Top 10 Superhero Voice Actor Performances In TV
For this list, we're looking at voice actors on the small screen. It doesn't matter if they're good or evil, heroes or villains, as long as they can act. Also, while these voiceover artists are more than capable of voicing more than one character, we're limiting the list to just one of their most notable roles.
#10: Josh Keaton as Spider-Man / Peter Parker “The Spectacular Spider-Man” (2008-09)
Fans in the 2010s may recognize his work as the Green Lantern, but longtime die-hards are probably more familiar with Josh Keaton’s voice acting as our favorite web-slinger. For the 2008 animated incarnation of the wall-crawler, they needed a voice that could match Spidey’s fast-paced action with the struggles of balancing a double life as experienced by Peter Parker. Needless to say, Keaton was the perfect pick. With him as Peter, we feel his pain as he juggles the responsibility that comes with this great power. With him as Spider-Man, we hear his energy and cockiness as he throws his hilarious quips. Even though The Spectacular Spider-Man has left the airwaves, we’re glad that wasn’t the last we heard of Keaton as the amazing wall-crawler.
#9: Greg Cipes as Beast Boy “Teen Titans” franchise (2003-)
Greg Cipes seems to have a knack for voicing green heroes, whether it’s Michelangelo of the 2012 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series or Beast Boy of Teen Titans. But Cipes adds a little pitch to his voice to match this little changeling’s youthful excitement - especially when he’s making jokes or just having fun with his best buddy, Cyborg –voiced by Khary Payton. However, even a boy has to man up and get serious when things get hairy, and Cipes knows when to bring out Beast Boy’s inner intensity. He continues to voice BB in the 2013 spinoff; and although the focus is more comedy than action here, we are treated to what we need to hear more often – Greg Cipes’ musical skills.
#8: Jennifer Hale as Ms. Marvel “The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes!” (2010-13)
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When adapting what’s arguably Marvel’s most significant female hero, you need a voice that can do her justice. Seeing as Jennifer Hale has dug her claws into the Marvel Universe before as Black Cat, she seemed like the perfect candidate for this small screen adaptation of “The Avengers”. Ms. Marvel is headstrong and dedicated to her work, refusing to back down even against the toughest of enemies. Hale’s performance nails that strong-willed personality even before the character becomes super. Her tone seethes with anger and annoyance when things get in her way, or oozes with determination when she’s ready to fight -which is pretty much all the time. Though she isn’t one of the original members, Hale’s Ms. Marvel is a welcome addition to the Avengers.
#7: James Avery as The Shredder / Oroku Saki “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (1987-96)
Uncle Phil from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air can be pretty scary, but just imagine if he were an actual villain. No need to imagine though; with his low and raspy voice, James Avery gave us a Shredder on the ‘80s-‘90s “TMNT” series that commanded respect. Whenever things go wrong, Shredder makes his frustration loud and clear for all to hear – this may sound whiny to others, but you’d be whiny too if you had Pat Fraley as Krang for a partner. The dynamic between these two is especially entertaining when they fight like an old married couple; but afterwards, Shredder switches right back to the malicious villain bent on wiping out Splinter and the Turtles. Although Avery passed away in 2013, his legacy as the first voice for Oroku Saki lives on.
#6: Cathal J. Dodd as Wolverine / Logan “X-Men” (1992-97)
Before Cathal J. Dodd was giving kids Goosebumps as Slappy the Dummy, he was giving bad guys the willies as Wolverine. If his adamantium claws aren’t terrifying enough, his surly attitude and snarling, ferocious voice are sure to do the job. Dodd’s rough and rattling tone fits well with Wolverine’s short patience for others, especially Cyclops. Plus, who else can deliver such an intimidating Dirty Harry spoof? However, Dodd’s performance also shows us the vulnerable side of our short-tempered mutant when he cares about his friends or when we see his love for Jean Grey. Dodd hasn’t voiced Wolverine on the small screen since the animated series ended – though he did make some video game appearances! - but his ferocious TV legacy continues through Steve Blum.
#5: Christopher Daniel Barnes as Spider-Man / Peter Parker “Spider-Man” (1994-98)
When Christopher Daniel Barnes wasn’t pining over mermaids as Prince Eric, he was slinging webs through New York and battling bizarre villains as Spider-Man. Unlike Josh Keaton’s high school Spidey, Barnes’ character is already in his college years, with a deep voice and a snarky sense of humor –which fits perfectly with the web-slinger. Barnes plays the part with great enthusiasm – keeping us in the loop with his internal monologues and knowing just when to toss a one-liner. When he gets mad, you can feel his fury. It gets even more impressive in the series finale when he voices not only an ARMY of Spider-Men, but also a manic Spider-Carnage. In the 2010s, fans can hear him voicing alternate timeline Spideys if they need to get their fix.
#4: Arleen Sorkin as Harley Quinn / Dr. Harleen Frances Quinzel “Batman: The Animated Series” (1992-95)
Batman: The Animated Series has been praised for many things, among them being the introduction to our favorite demented diva. Soap opera star Arleen Sorkin brought the role to life with an over-the-top accent that only adds to her bubbly personality. Audiences are entertained when she’s having fun and acting crazy; but they are also saddened when they hear her broken voice. What was originally a minor character became a hit, and eventually brought into the mainstream comics. So, in a way, we have Sorkin to thank for her popularity. Though Sorkin’s Harley voice-over work in the 2010s has been mostly limited to video games, her TV performances are an inspiration to all the hilarious harlequin performers ever since.
#3: Tara Strong as Raven “Teen Titans” franchise (2003-)
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Voiceover legend Tara Strong is no stranger to the DC Universe, having previously played Batgirl. However, her most noteworthy role is arguably the half-demon from Azarath: Raven. Given her unpleasant past and her apocalyptic destiny, it’s only natural that Raven would keep to herself. Tara masters this role with a reserved performance, which is emphasized by a monotone voice that tries to conceal her feelings. Though the spin-off –Teen Titans Go- has had mixed reactions from fans, Tara still gives a stellar performance and makes the role her own. We salute you once again, Mrs. Strong.
#2: Kevin Conroy as Batman / Bruce Wayne “Batman: The Animated Series” (1992-95)
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With Batman’s departure from the campiness of the Adam West series, it was time to call in an actor who could match the Caped Crusader’s true dark and brooding nature; Kevin Conroy was that actor. His Bruce Wayne voice is outgoing, which is fitting for a billionaire playboy, while his Batman tone is low and authoritative, striking fear into the hearts of criminals. Even after Batman: The Animated Series concluded, Conroy continues to voice the Dark Knight in many other DC titles – especially the Arkham Games. With fanatical acclaim like his, it’s probably safe to say that Kevin Conroy isn’t just an actor – he IS Batman. Before we unveil our number one pick, here are a few honorable mentions. - Chris Potter as Gambit / Remy LeBeau “X-Men” (1992-97) - Nolan North as Superboy / Conner Kent “Young Justice” (2010-13) - Keith David as Spawn / Al Simmons “Todd McFarlane’s Spawn” (1997-99) - Colleen O'Shaughnessey as Wasp “The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes!” (2010-13) - Susan Eisenberg as Wonder Woman / Diana “Justice League” franchise (2001-06)
#1: Mark Hamill as The Joker “Batman: The Animated Series” (1992-95)
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It finally happened – Luke Skywalker’s gone to the dark side… as the creepy and psychotic Clown Prince of Crime. Tim Curry was originally set to play Joker, and we have to admit that would’ve been awesome in its own way. But the role was instead given to Mark Hamill, and it was a perfect fit. Mark gives it his all as this iconic villain – treating his laughter like a well-tuned musical instrument, causing him to get up and move around when recording in the booth to capture the Joker’s chaotic energy. Hamill’s probably played the clown more times than anyone in multiple titles, including the acclaimed Arkham games. Rumors may have popped up about Hamill retiring the role, but he’s still and always has been full of surprises - so we couldn't help but put him on top. Do you agree with our list? Who do you think has a perfect superhero voice? For more super-vocal top 10s posted daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.
