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When Batman: The Animated Series debuted in 1992, it was intended to provide a non-canon animated counterpart to Tim Burton's Batman franchise. Since then, the show exploded in popularity, becoming both a fan favorite and a critical darling. In fact, Batman: The Animated Series is often propped up as one of the best adaptations of Bruce Wayne/Batman and his surrounding mythos. Between its character-based storytelling and intriguing world-building, it's no mystery why the show is beloved.

As a result, it spawned 13 official spinoffs, not including the webseries Gotham Girls, and influenced the vast majority of DC content that came after. Though its impact cannot be overstated, getting into Batman: The Animated Series and the DC Animated Universe can be a daunting task. With 32 years worth of animation, the Dcau is one of DC's most thoroughly realized continuities. Revisiting it is a worthwhile task for any superhero fan, and the...

When Warner Bros. joined the craze of Adobe Flash-based web series, Gotham Girls was born on its own little website. As if making animated shorts with Flash was not enough, the short-lived series had plenty of interactive elements to took viewers on a trip through the dark alleys of Batman: The Animated Series. Ostensibly, Gotham Girls found its humor in the misadventures of by teaming up the mainline series' wacky characters in the most unexpected ways. That said, Gotham Girls' women-led focus gave the show its own identity and legs to stand on. And it still does to this day, despite its understandably dated animation and sensibilities.

Being a spin-off can be easy, especially one for a highly acclaimed, Emmy award-winning primetime show like The New Batman Adventures. From character designs to the voice actors, Gotham Girls borrowed enough from the main series to pull the crowd over for a few laughs and giggles.

It may not be easy to stream these days, but whether you've seen it or not, "Maude" remains an important cornerstone of the sitcom house Norman Lear built. Premiering in 1972, "Maude" was originally conceived as a spinoff to the ever-in-the-zeitgeist sitcom "All in the Family," but it soon took on a life of its own. The show starred a pre-"Golden Girls" Bea Arthur as Maude Findlay, an outspoken, well-to-do liberal feminist with a knack for telling everyone around her what's what.

Maude was also a middle-aged woman, a reality that was never more apparent than in the show's most famous, controversial episode. The 1972 two-parter "Maude's Dilemma" saw Maude contemplate –- and ultimately choose –- abortion after finding herself pregnant in her late '40s. Released before the establishment of Roe vs. Wade, "Maude's Dilemma" was a lightning rod for heated conversations about reproductive rights, and remains an enduring part of the show's legacy today.

Harley Quinn's fashion evolution has been a reflection of her character development, with her original jester jumpsuit representing her early villainous days. As Harley's independence grew, her outfits became more flexible, reflecting her dangerous nature in the Batman: Arkham video games and her own star status in the New 52 comics. Margot Robbie's portrayal in Suicide Squad introduced a modern style for Harley, with the blonde pigtails, short shorts, and lettered choker becoming iconic looks for the character.

Since her introduction in Batman: The Animated Series - later moving to DC Comics - Harley Quinn has undergone an incredible evolution. Moving from being a sidekick to a villain in her own right to a burgeoning crime-fighter has been a long road, but all along the way, the former Dr. Harleen Quinzel has been fashionable.

Harley has moved from a traditional harlequin in a one-piece jumpsuit to a flexible, independent fashion icon.

The late Arleen Sorkin may be the definitive Harley Quinn, originating the role in Batman: The Animated Series after her friend Paul Dini wrote it just for her. Harley has evolved far beyond those roots, both in the comics and in subsequent adaptations where actors like Margot Robbie and Kaley Cuoco put their own spin on the character. But they never would have had their chance without Sorkin leading the way.

Her performances in the Dcau firmly established the early stages of Harley's career, as The Joker's oft-abused lover and sidekick. But while her version of the character never broke with him, she planted the seeds of the more rounded Harley in subsequent adaptations. Here's a rundown of her most memorable performances in the role that she continues to define.

Related: 10 Ways The Dcau Changed DC Comics Continuity

The New Batman Adventures: 'Beware the Creeper' Season 1, Episode 23

"Beware the...

Arleen Sorkin, the original voice of Harley Quinn from “Batman: The Animated Series” and “Days of Our Lives” actor, died on Thursday. She was 67.

DC Studios CEO James Gunn shared the news of Sorkin’s death on Saturday in a post on Instagram.

“Rest in Peace, Arleen Sorkin, the incredibly talented original voice of Harley Quinn, who helped to create the character so many of us love. Love to her family and friends.”

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A post shared by James Gunn (@jamesgunn)

Sorkin began her career in the entertainment industry by working in a comedy troupe and as a cabaret performer in the ‘70s and ‘80s. She landed her role as Calliope Jones in “Days of Our Lives” in 1984.

Sorkin’s performance in “Days of Our Lives” scored her two Emmy nominations for outstanding supporting actress in a drama series in 1988 and 1989. She would hold a permanent...

Arleen Sorkin, who starred on Days of Our Lives and voiced DC Comics villain Harley Quinn for two decades, has died. She was 67 years old. Sorkin died on Thursday, August 24, according to The Hollywood Reporter, and DC Studios Co-CEO James Gunn announced the news on Instagram on Saturday, August 26. Sorkin had been unable to act in recent years to due health complications. A cause of death has not been shared. “Rest in Peace, Arleen Sorkin, the incredibly talented original voice of Harley Quinn, who helped to create the character so many of us love,” Gunn wrote. “Love to her family and friends.” Sorkin starting voicing Harley when DC introduced the Clown Princess of Crime for the first time on the TV show Batman: The Animated Series in 1992. She later played the part in the TV shows Superman: The Animated Series, The New Batman Adventures, Gotham Girls, Static Shock, and Justice League.

Arleen Sorkin, the acclaimed comedic actor who was both the direct inspiration for the creation of Harley Quinn, as well as the original voice of the iconic character, has passed away at the age of 67. After unconfirmed reports of her death appeared on social media on Saturday, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed the actor's passing, which occurred earlier this week, following a long illness that had left Sorkin unable to act in recent years.

Sorkin's first big break in show business was working in cabaret in the late 1970s. In the early 1980s, she formed the comedy quartet, The High-Heeled Women, along with Mary Fulham, Tracey Berg, and Cassandra Danz. The group would mix comedy with singing and dancing in a popular cabaret act...

Her High-Heeled Women work eventually landed Sorkin a gig on the hit daytime soap opera, Days of Our Lives, where she played the wacky Calliope Jones.

Arleen Sorkin, the original Harley Quinn and Days of Our Lives star, has died.

She was 67.

James Gunn revealed Sorkin's death in a statement via Instagram.

"Rest in Peace, Arleen Sorkin, the incredibly talented original voice of Harley Quinn, who helped to create the character so many of us love. Love to her family and friends."

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Sorkin passed away Thursday. Her health issues kept her from acting in recent years.

Sorkin played Calliope Jones on Days from 1984 to 1990 as a regular cast member.

She returned in 1992, 2006, and 2010, with fans consistently tuning in for her portrayal as Salem's beloved fashion designer and wedding planner.

The actress scored two Daytime Emmy nominations in 1988 and 1989 for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.

Sorkin was familiar to fans of daytime TV, but she was also well known for originating the role of Harley Quinn.

She lent her...

Arleen Sorkin, best known for playing Calliope Jones on Days of Our Lives and originating DC’s Harley Quinn, has died. She was 67.

Sorkin’s death was confirmed Saturday by DC co-head James Gunn, who wrote on Instagram, “Rest in Peace, Arleen Sorkin, the incredibly talented original voice of Harley Quinn, who helped to create the character so many of us love. Love to her family and friends.”

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The actress...

Arleen Sorkin, who portrayed Calliope Jones on the NBC soap opera Days of Our Lives and served as the original voice of the DC Comics character Harley Quinn, had died. She was 67.

Sorkin died Thursday, a source told The Hollywood Reporter. Health issues kept her from acting in recent years.

DC boss James Gunn wrote on Instagram Saturday: “Rest in Peace, Arleen Sorkin, the incredibly talented original voice of Harley Quinn, who helped to create the character so many of us love. Love to her family and friends.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by James Gunn (@jamesgunn)

Mark Hamill, who often recorded his lines as the Joker opposite Sorkin, also remembered her in a tribute, writing: “Devastated to learn we’ve lost the brilliant Arleen Sorkin. Not just a wonderful talent, but a truly wonderful person. I’m grateful not only to have worked with her, but to have been her friend.

Arleen Sorkin, known for voicing Harley Quinn across the animated DC Universe, has died. She was 67.

DC co-head James Gunn shared the news with a post on Instagram dedicated to the memory of Sorkin.

“Rest in Peace, Arleen Sorkin, the incredibly talented original voice of Harley Quinn, who helped to create the character so many of us love. Love to her family and friends,” Gunn shared.

Sorkin began her career in television in 1982 with an appearance on Saturday Night Live as a background actor. In 1987 she was part of the cast of the sitcom Duet where she played the role of Geneva. She would later go on to appear in Open House (1989), Dream On (1990) and Perry Mason: The Case of the Killer Kiss.

In 1992, Sorkin began voicing Harley Quinn in Batman: The Animated Series. She would reprise her role in other shows like Superman: The Animated Series, Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker,...

Bob Hastings, who voiced Commissioner Gordon on Batman: The Animated Series, as well as Clark Kent and Superboy in The Superman/Batman Hour and Superboy in the 1960's, has passed away. According to The Burbank Leader, Hastings died of pancreatic cancer, which he had been battling for the last 15 years.  People like Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill get a lot of credit for voicing Batman and the Joker, respectively, but Hastings put his own iconic stamp on the character of Commissioner Gordon, which undoubtedly influenced the live action versions we've seen in various Batman films.  Hastings lent his voice to a variety of voicework for decades. His credits include Batman: The Mystery of the Batwoman, Batman: The Rise of Sin Tzu videogame, Static Shock, Gotham Girls, Jak and Daxter, The New Batman Adventures, Superman, Batman: The Animated Series, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm, Challenge of the SuperFriends, The Munsters,...

Actor Bob Hastings is a television veteran. Yet, you are more likely to know his voice than his face. He has worked in many genres and featured in several innovative radio and television science fiction shows. His career took in the earliest days of TV entertainment and playing a regular character in acclaimed superhero cartoons from the 1990s. But it all began with a song.

"I think it was about 1935 or the beginning of 1936," Hastings said. "A teacher heard me sing in school at an assembly and he thought I sang well enough that I should be on radio. So I started singing radio shows and from there... There was a newspaper called 'The Daily Mirror' and they had a children's show on Wmca in New York and I sang on that...for maybe a couple of years. Then I went over to NBC and that was before the networks...