The world of comics has given rise to many iconic characters that are both beloved and widely recognized today, such as Superman and Batman. Over the years, the comic genre has evolved significantly, allowing it to explore various characters that do not originate from traditional comic sources.
This situation has left many comic book enthusiasts puzzled, as several of these renowned characters seem to lack a comic book origin. Below, we present a list of 8 characters from the comic world that actually originated from other sources:
8. Firestar
Firestar first appeared in the comic world in Uncanny X-Men #193 in 1985. However, she is not a character with traditional comic origins, as she was originally created for the animated series “Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends.” Later, she became a well-known character in comics and a member of various superhero teams like the New Warriors, The Avengers, and Amazing X-Men.
7. X-23
Similar to Firestar, X-23 also originated from an animated series, specifically “X-Men Evolution.” Her real name is Laura Kinney, and she is a female clone of Wolverine, possessing many of his powers such as adamantium skeleton, rapid healing, and retractable claws.
6. Bebop and Rocksteady
The famous animated series “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” introduced many new characters over its 9-year run, including the iconic duo Bebop and Rocksteady, who have left a lasting impression on audiences. After the series ended, these characters continued to be featured in comics, movies, and various new animated shows.
5. Renee Montoya
Renee Montoya is a well-known character from the Batman comic universe. However, like many characters on this list, she originates from the show “Batman: The Animated Series” and later transitioned into mainstream comic storylines, even appearing in the live-action series “Gotham.”
4. Batman Beyond (Terry McGinnis)
“Batman Beyond” is an animated series that premiered in 1999 and ran for 3 successful seasons. Set in a futuristic Gotham, Bruce Wayne has retired, and Terry McGinnis takes on the mantle of Batman with the guidance of Bruce Wayne. Following the success of the animated series, “Batman Beyond” was adapted into the comic universe.
3. Agent Coulson
Agent Coulson first appeared in the film “Iron Man” and quickly captivated comic fans, leading them to question his origins. After being established in the films, this character was incorporated into the Marvel comic universe and even received his own dedicated comic series.
2. Jimmy Olsen
Jimmy Olsen is a young character who is often seen alongside Superman and is well-loved by fans. He frequently appears in Superman comics as a photographer and reporter for the Daily Planet, which is the profession of both Clark Kent and Lois Lane. Interestingly, Jimmy did not originally originate from comics but rather from a radio show titled “The Adventures of Superman,” where he was created as Superman’s sidekick.
1. Harley Quinn
Indeed! Harley Quinn is one of the most famous female characters in the comic world and a symbol of contemporary pop culture, despite not originating from comic books. This fact surprises many fans, as she is widely regarded as a quintessential comic character. In reality, Harley Quinn first appeared in the animated series “Batman: The Animated Series,” created by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm. Initially, she was designed to be a minor character, but her strong impact on the audience led to her becoming a prominent figure in the franchise.
According to Moviepilot
