The maturity and complexity of Young Justice's storylines was one of the features that first differentiated it from many superhero cartoons, and likely the reason 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 when it comes to the more minor characters.
That goes triply so for Roy, Will and Jim Harper. All three characters are genetically identical, with their origins dating back to the first season of the show where it can be harder to recall what the ins and outs of their story was. Just who are these three characters, what are their origins and how can fans tell them apart?
As one of the original sidekicks introduced in the show's first episode, Speedy was Green Arrow's trusty companion before striking out on his own to be known as Red Arrow. The rogue archer proved to be one of the coolest and most individualistic characters among the show's cast, but his individuality came under threat as an early plotline wrapped him up in a clone conspiracy that left him in quite the confusing conundrum. Though he believed he was Roy Harper, it turned out that Red Arrow was actually a clone created by Cadmus from the amputated arm of the original Roy Harper. Even more confusing, Cadmus employed another Harper clone known as Guardian.
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. Weaving in and out of the main story, the Harpers largely take a back seat to the rest of the show's swelling cast and it can be quite confusing for fans not well-versed in the series' lore to keep track of just which one is which. Luckily, the creators built in visual tells that helps to differentiate them for those hoping to keep track.
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. The reason he appears to be the youngest is that he was preserved by Cadmus to keep his DNA sample fresh, and 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 of the character had the closest ties to Robin, Aqualad, and Kid Flash, all of whom were fellow sidekicks during their youngest days adventuring.
Throughout the series, however, it is Red Arrow who becomes most familiar to the other characters and to 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. It is during that time that Will grew out 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 that receives the least screentime in 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 for himself does not help the confusion, but Jim's cleanshaven appearance in his Bowhunter Security uniform most often helps distinguish him in the modern-day.
All three characters will likely appear in the upcoming Young Justice: Phantoms, but by sorting out the details and keeping their history straight viewers can rest easy in telling them apart.