Sometimes you come across a voice acting performance that is so spot on, it becomes the voice you hear when you read the comic books. Those are the performances we will be taking a look at for this list. While there are so many iterations and variations of these characters from various media, we will be taking a look at only one actor per character. These are the voice actors that defined their characters through animated series, animated feature films and video games.
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Jensen Ackles as Jason Todd/Red Hood
Notable Appearances: Batman: Under the Red Hood (2010)
While mostly known as Dean Winchester from the series Supernatural, another incarnation Jensen Ackles has managed to nail is his vocal performance as Jason Todd/Red Hood. Portraying a middle-aged Jason Todd after suffering a brutal death by the hands of the Joker, Ackles manages to portray a damaged man who seeks vengeance on his former mentor and the Clown Prince of Crime.
Arleen Sorkin as Harleen Quinzel/Harley Quinn
Notable Appearances: Batman The Animated Series (1992), The New Batman Adventures (1997), Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009)
Although we have a deep appreciation for what Tara Strong has done with Harley Quinn since she took over in Batman: Arkham City, we have to give this spot to the original Clown Princess of Crime. First appearing in Batman The Animated Series and has had limited roles as Harley Quinn ever since, she gave us our first sound of what Quinn should sound like. Every voice actor since then has always used Sorkins performance as reference, creating the true voice behind Harley Quinn.
George Newbern as Clark Kent/Superman
Notable Appearances: Justice League (2001), Justice League: War (2014), Injustice 2 (2017)
Tim Daly originally portrayed the Man of Steel in Superman The Animated Series before Newbern took over during Justice League. Newbern’s heroic voice has been a worthy follow up to Daly’s performance and has continued to be used throughout other incarnations of Superman. His voice portrays a type of leader that was necessary to lead the Justice League against the world’s biggest threats. As well as demonstrating a power-hungry dictator in the Injustice games, as he attempts to create order and peace in the world.
Michael Ironside as Darkseid
Notable Appearances: Superman The Animated Series (1996), Justice League (2001), Harley Quinn (2019)
While Michael Ironside is known for many other solid performances including his role as Sam Fisher from the Splinter Cell franchise. His version of the Lord of Apokolips was also one of the first iterations of the character since the animated series Super Friends. However, Ironside’s tone and demeanor was deep, quiet and completely intimidating. Without ever having to shout or yell, his voice gave a presence that would make any caped hero shrivel.
Matt Ryan as John Constantine
Notable Appearances: Justice League Dark (2017), Constantine: City of Demons (2018), Justice League Dark: Apokolips War (2020)
Matt Ryan first came on the scene as John Constantine in the CW series Constantine and Legends of Tomorrow. However, Ryan gave such a perfect portrayal of the sorcerer, he has continued to be used through animated films. Capturing the sarcastic and witty voice that is Constantine, no one before or after has managed to embody this character the way Ryan has. We just hope DC will continue to use Matt Ryan throughout more animated or live-action roles.
Nathan Fillion as Hal Jordan/Green Lantern
Notable Appearances: Green Lantern: Emerald Knight (2011), Justice League Doom (2012), The Death of Superman (2018)
As one of the top picks to play the Emerald Knight for years, while DC couldn’t give him any live-action performances they gave him plenty of animated roles. As much as we love Phil LaMarr as John Stewart in Justice League, Fillion fits into the role as Hal Jordan more than other actor as any Lantern. Any time we see Hal Jordan come on screen and we hear Fillion’s voice, it is always a warm welcome by fans. Even if they never give Nathan Fillion a live-action role, he will always be welcomed to play Hal Jordan anytime.
Clancy Brown as Lex Luthor
Notable Appearances: Superman The Animated Series (1996), Justice League (2001), Superman/Batman: Public Enemies (2009)
Considered one of the best voice actors in the business with so many other notable roles throughout animation, Brown has become the best iteration of Lex Luthor. With a deep and commanding voice, the version Bruce Timm and his team put together to create Lex Luthor has become one we always expect when we see Lex Luthor. To the point where now anytime we see Luthor in a live-action role, we always wish it was just the one from Superman The Animated Series, thanks a lot Clancy Brown.
Susan Eisenberg as Wonder Woman
Notable Appearances: Justice League (2001), Superman/Batman: Apocalypse (2010), Injustice: Gods Among Us (2013)
Lynda Carter managed to create the original iteration of Wonder Woman, Gal Gadot gave us the perfect version, but Susan Eisenberg created the perfect voice for Princess of Themyscira. A mighty and powerful vocal performance that makes Wonder Woman one of the best parts of the animated series, Justice League as a strong female lead throughout the series. So good in fact, she was asked to come back in more animated films and video games.
Mark Hamill as The Joker
Notable Appearances: Batman The Animated Series (1992), Batman: The Killing Joke (2016), Batman: Arkham City (2011)
A list like this wouldn’t be complete without mentioning one of the definitive voice performances. While many voice actors have crafted their own worthy variation of the Clown Prince of Crime, no one has managed to top the role of Mark Hamill. Now anytime we read a comic book, especially ones as iconic as The Killing Joke or Batman: White Knight we are blessed to hear Hamill’s iconic cackling voice and menacing laugh.
Kevin Conroy as Batman
Notable Appearances: Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993), Batman Beyond (1999), Batman: Arkham Knight (2015)
No one has managed to capture the essence of a character more than Kevin Conroy. While some might love Michael Keaton’s, Christian Bale’s or Ben Affleck’s voice as The Dark Knight, it can’t be denied that Conroy is the greatest iteration of the character. Beginning with Batman The Animated Series, Conroy has become the definitive Batman. Anytime an animated iteration of The Caped Crusader is
