Harley Quinn consistently revamps traditional characters and narratives, making them more intricate and psychologically profound. In line with this pattern, Season 5 draws from DC Comics’ past by introducing a villain who debuted in an animated series, much like Harley herself. This episode is particularly significant for fans of DC animation, as it references the beloved 2003 series “Teen Titans.” While the original “Teen Titans” show engaged young viewers with its blend of action and character growth, “Harley Quinn” shows how these elements can be reworked for mature storytelling while retaining their core charm.
WARNING: Spoilers below for Harley Quinn Season 5, Episode 5
In the fifth episode of Harley Quinn‘s Season 5, I found myself drawn to the storyline centered around Dick Grayson, who met his end in Season 4 at the hands of Harley (brilliantly voiced by Kaley Cuoco) during her sleepwalking stint. However, fate had other plans as he was brought back to life thanks to the mystical Lazarus’ Pit. Determined to seek vengeance on his killer, Dick took up a new alter ego, donning an all-black costume embellished with red crosses and a striking white skull mask – an appearance that might not ring a bell for many comic book aficionados, but those who loved the Teen Titans would instantly recognize it as Red X.
Who Is Red X and How Harley Quinn Homages the Villain
Initially, the character known as Red X made its debut in the 2003 “Teen Titans” episode titled “Masks.” In this episode, Robin assumed the identity to penetrate Slade’s criminal network. Dressed in a black suit with xenothium technology and adorned with red x-shaped weaponry, Robin maintained his secret operations for weeks, concealing his actions from his teammates. However, when Slade exposed Red X’s real identity, the violation of trust significantly strained Robin’s bonds with the Titans. In the 2004 episode “X,” an unidentified individual pilfered the Red X suit from the Titans Tower and exploited it for their advantage. This new Red X appeared in five subsequent episodes across the series, functioning as a complex character who would occasionally aid the Titans when it was beneficial to them. The identity of the thief remained unknown, leaving viewers intrigued and speculating about this enduring mystery.
Initially appearing in the 1992 animated series “Batman: The Animated Series,” Harley Quinn swiftly moved to mainstream comics in 1999. Conversely, the character Red X stayed exclusive to animation for almost two decades before being incorporated into DC Comics’ official lore. Making his debut in the 2021 issue #1 of “Teen Titans Academy,” Red X saw multiple characters donning the mask. The first comic incarnation was unveiled as a secretive figure who enlisted a student named Brick Pettirosso to spy on the academy while wearing a suit inspired by Red X’s design. This transition maintained the animated series’ focus on mystery, yet broadened the concept to encompass a legacy identity.
In a creative twist on the traditional Teen Titans narrative, Harley Quinn sees Dick Grayson reclaiming the Red X identity instead of introducing a fresh character for the suit. Unlike before, where the costume was used for good to combat evil, here it serves as part of Dick’s plan for revenge against both Harley and Bruce Wayne (portrayed by Diedrich Bader). This provides an opportunity for the series to delve into Dick’s intricate emotions surrounding his death and resurrection, while also acknowledging one of animation’s long-standing enigmas.
It’s exciting that the Teen Titans will be joining the DC Universe soon, as it shows other DC properties acknowledging the impact of the animated series, which played a crucial role in making the team popular beyond comics. The Red X storyline in Harley Quinn has been wrapped up, with Dick reconnecting with Harley and Bruce, assisting them in overpowering an entirely wicked Alfred Pennywise (voiced by Tom Holland). However, it’s still enjoyable to notice that Harley Quinn continues to make nods to the past, underscoring how the creative team behind the series has a deep understanding of DC’s rich history.
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2025-02-13 13:10