Carmen Sandiego

Origin

Creation

Carmen Sandiego is the main antagonist from the Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego? educational computer games that was originally created by Brøderbund Software in 1985. DC Comics later began a short four issue comic series based on the game series and published it from June of 1996 through January 1997.

Her first comic appearance was in Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego? Vol. 1 "Shop Till You Drop!!!".

Character Evolution

Major Story Arcs

Powers & Abilities

Other Media

Games

Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego? originally began as a series of educational PC games published by Brøderbund Software in 1985. The series mainly focused on teaching players about both geography and history. Several versions of this first iteration would be created for the Amiga, Apple II, Commodire 64, DOS, Macintosh. Sega Master System, Sega Genesis, NES, SNES, and TurboGrafix-CD.

Brøderbund Software would publish this game series from 1985 through 1996. The Learning Company then began publishing in 2001, and a Facebook version would be created in 2011.

Television

Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego? (1991)

Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego? is the title of a children's game show that was created by PBS in September 30, 1991. Several children would be quizzed on geography through three rounds as they tried to track down Carmen Sandiego and the members of her criminal organization. It was hosted by Greg Lee, who played the role of a ACME agent there to guide new recruits. The series lasted for five seasons and the last episode aired on December 22, 1995.

Carmen appeared in every episode of this game show, and she was heard in phone taps as she plotted with the criminal the contestants were tasked with capturing. The voice of Carmen is uncredited.

Where on Earth Is Carmen Sandiego? (1994)

Where on Earth is Carmen Sandiego? is the first animated cartoon series created based on the video games. It was developed by Phil Harnage, directed by Joe Barruso, and aired on Saturday mornings on FOX starting in February 5, 1994. The series lasted for forty episodes, the last of which aired on January 2, 1999. In February 2012, Mill Creek Entertainment released all four seasons on DVD.

Carmen was voiced by Rita Moreno in this series.

Where in Time Is Carmen Sandiego? (1996)

Where in Time Is Carmen Sandiego? is the sequel to the first children's game show that was also created by PBS starting in October 7, 1996. Many of the rules and cast remained the same from the original game show, but the series was focused on time travel and quizzing contestants on history and geography. Kevin Shinick was the host. The series lasted for two seasons and the last episode aired on October 4, 1996.

Carmen once again appears in every episode, and she's heard through conversations with criminals to give tips to contestants. In this series she's played by Janine LaManna and Brenda Burke through the two seasons.

Film

Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego? (Live-Action)

A live action movie adaptation of the Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego? was recently reported to being in development by Walden Media. Darren Lemke is the screenwriter but no director has been named. The movie is rumored to take a more nuanced adaptation of the games that puts into question if Carmen Sandiego is a villain or hero. Producers of the film have stated they wish the movie to have a similar tone of other movies such as National Treasure and The Thomas Crown Affair. While it's rumored that Jennifer Lopez is attached to the production, it's unknown if she will be playing Carmen or another role.