Origin
A popular vlogger who was well known for her makeup tutorials and pranks, Leslie Willis attempted to pull her biggest prank yet by rerouting Metropolis’ power grid to spell out a dirty word that could be seen from space. Her device was taken by Superman, but she insisted on attempting to carry out her plot anyways. When it went awry she was electrocuted, and so gained her electrokinetic powers.
Creation
Livewire was originally created for the DCAU show Superman: The Animated Series by Bruce Timm, Evan Dorkin, and Sarah Dyer. The character proved so popular that she was ultimately migrated into the mainstream continuity by Gail Simone and John Byrne in Action Comics #835.
Character Evolution
Modern Age
In her initial appearances, Leslie was a metahuman who had the ability to control electricity from birth. She worked as a radio shock jock who took particular delight in targeting Superman. She was fired from her position when her station suddenly switched focus to become a country station. Enraged, she sought revenge on the station and Superman, ultimately turning to crime permanently. This version of the character is notable for having inherent abilities and not being composed of pure energy. During this age she eventually reformed.
New 52
The New 52 introduced her current origin and powers. This version of the character is notable as the first version of Leslie to not work in radio.
Major Story Arcs
Back in Action
Livewire is one of the many metahumans kidnapped by the Auctioneer. She is able to use her powers to escape along with several other captives. She joins the other escapees in attempting to defeat their captor. With Mr Terrific’s instruction she is able to shut down the dampening field that prevents others from using their powers. Later, she accidentally creates a link between the team and every television on Earth, broadcasting their exploits. She is able to take control of the Auctioneer’s communication systems, enabling them to blackmail the alien into leaving the planet.
Grounded
Livewire travels to Las Vegas, and takes hostages there. She is confronted by Superman, who puts her into a containment suit that controls her powers. Superman speaks in her defense at her trial, and she is eventually declared reformed. She joins the Supermen of America as a new hero.
Personal Information
Real Name: Leslie Willis
Status: Supervillain
Weight: 125 pounds
Height: 5 feet 7 inches
Hair: Black, but white as livewire. Although it is sometimes blue
Occupation: Radio Host, Makeup artist, talk show host
Base: Metropolis
Eyes: Brown (Her eyes glow blue when she is using her powers
Powers and Abilities
Livewire is electrokinetic, which means that she is capable of generating, projecting, absorbing, and controlling electricity. She can use this electricity to a variety of effects, including electrical blasts, flight, and disruption of electrical systems. She is capable of transforming herself into a being of pure energy, and in this form she is able to travel very quickly, and through power lines.
Alternate Versions
Superman Adventures
The television version of Livewire appears in several issues of this comic adaptation of the show. She is portrayed as a much more sympathetic character, who acts heroically and eventually reforms.
Red Son
Livewire is created by Lex Luthor as part of his effort to create beings who can fight Superman.
DC Universe Online: Legends
Livewire is one of the villains working for Brainiac in this comic adaptation of the video game.
Other Media
Film
Justice League: Gods and Monsters
Livewire appears as a villain who wields an electric beam gun in her fight against Superman. This character does not appear to have any inherent powers. She is voiced by Kari Wahlgren.
Television
Superman: The Animated Series
Livewire was initially created for this television series, making her first appearance in the episode “Livewire.” This version of the character gained her powers during a concert in support of her radio show when a lightning bolt hits both her and Superman. She is voiced by Lori Petty.
The New Batman Adventures
Livewire appears as a major antagonist alongside Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy in the episode “Girl’s Night Out.” Lori Petty reprises the role.
Justice League and Justice League Unlimited
Livewire appears as a member of the Superman Revenge Squad in the episode “Hereafter,” and later makes several cameo appearances as a member of Gorilla Grodd’s Secret Society of Super Villains. She is voiced by María Canals Barrera.
Smallville
Livewire appears in “Injustice” as one of the numerous “meteor freaks” created by proximity to kryptonite. She is recruited by Tess Mercer to take on Doomsday. Her powers are taken by Parasite and she is killed by a bomb that has been secretly implanted in her head. She is portrayed by Anna Mae Routledge.
Supergirl
Livewire appears in “Livewire” as a shock jock who is demoted to traffic reporter by Cat Grant after bad-mouthing Supergirl. She is struck by lightning that also strikes Supergirl, giving her electricity-based powers. She is ultimately taken into custody by the DEO. She later returns and teams up with Silver Banshee. She is portrayed by Brit Morgan.
Young Justice Outsiders
Livewire will be a character in the series, Young Justice by DC universe. As of right now little is known about her role in the series.
Video Games
Superman: Shadow of Apokolips
Livewire is a boss in this game for the GameCube and PlayStation 2. Lori Petty reprises the role.
Superman: Countdown to Apokolips
Livewire appears as a boss in this Game Boy Advance game.
DC Universe Online
A Livewire template appears as part of the Lightning Strikes downloadable content.
Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure
Livewire is summoned by Doppelgänger to fight the player. She is a downloadable playable character for the Wii U. She does not speak in her appearance.
DC Legends
Livewire: Shock Jock is a playable character in the game. She is a villain with Energy affinity.
Her bio says: After gaining electricity powers, Leslie Willis shifted careers from radio DJ to full time super-villain.
As a radioshock jock, Leslie Willis enjoyed nothing better than making Superman the target of her on-air rants. Her disdain for the Man of Steel turned into full-blown hatred after a bizarre accident nearly killed her, causing her to become a being of electrical energy. Blaming Superman for the mishap, she continues to torment the Man of Steel not only with her sharp tongue but also her impressive electrical super-powers.