Leslie Willis, known as Livewire, originated in the DC Animated Universe, debuting in the Superman: The Animated Series episode "Livewire" (December 1997), created by Bruce Timm and Paul Dini with writing by Evan Dorkin and Sarah Dyer. She first appeared in comics in the tie-in Superman Adventures #5 (March 1997), and entered main DC continuity in Action Comics #835 (March 2006) by Gail Simone and John Byrne. A popular shock jock radio personality in Metropolis, Willis ridiculed Superman on air until a lightning strike—indirectly involving Superman's intervention—transformed her into a metahuman with electrokinetic powers, granting her the ability to generate, absorb, and manipulate electricity, as well as transform into living energy.
Livewire's powers include firing electrical blasts, energy absorption for amplification, intangibility, flight via electromagnetic levitation, and control over electronic devices. Blaming Superman for her transformation, she became a recurring adversary, often allying with other villains like Parasite or joining groups such as the Superman Revenge Squad and Secret Society of Super-Villains. Variations in origins exist across continuities: in some, she possesses innate abilities enhanced by lightning; in Prime Earth (New 52 onward), she gains powers from rerouting Metropolis's power grid or other incidents.
In recent depictions, Livewire has appeared in adaptations like the Supergirl TV series (2015–2018 seasons), where she temporarily reformed and sacrificed herself, and My Adventures with Superman (2023 onward). As of late 2025, she remains a versatile electrokinetic antagonist, occasionally showing anti-heroic traits or teaming with female villains, embodying chaotic energy and media-inspired rebellion against heroes.