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'''Livewire''' ('''Leslie Willis''') is a <!--Do not add "fictional" as it is tautological; supervillains (and characters in general) are by definition implied to be fictionalized to some extent.-->[[supervillainess]] appearing in [[multimedia]] produced by [[DC Entertainment]], and [[American comic books]] published by [[DC Comics]]. Created for ''[[Superman: The Animated Series]]'', the character appeared in March 1997 in ''[[Superman Adventures]]'' #5 (based on the animated series). Her first mainstream comic book appearance was in [[DC Comics]]' ''[[Action Comics]]'' #835 (March 2006).<ref>{{cite book |last1=Cowsill |first1=Alan |last2=Irvine |first2=Alex |last3=Korte |first3=Steve |last4=Manning |first4=Matt |last5=Wiacek |first5=Win |last6=Wilson |first6=Sven |title=The DC Comics Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Characters of the DC Universe |date=2016 |publisher=DK Publishing |isbn=978-1-4654-5357-0 |page=182}}</ref>
'''Livewire''' ('''Leslie Willis''') is a <!--Do not add "fictional" as it is tautological; supervillains (and characters in general) are by definition implied to be fictionalized to some extent.-->[[supervillain]] appearing in [[multimedia]] produced by [[DC Entertainment]], and [[American comic books]] published by [[DC Comics]]. Created for ''[[Superman: The Animated Series]]'', the character appeared in March 1997 in ''[[Superman Adventures]]'' #5 (based on the animated series). Her first mainstream comic book appearance was in [[DC Comics]]' ''[[Action Comics]]'' #835 (March 2006).<ref>{{cite book |last1=Cowsill |first1=Alan |last2=Irvine |first2=Alex |last3=Korte |first3=Steve |last4=Manning |first4=Matt |last5=Wiacek |first5=Win |last6=Wilson |first6=Sven |title=The DC Comics Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Characters of the DC Universe |date=2016 |publisher=DK Publishing |isbn=978-1-4654-5357-0 |page=182}}</ref>


In animation, the character was voiced by [[Lori Petty]] in both ''[[Superman: The Animated Series]]'' and ''[[The New Batman Adventures]]''. In live-action, she has been portrayed by [[Anna Mae Wills|Anna Mae Routledge]] in ''[[Smallville (TV series)|Smallville]]'' and [[Brit Morgan]] in the [[Arrowverse]] series ''[[Supergirl (TV series)|Supergirl]]''.
In animation, the character was voiced by [[Lori Petty]] in ''[[Superman: The Animated Series]]'' and ''[[The New Batman Adventures]]'', and by [[Maria Canals-Barrera]] in ''[[Justice League (TV series)|Justice League]]''.<ref name="btva">{{cite web |title=Livewire Voices (Superman) |url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/characters/Superman/Livewire/ |access-date=October 10, 2024 |publisher=Behind The Voice Actors}} A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.</ref> In live-action, she has been portrayed by [[Anna Mae Wills|Anna Mae Routledge]] in ''[[Smallville (TV series)|Smallville]]'' and [[Brit Morgan]] in the [[Arrowverse]] series ''[[Supergirl (TV series)|Supergirl]]''.


==Fictional character biography==
==Fictional character biography==
===DC Animated Universe===
===DC Animated Universe===
[[File:Livewire (DC Comics).png|thumb|upright|left|Livewire, in ''Superman: The Animated Series''.]]
[[File:Livewire (DC Comics).png|thumb|upright|left|Livewire, in ''Superman: The Animated Series''.]]
Introduced in the ''Superman: The Animated Series'' self-titled episode "Livewire", Leslie Willis was originally a popular and controversial [[Metropolis (comics)|Metropolis]] radio [[shock jock]] who took cynical joy in attacking [[Superman]] during her broadcasts.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Greenberger |first1=Robert |last2=Pasko |first2=Martin |title=The Essential Superman Encyclopedia |date=2010 |publisher=Del Rey |isbn=978-0-345-50108-0 |page=213}}</ref> Amidst a thunderstorm, Willis hosts a rock concert in honor of her third anniversary working as a shock jock despite the Metropolis authorities' public safety concerns. When Superman arrives to help the police break up the event, Willis gains support from her fans in attacking him until [[lightning]] strikes the stage, setting it on fire. Superman pushes Willis to safety as a second bolt of lightning electrifies a metal tower on the stage, but the electricity runs through his body and into a wire that Willis steps on, electrocuting her and changing her appearance. After waking up in the hospital and seeing a news report that suggested Superman deliberately caused her transformation, she swears revenge against him and learns she became an electrokinetic [[metahuman]]. She escapes from the hospital and confronts Superman, calling herself Livewire. As she battles him, she drains electricity from nearby electronic devices and takes control of the local media before fleeing to a hydroelectric dam, where he douses her in water. Willis is hospitalized once more, though [[Lex Luthor]], who shares her contempt for Superman, pays her hospital bills.
Introduced in a self-titled episode of ''Superman: The Animated Series'', Leslie Willis is a popular, yet controversial [[Metropolis (comics)|Metropolis]] radio [[shock jock]] who takes cynical joy in attacking [[Superman]] during her broadcasts.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Greenberger |first1=Robert |last2=Pasko |first2=Martin |title=The Essential Superman Encyclopedia |date=2010 |publisher=Del Rey |isbn=978-0-345-50108-0 |page=213}}</ref> On the third anniversary of her career, she hosts a rock concert to celebrate despite a concurrent thunderstorm and public safety concerns. After lightning strikes the stage, Willis is transformed into an electrokinetic [[metahuman]].


Following this, Willis forms a short-lived alliance with [[Parasite (comics)|Parasite]] in the episode "Double Dose" and a separate alliance with [[Harley Quinn]] and [[Poison Ivy (character)|Poison Ivy]] in ''[[The New Batman Adventures]]'' episode "Girls' Night Out", only to be defeated by Superman in the former episode and by [[Supergirl (Kara Zor-El)|Supergirl]] and [[Barbara Gordon|Batgirl]] in the latter.
Following this, Willis forms a short-lived alliance with [[Parasite (comics)|Parasite]] in the episode "Double Dose" and a separate alliance with [[Harley Quinn]] and [[Poison Ivy (character)|Poison Ivy]] in ''[[The New Batman Adventures]]'' episode "Girls' Night Out", only to be defeated by Superman in the former episode and by [[Supergirl (Kara Zor-El)|Supergirl]] and [[Barbara Gordon|Batgirl]] in the latter.


In the ''[[Justice League (TV series)|Justice League]]'' episode "Hereafter" Pt. 1, Willis (voiced by an uncredited [[Maria Canals-Barrera]]) joins the [[Superman Revenge Squad]] to fulfill their eponymous goal, only to be defeated by the [[Justice League]]. In the ''[[Justice League Unlimited]]'' episode "Dead Reckoning" in season three, she joined [[Gorilla Grodd]]'s [[Secret Society of Super Villains|Secret Society]] in an non-speaking cameo appearance.
In the ''[[Justice League (TV series)|Justice League]]'' episode "Hereafter", Livewire (voiced by an uncredited [[Maria Canals-Barrera]]) joins the [[Superman Revenge Squad]] to fulfill their eponymous goal, only to be defeated by the [[Justice League]]. In ''[[Justice League Unlimited]]'', she joins [[Gorilla Grodd]]'s [[Secret Society of Super Villains|Secret Society]].


⚫
Livewire also appears in the ''[[Superman Adventures]]'' tie-in comic, where she works with [[Professor Hamilton]] to stop [[Brainiac (character)|Brainiac]] and eventually reforms.
====Superman Adventures====
⚫
Livewire appears in the ''[[Superman Adventures]]'' comics, which is based on the DCAU animated series. Throughout issue #5, "Balance of Power", the two-part "War Games" (#22–23), and the two-part finale (#65–66), "Power Play", she joins forces with [[Professor Hamilton]] to stop [[Brainiac (character)|Brainiac]] and eventually reforms.


===Comics===
===Comics===
{{primary sources section|date=November 2017}}
{{primary sources section|date=November 2017}}
Livewire is incorporated into the main comics continuity in ''Action Comics'' #835 (March 2006), written by [[Gail Simone]] and [[John Byrne (comics)|John Byrne]]. This version was born with her abilities, but did not gain her signature appearance until being struck by lightning.<ref>''Action Comics'' #842 (October 2006). DC Comics.</ref><ref>''Action Comics'' #843 (November 2006). DC Comics.</ref><ref>''Batgirl'' vol. 2 #4 (January 2010). DC Comics.</ref><ref>''Justice Society of America'' vol. 3 #41</ref>
In ''Action Comics'' #835, [[Gail Simone]] and [[John Byrne (comics)|John Byrne]] brought Livewire into the mainstream [[DC Universe]], in the same tradition as [[Harley Quinn]].


In ''[[Superman: Grounded]]'', Livewire attacks [[Jimmy Olsen]] and takes hostages in [[Las Vegas Valley|Las Vegas]] to get the attention of Superman. After being defeated, Livewire reforms and joins the '[[Supermen of America]]' group.<ref>''Superman'' #711. DC Comics.</ref><ref>''Superman'' #714 (October 2011). DC Comics.</ref>
Much like the DCAU version of Livewire before she gained her abilities, she was also a shock jock. Going by the DJ name Leslie, her show was dedicated to bashing upon Superman every night, claiming that Superman was only saving people in the name of grandstanding and showing off. She also shows a disdain for fellow broadcaster Billy Batson, aka [[Captain Marvel (DC Comics)|Captain Marvel]]. Her career as a shock jock was cut short when the owner of the station, Miguel, decided to turn the station into a country station (a reference to popular real-world shock jock, [[Howard Stern]], who lost his first DJ job in a similar fashion). Miguel was also quite pleased that she was fired because his wife was saved by Superman.

Unlike the DCAU version of Livewire, she was born with the gift of controlling electricity. Enraged at the loss of her job, she went to the top of the station where she was struck by lightning. Absorbing a large amount of energy from the lightning bolt, her appearance changed to a chalk-white skin with blue hair. With that change, she decided that she would now take her revenge out on Superman.

Superman was weakened by his battle with the [[Queen of Fables]] in the previous issue and was unable to withstand Livewire's attacks. Now too weak to fight her directly he defeated her by cunning, shorting out her powers.

====Helping to save the world====
Livewire gets kidnapped along with most of the other Metahumans on Earth by a being dubbed the 'Auctioneer'.<ref>''Action Comics'' #842 (October 2006). DC Comics.</ref> This being scours the universe looking for unique items to acquire (often by theft) before selling them to the highest bidder. Livewire's unique powers allow her, Superman and several other captives to escape their containment fields. She teams up with [[Dick Grayson|Nightwing]], Superman, the Veteran, [[Blue Jay (comics)|Blue Jay]] and other heroes in fleeing their situation and gaining information.

A dampening field provides a psychological barrier against utilizing their powers. With the help of [[Mister Terrific (comics)|Mister Terrific]], who communicates through Livewire's natural electricity, the field is soon neutralized.

During the escape attempt, Livewire accidentally creates a link between the makeshift team and every single television on Earth. This proves hard to shut off. Soon, the team confronts the Auctioneer.<ref>''Action Comics'' #843 (November 2006). DC Comics.</ref> With great difficulty, Livewire gains control over the being's communication systems. Under Superman's suggestions, they threaten to broadcast the Auctioneer's entire database to every alien system possible unless he agrees to release the heroes and leave the Earth alone. He reluctantly does so and returns everyone to Earth. The entire adventure was seen on every Earth TV and due to the Auctioneer selling the dramatic story rights, on many alien planets as well.

During this story arc, she also shows that she is physically attracted to [[Dick Grayson|Nightwing]].

In ''[[Teen Titans]]'' (vol. 3) #51, Livewire is shown to be under the control of [[Starro]].

She recently caused a blackout of Gotham City. However, she is easily defeated by [[Stephanie Brown (comics)|Batgirl VI]], who was wearing an insulated [[Batsuit]].<ref>''Batgirl'' vol. 2 #4 (January 2010). DC Comics.</ref>

During the "[[Brightest Day]]" storyline, Livewire is shown battling [[Wildcat (Ted Grant)|Wildcat]] after being possessed by the [[Alan Scott|Starheart]].<ref>''Justice Society of America'' vol. 3 #41</ref>

In the ''[[Superman: Grounded]]'' storyline, Livewire attacks [[Jimmy Olsen]] and takes hostages in [[Las Vegas Valley|Las Vegas]] to get the attention of Superman. Superman then puts a modified version of the suit he had to wear when he was briefly converted into an energy being on Livewire (who promptly changes the S-shield on it to an L-shield), which returns her power levels to normal. She is arrested, but does not receive a hard sentence as she only damaged property, no one was wounded, and Superman spoke on her behalf. [[Iron Munro]] also chooses to use his influence in the justice department to help. When asked by Jimmy why he would help Livewire, Superman says that, in America, everyone deserves a second chance.<ref>''Superman'' #711. DC Comics.</ref> With the help of Iron Munro and Serling Roquette, an employee of [[S.T.A.R. Labs]], Livewire is declared reformed. She and Munro are given signal watches as part of an ''ad hoc'' '[[Supermen of America]]' group that Superman recruits because he comes to understand he cannot be everywhere at once.<ref>''Superman'' #714 (October 2011). DC Comics.</ref>


====The New 52====
====The New 52====
In 2011, "[[The New 52]]" rebooted the DC universe. Livewire appears as a member of the [[Secret Society of Super Villains]] after the events of the "[[Forever Evil]]" storyline.<ref>''Justice League'' (vol. 2) #30. DC Comics.</ref> She has previously faced against [[Superman]], who found himself unable to defeat her, since she is made of pure energy, and teamed up with [[Batman]] to do so.<ref>''Batgirl'' (vol. 4) #41. DC Comics.</ref> Her origin is later given in an issue of ''Batgirl'', where it is revealed that Leslie Willis was once a popular [[vlogger]] known for her pranks and makeup tutorials. During a stunt where she tried to reroute all the power in the city to spell out a dirty message that would be visible from space, she was accidentally electrocuted, granting her superhuman abilities.<ref>''Batgirl'' (vol. 4) #42. DC Comics.</ref>
In ''[[The New 52]]'' continuity reboot, Livewire joins the [[Secret Society of Super Villains]], and her origin is revised to be similar to her DCAU counterpart.<ref>''Justice League'' (vol. 2) #30. DC Comics.</ref><ref>''Batgirl'' (vol. 4) #41. DC Comics.</ref><ref>''Batgirl'' (vol. 4) #42. DC Comics.</ref>


==Powers and abilities==
==Powers and abilities==
Livewire is a being of pure electricity able to absorb vast quantities from external sources. She can also manipulate electricity, including electric and magnetic fields, ionize the air around her, which the DCAU incarnation used to create her costume, and generate [[electrostatic discharge|lightning blasts]] of various intensities, with her strongest being able to weaken or stun Superman. She can also transform into living electricity to travel through anything capable of conducting an [[electric current]], possess/control electronic devices such as computers, telecommunications networks, and an entire electrical grid. In the comics, as stated by Superman in ''Action Comics'' #843, Livewire has the ability to broadcast the energy she has stored in the form of a coherent signal (radio wave, etc.), without directing the energy at a target.
Livewire is a being of pure electricity able to absorb vast quantities from external sources. She can also manipulate electricity and generate [[electrostatic discharge|lightning blasts]] of various intensities, with her strongest being able to weaken or stun Superman. She can also transform into living electricity to travel through anything capable of conducting an [[electric current]], possess/control electronic devices such as computers, telecommunications networks, and an entire electrical grid. In the comics, as stated by Superman in ''Action Comics'' #843, Livewire has the ability to broadcast the energy she has stored in the form of a coherent signal without directing the energy at a target.

⚫
Due to her powers, her primary weakness is water, as even a small amount will cause her stored energy to go haywire unless she has stored up enough power. At this or any stage, Livewire would have to be completely drenched in water to be fully depowered. Additionally, [[silicon]] dust can also render her powerless due to its electrical resistance.<ref>''Batman: The Animated Series'' episode "Girls' Night Out"</ref> When drained of her electricity, she reverts to her solid form and cannot use most of her abilities until she absorbs a minimal amount of [[electric power]] from an appropriate source. However, even when depowered, she can direct the flow of free electricity from an exposed energy source to re-power herself.


⚫
Due to her powers, her primary weakness is water, as even a small amount will cause her stored energy to go haywire unless she has stored up enough power. At this or any stage, Livewire would have to be completely drenched in water to be fully depowered. Additionally, [[silicon]] dust can also render her powerless due to its electrical resistance.<ref>''Batman: The Animated Series'' episode "Girls' Night Out"</ref> When drained of her electricity, she reverts to her solid form and cannot use most of her abilities until she absorbs enough energy.
In her self-titled ''Superman: The Animated Series'' episode, she demonstrated extraordinary strength while lifting a hydroelectric dam's power unit that she was draining at the time.


==In other media==
==In other media==
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====Animation====
====Animation====
* Livewire makes a non-speaking cameo appearance in the ''[[Teen Titans Go!]]'' episode "Black Friday".
* Livewire makes a non-speaking cameo appearance in the ''[[Teen Titans Go!]]'' episode "Black Friday".
* A teenage Livewire appears in ''[[Young Justice (TV series)|Young Justice]]'', voiced by [[Britt Baron]]. This version is a member of the [[Outsiders (comics)|Outsiders]].
*
⚫
* Livewire appears in ''[[DC Super Hero Girls (TV series)|DC Super Hero Girls]]'', voiced by Mallory Low.<ref name="btva" /> This version is a teenage bully, [[internet troll]], and member of the Super Villain Girls.
* A teenage Livewire appears in ''[[Young Justice (TV series)|Young Justice]]'', voiced by [[Britt Baron]]. Introduced in the [[Young Justice: Outsiders|third season]] episode "Triptych", [[Simon Stagg]] uses the [[Mad Hatter (DC Comics)|Mad Hatter]]'s nanotech to control her as part of his [[metahuman]] trafficking ring before [[Dick Grayson|Nightwing]]'s team free her. Following this, Livewire became a resident of the Metahuman Youth Center in Taos, New Mexico. As of the fourth season, she has joined the [[Outsiders (comics)|Outsiders]].
⚫
* Livewire appears in ''[[DC Super Hero Girls (TV series)|DC Super Hero Girls]]'', voiced by Mallory Low. This version is a teenage bully and [[internet troll]] who posts videos and pictures of victims of her pranks.
* Livewire appears in ''[[Harley Quinn (TV series)|Harley Quinn]]'', voiced by Aline Elasmar. This version is a member of the [[Legion of Doom]].
* Livewire appears in ''[[Harley Quinn (TV series)|Harley Quinn]]'', voiced by Aline Elasmar. This version is a member of the [[Legion of Doom]].
* Livewire appears in ''[[My Adventures with Superman]]'', voiced by [[Zehra Fazal]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fazal |first=Zehra |date=July 6, 2023 |title=Zehra Fazal on Instagram: "TONIGHT!!! My Adventures with Superman premieres tonight, midnight on @adultswim, next day on @streamonmax Super-charged to announce I play Leslie Willis aka LIVEWIRE. ⚡️⚡️⚡️ |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CuXlc9HyvVk/ |access-date=July 7, 2023 |website=www.instagram.com}}</ref> This version is the leader of a group of thieves whose powers are initially derived from a super-suit powered by an alien crystal before she later develops natural electrokinesis.
* Livewire appears in ''[[My Adventures with Superman]]'', voiced by [[Zehra Fazal]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fazal |first=Zehra |date=July 6, 2023 |title=Zehra Fazal on Instagram: "TONIGHT!!! My Adventures with Superman premieres tonight, midnight on @adultswim, next day on @streamonmax Super-charged to announce I play Leslie Willis aka LIVEWIRE. ⚡️⚡️⚡️ |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CuXlc9HyvVk/ |access-date=July 7, 2023 |website=Instagram}}</ref><ref name="btva" /> This version is a thief whose powers are initially derived from a special harness powered by an alien crystal before she later develops natural electrokinesis. Additionally, as of the episode "Olsen's Eleven", she has entered a relationship with [[Heat Wave (character)|Heat Wave]].


====Live-action====
====Live-action====
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[[File:Livewire_Supergirl.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Brit Morgan]] as Livewire on ''[[Supergirl (TV series)|Supergirl]]''.]]
[[File:Livewire_Supergirl.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Brit Morgan]] as Livewire on ''[[Supergirl (TV series)|Supergirl]]''.]]
* Livewire appears in the ''[[Smallville]]'' episode "Injustice", portrayed by an uncredited [[Anna Mae Routledge]]. This version is a small-time crook who, after being incarcerated, is recruited by [[Tess Mercer]] and tasked with searching for [[Doomsday (comics)|Davis Bloome]] alongside [[Parasite (comics)|Parasite]], [[Neutron (DC Comics)|Neutron]], [[Plastique (character)|Plastique]], and Mercer's assistant Eva Greer. Livewire is later killed by an explosive implanted in her head off-screen.<ref>{{cite episode|title=Injustice|series=Smallville|credits=Al Septien, Turi Meyer (writers) & Tom Welling (director)|network=The CW|airdate=2009-05-07|season=8|number=21}}</ref>
* Livewire appears in the ''[[Smallville]]'' episode "Injustice", portrayed by an uncredited [[Anna Mae Routledge]]. This version is a small-time crook who, after being incarcerated, is recruited by [[Tess Mercer]] and tasked with searching for [[Doomsday (comics)|Davis Bloome]] alongside [[Parasite (comics)|Parasite]], [[Neutron (DC Comics)|Neutron]], [[Plastique (character)|Plastique]], and Mercer's assistant Eva Greer. Livewire is later killed by an explosive implanted in her head off-screen.<ref>{{cite episode|title=Injustice|series=Smallville|credits=Al Septien, Turi Meyer (writers) & Tom Welling (director)|network=The CW|airdate=2009-05-07|season=8|number=21}}</ref>
* Livewire appears in ''[[Supergirl (TV series)|Supergirl]]'', portrayed by [[Brit Morgan]]. This version is a confident yet abrasive CatCo shock jock who acquires her powers after [[Kara Danvers (Arrowverse)|Supergirl]] is struck by lightning while rescuing her from a potential helicopter crash.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/newsarama/|title=Newsarama &#124; GamesRadar+|website=Newsarama}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/supergirl-livewire-brit-morgan-red-tornado-maxwell-lord-sam-lane-1201568235|title='Supergirl' Casts 'True Blood' Alum as DC Comics Villain Livewire (Exclusive)|publisher=Variety|last=Prudom|first=Laura|date=August 12, 2015}}</ref> Introduced in her self-titled episode, Livewire attempts to seek revenge on [[Cat Grant (Arrowverse)|Cat Grant]] for demoting her, only to be defeated by Supergirl and turned over to the [[Department of Extranormal Operations]] (DEO)'s custody. In the episode "[[Worlds Finest]]", [[Silver Banshee]] breaks Livewire out of the DEO to help her kill Grant, Supergirl, and Kara Danvers. However, the pair are foiled by Supergirl and a group of firefighters and incarcerated at [[National City (DC Comics)|National City]]'s newly developed metahuman prison. In "We Can Be Heroes", scientist Dr. Hampton kidnaps Livewire in an attempt to steal her powers and create an army of electricity-powered super-soldiers, but she escapes with Supergirl's help and they form a truce.<ref>{{cite web | title=Supergirl - Episode 2.10 - We Can Be Heroes - Press Release | website=SpoilerTV | url=https://www.spoilertv.com/2017/01/supergirl-episode-210-we-can-be-heroes.html | access-date=2020-06-11}}</ref> In "Fort Rozz", Livewire agrees to help Supergirl and [[Psi (comics)|Psi]] on a mission to the titular prison to gather information on [[Reign (Arrowverse)|Reign]] and later dies saving Supergirl.
* Livewire appears in ''[[Supergirl (TV series)|Supergirl]]'', portrayed by [[Brit Morgan]]. This version is a confident yet abrasive CatCo shock jock who acquires her powers after [[Kara Danvers (Arrowverse)|Supergirl]] is struck by lightning while rescuing her from a potential helicopter crash.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/newsarama/|title=Newsarama &#124; GamesRadar+|website=Newsarama}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/supergirl-livewire-brit-morgan-red-tornado-maxwell-lord-sam-lane-1201568235|title='Supergirl' Casts 'True Blood' Alum as DC Comics Villain Livewire (Exclusive)|publisher=Variety|last=Prudom|first=Laura|date=August 12, 2015}}</ref> Introduced in her self-titled episode, Livewire attempts to seek revenge on [[Cat Grant (Arrowverse)|Cat Grant]] for demoting her, only to be defeated by Supergirl and turned over to the [[Department of Extranormal Operations]] (DEO)'s custody. In the episode "[[Worlds Finest]]", [[Silver Banshee]] breaks Livewire out of the DEO to help her kill Grant, Supergirl, and Kara Danvers. However, the pair are foiled by Supergirl, a dimensionally-displaced [[Barry Allen (Arrowverse)|Flash]], and a group of firefighters and incarcerated at [[National City (DC Comics)|National City]]'s newly developed metahuman prison. In "We Can Be Heroes", scientist Dr. Hampton kidnaps Livewire in an attempt to steal her powers and create an army of electricity-powered super-soldiers, but she escapes with Supergirl's help and they form a truce.<ref>{{cite web | title=Supergirl - Episode 2.10 - We Can Be Heroes - Press Release | website=SpoilerTV | url=https://www.spoilertv.com/2017/01/supergirl-episode-210-we-can-be-heroes.html | access-date=2020-06-11}}</ref> In "Fort Rozz", Livewire agrees to help Supergirl and [[Psi (comics)|Psi]] on a mission to the titular prison to gather information on [[Reign (Arrowverse)|Reign]] and later dies saving Supergirl.



===Film===
===Film===
* An [[Multiverse (DC Comics)|alternate reality]] incarnation of Livewire appears in ''[[Justice League: Gods and Monsters]]'', voiced by [[Kari Wahlgren]]. This version is a human terrorist who wields an electric beam gun.
* An [[Multiverse (DC Comics)|alternate reality]] incarnation of Livewire appears in ''[[Justice League: Gods and Monsters]]'', voiced by [[Kari Wahlgren]]. This version is a human terrorist who wields an electric beam gun.
* Livewire makes a non-speaking appearance in ''[[Teen Titans Go! & DC Super Hero Girls: Mayhem in the Multiverse]]'' as a member of the [[Legion of Doom]].
* Livewire makes a non-speaking appearance in ''[[Teen Titans Go! & DC Super Hero Girls: Mayhem in the Multiverse]]'' as a member of the [[Legion of Doom]].<ref name="btva" />


===Video games===
===Video games===
* Livewire appears as a boss in ''[[Superman: Shadow of Apokolips]]'', voiced again by Lori Petty.
* Livewire appears as a boss in ''[[Superman: Shadow of Apokolips]]'', voiced again by Lori Petty.<ref name="btva" />
* Livewire appears as a boss in ''[[Superman: Countdown to Apokolips]]''.
* Livewire appears as a boss in ''[[Superman: Countdown to Apokolips]]''.
* Livewire appears in ''[[DC Universe Online]]''.
* Livewire appears in ''[[DC Universe Online]]''.
* Livewire appears as a character summon in ''[[Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure]]''.
* Livewire appears as a character summon in ''[[Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Eisen |first=Andrew |date=October 2, 2013 |title=DC Characters and Objects - ''Scribblenauts Unmasked'' Guide |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/scribblenauts-unmasked/DC_Characters_and_Objects |access-date=October 10, 2024 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>
* Livewire appears as a playable character in ''DC Legends''.
* Livewire appears as a playable character in ''DC Legends''.
* Livewire appears in ''[[Lego DC Super-Villains]]'', voiced by [[Cree Summer]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/lego-dc-super-villains-game-new-details/|title=Lego DC Super-Villains Screens Reveal New Details|website=GAMING}}</ref>
* Livewire appears in ''[[Lego DC Super-Villains]]'', voiced by [[Cree Summer]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/lego-dc-super-villains-game-new-details/|title=Lego DC Super-Villains Screens Reveal New Details|website=GAMING}}</ref>
* Livewire appears as a boss in ''DC Super Hero Girls: Teen Power'', voiced again by Mallory Low.
* Livewire appears as a boss in ''DC Super Hero Girls: Teen Power'', voiced again by Mallory Low.<ref name="btva" />


===Miscellaneous===
===Miscellaneous===
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[[Category:1997 comics debuts]]
[[Category:1997 comics debuts]]
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[[Category:Villains in animated television series]]
[[Category:Comics characters introduced in 1997]]
[[Category:Comics characters introduced in 1997]]
[[Category:Comics characters introduced in 2006]]
[[Category:Comics characters introduced in 2006]]
[[Category:Characters created by Bruce Timm]]
[[Category:Characters created by Bruce Timm]]
[[Category:DC Animated Universe original characters]]
[[Category:DC Animated Universe original characters]]
[[Category:DC Comics shapeshifters]]
[[Category:DC Comics characters with superhuman strength]]
[[Category:DC Comics characters who can teleport]]
[[Category:DC Comics characters who can teleport]]
[[Category:DC Comics female superheroes]]
[[Category:DC Comics female superheroes]]
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[[Category:DC Comics female supervillains]]
[[Category:DC Comics metahumans]]
[[Category:DC Comics metahumans]]
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Revision as of 17:09, 18 December 2024

"Leslie Willis" redirects here. For the engineer and archaeologist, see Leslie R. H. Willis.
Livewire
Livewire on the cover art of Action Comics #835, art by Kalman Andrasofszky.
Publication information
PublisherDC Comics
First appearanceSuperman: The Animated Series
"Livewire"
First comic appearanceAction Comics #835 (March 2006)
Superman Adventures #5 (1997)
Created byEvan Dorkin
Sarah Dyer
Bruce Timm
In-story information
Alter egoLeslie Willis
SpeciesMetahuman
Team affiliationsSuperman Revenge Squad
Supermen of America
Legion of Doom
Secret Society of Super Villains
Abilities
  • Electric and magnetism manipulation
  • Superhuman strength (when fully charged)
  • Radio broadcasting skills

Livewire (Leslie Willis) is a supervillain appearing in multimedia produced by DC Entertainment, and American comic books published by DC Comics. Created for Superman: The Animated Series, the character appeared in March 1997 in Superman Adventures #5 (based on the animated series). Her first mainstream comic book appearance was in DC Comics' Action Comics #835 (March 2006).[1]

In animation, the character was voiced by Lori Petty in Superman: The Animated Series and The New Batman Adventures, and by Maria Canals-Barrera in Justice League.[2] In live-action, she has been portrayed by Anna Mae Routledge in Smallville and Brit Morgan in the Arrowverse series Supergirl.

Fictional character biography

DC Animated Universe

Livewire, in Superman: The Animated Series.

Introduced in a self-titled episode of Superman: The Animated Series, Leslie Willis is a popular, yet controversial Metropolis radio shock jock who takes cynical joy in attacking Superman during her broadcasts.[3] On the third anniversary of her career, she hosts a rock concert to celebrate despite a concurrent thunderstorm and public safety concerns. After lightning strikes the stage, Willis is transformed into an electrokinetic metahuman.

Following this, Willis forms a short-lived alliance with Parasite in the episode "Double Dose" and a separate alliance with Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy in The New Batman Adventures episode "Girls' Night Out", only to be defeated by Superman in the former episode and by Supergirl and Batgirl in the latter.

In the Justice League episode "Hereafter", Livewire (voiced by an uncredited Maria Canals-Barrera) joins the Superman Revenge Squad to fulfill their eponymous goal, only to be defeated by the Justice League. In Justice League Unlimited, she joins Gorilla Grodd's Secret Society.

Livewire also appears in the Superman Adventures tie-in comic, where she works with Professor Hamilton to stop Brainiac and eventually reforms.

Comics

Livewire is incorporated into the main comics continuity in Action Comics #835 (March 2006), written by Gail Simone and John Byrne. This version was born with her abilities, but did not gain her signature appearance until being struck by lightning.[4][5][6][7]

In Superman: Grounded, Livewire attacks Jimmy Olsen and takes hostages in Las Vegas to get the attention of Superman. After being defeated, Livewire reforms and joins the 'Supermen of America' group.[8][9]

The New 52

In The New 52 continuity reboot, Livewire joins the Secret Society of Super Villains, and her origin is revised to be similar to her DCAU counterpart.[10][11][12]

Powers and abilities

Livewire is a being of pure electricity able to absorb vast quantities from external sources. She can also manipulate electricity and generate lightning blasts of various intensities, with her strongest being able to weaken or stun Superman. She can also transform into living electricity to travel through anything capable of conducting an electric current, possess/control electronic devices such as computers, telecommunications networks, and an entire electrical grid. In the comics, as stated by Superman in Action Comics #843, Livewire has the ability to broadcast the energy she has stored in the form of a coherent signal without directing the energy at a target.

Due to her powers, her primary weakness is water, as even a small amount will cause her stored energy to go haywire unless she has stored up enough power. At this or any stage, Livewire would have to be completely drenched in water to be fully depowered. Additionally, silicon dust can also render her powerless due to its electrical resistance.[13] When drained of her electricity, she reverts to her solid form and cannot use most of her abilities until she absorbs enough energy.

In other media

Television

Animation

Live-action

Anna Mae Routledge as Livewire on Smallville.
Brit Morgan as Livewire on Supergirl.
  • Livewire appears in the Smallville episode "Injustice", portrayed by an uncredited Anna Mae Routledge. This version is a small-time crook who, after being incarcerated, is recruited by Tess Mercer and tasked with searching for Davis Bloome alongside Parasite, Neutron, Plastique, and Mercer's assistant Eva Greer. Livewire is later killed by an explosive implanted in her head off-screen.[15]
  • Livewire appears in Supergirl, portrayed by Brit Morgan. This version is a confident yet abrasive CatCo shock jock who acquires her powers after Supergirl is struck by lightning while rescuing her from a potential helicopter crash.[16][17] Introduced in her self-titled episode, Livewire attempts to seek revenge on Cat Grant for demoting her, only to be defeated by Supergirl and turned over to the Department of Extranormal Operations (DEO)'s custody. In the episode "Worlds Finest", Silver Banshee breaks Livewire out of the DEO to help her kill Grant, Supergirl, and Kara Danvers. However, the pair are foiled by Supergirl, a dimensionally-displaced Flash, and a group of firefighters and incarcerated at National City's newly developed metahuman prison. In "We Can Be Heroes", scientist Dr. Hampton kidnaps Livewire in an attempt to steal her powers and create an army of electricity-powered super-soldiers, but she escapes with Supergirl's help and they form a truce.[18] In "Fort Rozz", Livewire agrees to help Supergirl and Psi on a mission to the titular prison to gather information on Reign and later dies saving Supergirl.


Film

Video games

Miscellaneous

See also

References

  1. ^ Cowsill, Alan; Irvine, Alex; Korte, Steve; Manning, Matt; Wiacek, Win; Wilson, Sven (2016). The DC Comics Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Characters of the DC Universe. DK Publishing. p. 182. ISBN 978-1-4654-5357-0.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "Livewire Voices (Superman)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved October 10, 2024. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.
  3. ^ Greenberger, Robert; Pasko, Martin (2010). The Essential Superman Encyclopedia. Del Rey. p. 213. ISBN 978-0-345-50108-0.
  4. ^ Action Comics #842 (October 2006). DC Comics.
  5. ^ Action Comics #843 (November 2006). DC Comics.
  6. ^ Batgirl vol. 2 #4 (January 2010). DC Comics.
  7. ^ Justice Society of America vol. 3 #41
  8. ^ Superman #711. DC Comics.
  9. ^ Superman #714 (October 2011). DC Comics.
  10. ^ Justice League (vol. 2) #30. DC Comics.
  11. ^ Batgirl (vol. 4) #41. DC Comics.
  12. ^ Batgirl (vol. 4) #42. DC Comics.
  13. ^ Batman: The Animated Series episode "Girls' Night Out"
  14. ^ Fazal, Zehra (July 6, 2023). "Zehra Fazal on Instagram: "TONIGHT!!! My Adventures with Superman premieres tonight, midnight on @adultswim, next day on @streamonmax Super-charged to announce I play Leslie Willis aka LIVEWIRE. ⚡️⚡️⚡️". Instagram. Retrieved July 7, 2023.
  15. ^ Al Septien, Turi Meyer (writers) & Tom Welling (director) (2009-05-07). "Injustice". Smallville. Season 8. Episode 21. The CW.
  16. ^ "Newsarama | GamesRadar+". Newsarama.
  17. ^ Prudom, Laura (August 12, 2015). "'Supergirl' Casts 'True Blood' Alum as DC Comics Villain Livewire (Exclusive)". Variety.
  18. ^ "Supergirl - Episode 2.10 - We Can Be Heroes - Press Release". SpoilerTV. Retrieved 2020-06-11.
  19. ^ Eisen, Andrew (October 2, 2013). "DC Characters and Objects - Scribblenauts Unmasked Guide". IGN. Retrieved October 10, 2024.
  20. ^ "Lego DC Super-Villains Screens Reveal New Details". GAMING.
  21. ^ DC Universe Online: Legends #9 (August 2001)
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