DC Still Has No Clue What to Do With Harley Quinn—And Fans Are Noticing

by

From the very beginning, DC Comics has introduced numerous characters that have won fans’ hearts. Yet, not all characters have trodden the same path. Some started in comics, while others embarked on unique journeys – some successful, others less so. Among these characters, Harley Quinn has taken on a variety of roles, from henchwoman to girlfriend, comedian, anti-hero, and more. Yet, even her most ardent fans must acknowledge that her history is somewhat fragmented. It’s as if DC Comics can’t decide how to develop her character, experimenting, receiving criticism, then going back to the drawing board. This pattern repeats itself.

Harley Quinn’s journey started in 1992, and since then, it has captivated numerous readers but also sparked debates. Her storyline has seen a lot of transformation and variation, moving from a villainous role to a quasi-heroic one and back again. Characters often adapt across different mediums (movies, cartoons, comics), but Harley’s transformations are particularly diverse. Some portrayals emphasize her anarchic nature, while others present her as a comedic sidekick. There are also depictions that cater to the male gaze or those that allow her to express love freely. It seems there’s a wide spectrum of interpretations for this single character, and finding a balanced representation appears challenging.

Harley in the Early Days

Harley Quinn first appeared on the scene in Batman: The Animated Series, portraying the Joker’s main sidekick and romantic partner, voiced by Arleen Sorkin. On television, Harley was depicted as a complex figure, deeply infatuated with the Joker. It wasn’t long before viewers recognized the imbalance in their relationship. Even Batman found himself feeling sympathy for Harley Quinn during the show, and it’s easy to understand why. Occasionally, it seemed like a different side of Harley would emerge from her eyes.

Back in 1993, I found myself immersed in the world of comics as Harley Quinn’s tale unfolded further. In “The Batman Adventures #12”, I joined forces with some of my beloved characters – Batgirl and Poison Ivy. Later that year, “The Batman Adventures: Mad Love #1” offered a deep dive into Harley’s origins, intertwining her story with a tangled web of toxic love. Much like the denizens of Gotham City, Harley has a complex past. Prior to her encounter with the Joker, she was on the brink of becoming a respected psychologist, her potential seemingly wasted as she chose instead to stand by the Joker’s side.

To put it another way, by the end of the first year on her journey, Harley’s narrative had taken a new turn. At first, she was the Joker’s girlfriend, but it was soon unveiled that she was also an accomplished psychologist who allowed her fixation to outweigh her professional education. The term ‘fixation’ seems fitting since Harley’s so-called love for the Joker led her to attempt to assassinate Batman, a fact known by some, as the Joker would always value Batman more than her.

An Ongoing Trend

Harley Quinn’s formative years were marked by her association with the Joker. However, in more contemporary times, Harley has successfully liberated herself from his control. This emancipation didn’t come easy, given that the Joker is reluctant to let go of his possessions. At times, Harley’s journey towards self-discovery felt powerful and inspiring. Regrettably, DC Comics seems to be overzealous in exploring characters, leading to a constant rehashing of the complex relationship between Harley and the Joker across various shows, comics, animated productions, and live-action adaptations. Each rendition offers a slightly different perspective on the same age-old conflicts.

Similarly, Harley Quinn has been grappling with where she belongs in the ongoing battle between good and wickedness. For a while, she served as a henchman. Later, she attempted to carve out her own villainous path, but it didn’t pan out. Subsequently, she endeavored to become Batman’s new sidekick, which was quite peculiar. Harley continues to seek her identity, and while this might reflect a universal human dilemma, it seems more like inconsistency in the storylines written by her creative teams.

Harley Quinn 12 years ago. This act was deliberate, done to stop her inner psychologist from prevailing. Yet, this is the same Harley who later formed the Gang of Harleys, a group of Brooklyn residents seeking guidance, and the same Harley who spent years self-discovering and acknowledging the impact of her abusive relationship. The swiftness and convenience of these changes in her character have often raised questions among readers, as they seem too drastic and sudden for many to accept.

Where Do We Go From Here?

As a die-hard fan, I’ve always appreciated Harley Quinn’s knack for breaking the fourth wall. In fact, it’s one of the things that makes her stand out among other characters. Take, for instance, issue #44 of Harley Quinn (2024). Here, Harley starts questioning when her life took a turn for the worse – a moment that could be incredibly therapeutic, but only if the creators truly commit to changing how they portray this character moving forward. If we’re lucky enough to see some consistency in Harley’s future stories, this could mark a pivotal point in her comic book journey. However, considering the unpredictable nature of Harley Quinn comics, it’s more likely that we’ll have to wait and witness what other significant changes lie ahead for this wild, entertaining, and endearing character.

Read More

2025-05-03 20:43