Created by TylerMirage on Feb 21 2018
Special thanks to Music Meister for additional sound clips.
EDITOR'S OPINION
For Granny's first animated appearances in Superman: The Animated Series, Justice League Unlimited and then later on in Superman/Batman: Apocalypse, Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actor Ed Asner was cast. Yes, an elderly man known for his comedic roles was cast as an alien grandmother. And I don't think there's many people out there who, at this point, take issue with this casting. Ed's such a fantastic actor that I don't even think twice that an old man is voicing an old lady, because he has become so ingrained in my mind as this character.Lainie Frasier voices Granny in the DC Universe Online game. I don't have much to say about Lainie. It's a suitable voice for the character, but doesn't leave much of an impression on me.
For her brief appearance in Justice League: Gods and Monsters, Khary Payton was tasked with bringing the elderly warrior to life. Despite the unfortunately small role in the title, Khary gives a good, raspy, elderly feel to the voice. I can only imagine what he would've sounded like with more material and varied delivery.
Cloris Leachman voiced Granny in Justice League Action and the series of tie-in shorts. On paper, Cloris is a perfect choice. But my main issue with Cloris is that, whether this was due to her age or if it was the direction she was specifically given, she lacks the energy that I've come to expect from Granny. It was less "commanding old space lady" and just "old space lady". If Cloris was able to give more OOMF to her performance, or perhaps if we had access to a Cloris who was 20 years younger, then I have no doubt she would've been great.
For Granny's appearances in the various DC Super Hero Girls properties, April Stewart steps up to the mic. April's Granny is exactly how I'd envision Granny to sound if a female had voiced her from the start (I imagine that April is what Granny Goodness sounds like and Ed would be her husband, Papa Goodness). It has the sense of age to it without sounding frail, and she manages to get a decent amount of material to work with, which showcases her range nicely.
The one thing I will say about all of the VAs is that they are distinctly their own. None of them try to replicate the other, so props for that.
1.) Ed Asner
2.) April Stewart
3.) Khary Payton
4.) Cloris Leachman
5.) Lainie Frasier
TylerMirage
