Summary
- The intricate storylines and character relationships in Young Justice set it apart from other superhero cartoons.
- Roy, Will, and Jim Harper share a complex genetic origin story in Young Justice, diverging from their comic book counterparts.
- Young Justice remixes source material, creating unique character arcs like Roy Harper's clone conspiracy.
The maturity and complexity of the storylines in Young Justice were features that first differentiated it from many superhero cartoons and likely why so many fans fought ardently for its return following season 2. With so many intertwining stories, complex plots and time skips, however, it's understandable that many viewers may get turned around regarding the more minor characters.
That goes triple for Roy, Will, and Jim Harper. All three characters are genetically identical, with their origins dating back to the show's first season. This means recalling the ins and outs of their stories can be harder. These characters are similar and quite different from their counterparts in the comic books, showcasing how Young Justice takes the source material and remixes it.
Updated by Timothy Blake Donohoo on May 9, 2024: Young Justice is considered one of the best adaptations of DC Comics history, but it's not without its divergences from the source material. One example is Roy Harper in Young Justice, not to mention Will Harper and Jim Harper. Though these characters are based on classic heroes from the comics, their stories are quite different from what fans expect. More than almost any other team member, Roy Harper had his life turned upside down in a multitude of ways. However, the connection between Roy Harper and the other members of the Harper family in Young Justice can be confusing, even for comic fans.
Roy Harper Was Young Justice's Speedy
James Gunn Confirms Upcoming DC Animated Movie Is Not Tied to the DCU
DC Studios' James Gunn confirms that an upcoming animated movie will not be tied to the DC Universe, despite its source material suggesting otherwise.As one of the original sidekicks introduced in the show's first episode, Roy Harper in the animated series Young Justice - a.k.a. Speedy - was Green Arrow's trusty companion before striking out on his own to be known as Red Arrow. The rogue archer was one of the show's coolest and most individualistic characters. Still, his individuality came under threat as an early plotline wrapped him up in a clone conspiracy that left him in quite a confusing conundrum.
Though he believed he was Roy Harper, it turned out that Red Arrow in Young Justice was actually a clone created by Cadmus from the amputated arm of the original Roy Harper. Even more confusing, Cadmus employed another Harper clone named Guardian, also known as Jim Harper. By the third season of the show, all three Harpers work for Bowhunter Security, a security firm that keeps them out of costume and identically dressed.
The name was an obvious reference to their archery skills, keeping DC's Harper family tied to the Emerald Archer and his legacy. Weaving in and out of the main story, the Harpers largely take a back seat to the rest of the show's swelling cast. This was the main reason Young Justice's Roy Harper was so confusing to fans, with his backstory and band of "brothers" making it hard to make sense of the character. Luckily, the creators built-in visual cues help to differentiate them for those hoping to keep track.
Jim Harper, Roy Harper and Will Harper in Young Justice
A Complete Chronological Timeline Of The DC Animated Movie Universe
Running for nearly 22 hours across over a dozen films, the DC Animated Movie Universe is a beast of an adaptation for the Justice League.The original Roy Harper appears to be the youngest of the three and is also the most easily identifiable because of the mechanized arm that replaced the one that was removed to generate his clones. He appears to be the youngest because he was preserved by Cadmus to keep his DNA sample fresh. After enacting his classic Harper fury on Lex Luthor for his part in the plot, Roy attached his iconic metal arm and took the name Arsenal whenever he donned his costume. This version had the closest ties to Robin, Aqualad, and Kid Flash, fellow sidekicks during their youngest adventuring days. That element homages the fact that they founded the Teen Titans in the comics.
Throughout the series, however, Red Arrow becomes most familiar to the other characters and the viewer. Initially despondent over the discovery he was a clone, Red Arrow went through dark days before taking the name Will Harper and starting his own life. Becoming romantically entangled with the villain Cheshire, otherwise known as Artemis' sister Jade, the two settled down to raise their child together. During that time, Will grew his beard, started Bowhunter Security, and picked up his iconic...clipboard. It may not be a robotic arm, but he wields it just as well in a fight and remains no stranger to his bow in his guise as Red Arrow.
The Harper in Young Justice that receives the least screentime is Guardian, known in his civilian guise as Jim Harper. Though his costume is the most distinct, with a gold helmet and shield, his matured appearance makes him easier to mistake for Will. Malcolm Duncan taking up the Guardian guise does not help the confusion. Still, Jim's clean-shaven appearance in his Bowhunter Security uniform most often helps distinguish him in the modern-day. While the show's most recent season didn't feature them much, they were still a huge part of what made Young Justice popular with fans.