Before the DCEU introduced cinemagoers to the female-led superhero team in Birds of Prey (And The Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn), the iconic group appeared on television sets in the form of a series for the WB. Featuring iconic heroes and villains from DC and Batman lore, this new take on the series was canceled after one season (and it didn't quite grab the same attention as Smallville did at the time).
This year marks Birds of Prey's 20th anniversary and even though it had a short life, some of the cast and its setting of New Gotham did make a brief appearance in the Crisis on Infinite Earths event in the Arrowverse. And despite the new directions it tried to do with the iconic DC history, fans did see some familiar faces across the 13 episodes.
Barbara Gordon
While fans of the show will undoubtedly know of Barbara Gordon's inclusion as one of the three core members of the Birds of Prey, fans of the recent movie weren't introduced to the character nor her role within the team. In the series, she keeps tabs on crime happening across the city from within the New Gotham Clocktower as the computer whizz, Oracle.
While the show's version of Huntress (played by Ashley Scott) took over the action and became the face of the series, the showrunners at least acknowledged the comic book roots of Oracle. The Birds of Prey were introduced in 1996, where Oracle had a similar role while Black Canary took on the criminals. Acting as both Batgirl and Oracle through DC's history, Barbara Gordon is certainly a badass hero.
Batman
When fans think of Gotham, the hero most comic book fans think of is Batman. Taking on the criminal underworld at night and striking fear into his enemies, the Caped Crusader is easily one of the most iconic characters in DC's history.
But in the series, Batman appears very briefly in the first episode in a flashback and the show takes place after he mysteriously disappears. Despite the mystery of who actually played the character in this short sequence is still up for debate, at least he inspired the Birds of Prey to look after New Gotham.
Catwoman
Introduced in the first issue of the Batman comics, Catwoman has remained one of his greatest adversaries as well as one of his greatest love interests. The jewel thief has become a star of her own comic books and has been adapted onscreen countless times, especially with the upcoming movie release of The Batman.
And much like Batman, she only appears in a brief scene in the first episode of the series to establish that she is the mother of Helena Kyle, this show's metahuman version of the Huntress. But this Catwoman appears to resemble her appearance in Batman Returns, potentially hinting at the show's connection to the Tim Burton movies.
The Joker
Easily Batman's greatest and most chaotic villain, the Joker is also one of the most recognizable throughout the years (especially in movies and television shows, where some of the greatest actors have bought him to live in new and creative ways with each interpretation).
Another character who only made a brief appearance in the show's pilot, the show recreated one of the most iconic panels featuring the Joker. In the pages of The Killing Joke, the Joker shot Barbara Gordon, leaving her paralyzed and unable to continue her career as Batgirl. And much like the stories that took place afterward, the show adapted future storylines to where she would eventually become Oracle.
Alfred Pennyworth
As Batman's butler and aide, Alfred Pennyworth has been adapted many times for television shows and movies (being played by big-name actors like Michael Caine, Jeremy Irons, and Ralph Fiennes just to name a few). With his own prequel series Pennyworth and him soon to be played by Andy Serkis in The Batman, the character doesn't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon.
In Birds of Prey, Alfred was a recurring support character who assisted Barbera within the New Gotham Clocktower. Played by Ian Abercrombie, he would continue to act in television, with his last great performance being Chancellor Palpatine in Star Wars: The Clone Wars before his death in 2012.
Harley Quinn
Harley Quinn is one of Margot Robbie's best roles and the character has become bigger than ever before. With a successful animated series, her own comic books, and Tara Strong still voicing the character since her introduction in Batman: The Animated Series, this anti-hero has become a pop culture icon.
In the show, Harley Quinn was the antagonist of the series who sought revenge against the protectors of New Gotham after the Joker was sent to prison. Using her skills as a psychiatrist and connections with criminals and metahumans, she attempted to stop the Birds of Prey for good across the 13 episode series.
Lady Shiva
Introduced in the 15th volume of Richard Dragon, Kung Fu Fighter back in 1976, Lady Shiva has remained as one of the greatest martial artists in DC comics. For nearly 50 years, she has fought against some of Gotham's greatest fighters (including Nightwing, Catwoman, Red Hood, and even Batman himself).
The powerful foe got her own episode named after her and appeared to exact her revenge on Batgirl, who accidentally killed her sibling. But this version of the character also played a conflicting role with Helena Kyle, who were unaware of their alter egos despite being friends since high school.
Black Canary
One of the original members of the Birds of Prey, Black Canary was a member of the Justice League of America since her debut in the 75th issue of the superhero team series. She is known for her confidence in combat and releasing sonic waves with her voice. She also inherited the identity of Black Canary from her mother.
In the episode 'Sins of the Mother,' the character is introduced as the mother of Dinah Redmond, a metahuman created for the series with the ability to see visions of the future. While the character didn't wear one of the various costumes the character was known for, she did, at least, use her voice against the same criminals she took down long ago.
Clayface
One of Batman's earliest adversaries, Clayface transformed over the years from a revengeful movie actor to a gigantic clay monster, who can transform into anyone as well as turn his arms into weapons. While Clayface only appeared most recently in the Harley Quinn animated series, he proved to be one of the funniest characters in the show.
Played by Kirk Baltz, Clayface debuted in the penultimate episode of the series. A patient at Arkham Asylum, he was interrogated by Huntress in order to stop a metahuman criminal. Despite appearing briefly in this episode, the character only made one other live-action appearance to date in an episode of Gotham.
Slick
Ever since Sensation Comics #66, there have been various interpretations of Slick. From being a leader of the Sly Fox Mob who tried to take down Steve Trevor and Wonder Woman, the name was used for other antagonists in DC 2000 and the Kobalt comics.
In Birds of Prey, the persona was used by Silas Waters. This metahuman had the ability to change into a liquid form, shapeshifting at will to take on a punch or drown those who opposed him and his employer, Harley Quinn.