman radio show. That’s right, fellow nerds, all your base are belong to us. Nothing is what it seems. Black is white. Dogs sleep with cats. Talkies are going to ruin this business!
4. Harley Quinn — Dr. Harleen Quinzel, the femme fatale with a taste for homicidal clowns, first showed her pretty painted face in “Batman: The Animated Series,” long before getting her own series, she was working it on the small screen in one of the greatest cartoons in the history of man, ape, lizard or 8th dimensional imp.
What am I missing? Matt, I know you’ve got some science to drop on this. Let me know in the comments or lose me forever.
– Greg Elwell
December 19th, 2007 at 2:38 pm
I think you hit the biggies. H.E.R.B.I.E., the Fantastic Four’s robot, first appeared in the animated series.
Livewire, the electricity-powered former radio “shock jock” who became a Superman foe, first appeared in the 1990s animated series.
Zod had appeared in the comics before, but I think Ursa and Non were new for “Superman: The Movie.”
Terry “Batman Beyond” McGinnis has recently shown up in some Countdown-related books.
– Matt
December 19th, 2007 at 8:07 pm
I thought I had two, but it turns ou I only have half of one.
1) The first thing that came to my mind was Bat Mite, but research yielded the fact that he turned up in he comics until 1964, and then was resurrected for he 1977 Batman cartoon.
2) The JLA’s Manitou Raven takes his inspiration from Apache Chief, right?