I think we should go back to OG Harley, because the original character made by Dini and Co. is brilliant. When I revisited the Animated Series a few years back, I was impressed with how well her character was, and her interaction with Bats in the dress episode. Her response, “Nice guys like you shouldn’t have bad days”, and the way she says it is another little detail which builds upon the tragedy and psychology of her character.
Excellent analysis! One thing I’d like to add - “Say That We’re Sweethearts Again,” the hilariously morbid song Harley performs in “Harlequinade,” was actually written for a 1940’s MGM musical. Warner Brothers happened to have the rights to it, and Paul Dini couldn’t resist adding it to the episode because of how well it reflected Joker’s and Harley’s relationship.
Two minor quibbles: in a way, Poison Ivy being a vegetarian makes more sense…if you figure she’s eating all of the structures plants use to encourage animal attraction for their reproduction. Think apples, wheat bread, walnuts, watermelon, tomatoes, and pumpkin seeds: all part of a plant’s reproductive strategy. She’d be understandably horrified about eating a salad, as that requires uprooting and killing a plant, and cauliflower and broccoli would probably be off-limits, but tofu, potatoes, and zucchini bread make perfect sense: I could even see her hanging onto spare seeds from luffa squash to make sure there were more for next year. (That’s in fact what I do every year myself.)
As for dysfunctional relationships in comics, I just want to bring up a sidepoint: we all focus on the Joker/Harley dynamic, but why does nobody talk about Guy Gardner and Ice?
What’s funny is that the Amy Chu “Poison Ivy: Love and Death” miniseries hit on that beautifully. In particular, she meets a botany research student who was raised Jain, so, as he puts it, “I get really conflicted whenever I get a plate of sweet potato fries.”
Batman's villains typically have some interesting pathologies. Bruce Timm was someone who understood that and could effectively transfer that to his work in DCAU shows. His HQ is the OG masterpiece. All others are relegated to "imaginary story" territory and ignored.
I don't buy many post-2000 era Big Two comics, though I keep pace with the news on the deteriorating stories and art. HQ is a creature of animation, and I prefer her that way. Timm/Dini got her, but modern comic writers haven't a clue by comparison.
Harley Quinn is among the most compelling characters in Batman's rogues gallery. Her dysfunctional relationship reveals a lot about deep human psychology. But as you said, Harley's also an amusing foil to the stoic Batman. Couldn't have put it better myself! Awesome article, from one Batman fan to another!
I think we should go back to OG Harley, because the original character made by Dini and Co. is brilliant. When I revisited the Animated Series a few years back, I was impressed with how well her character was, and her interaction with Bats in the dress episode. Her response, “Nice guys like you shouldn’t have bad days”, and the way she says it is another little detail which builds upon the tragedy and psychology of her character.
The depth of the characters is really what made those shows special!
Beautiful Interpretation. I love it.
Excellent analysis! One thing I’d like to add - “Say That We’re Sweethearts Again,” the hilariously morbid song Harley performs in “Harlequinade,” was actually written for a 1940’s MGM musical. Warner Brothers happened to have the rights to it, and Paul Dini couldn’t resist adding it to the episode because of how well it reflected Joker’s and Harley’s relationship.
Two minor quibbles: in a way, Poison Ivy being a vegetarian makes more sense…if you figure she’s eating all of the structures plants use to encourage animal attraction for their reproduction. Think apples, wheat bread, walnuts, watermelon, tomatoes, and pumpkin seeds: all part of a plant’s reproductive strategy. She’d be understandably horrified about eating a salad, as that requires uprooting and killing a plant, and cauliflower and broccoli would probably be off-limits, but tofu, potatoes, and zucchini bread make perfect sense: I could even see her hanging onto spare seeds from luffa squash to make sure there were more for next year. (That’s in fact what I do every year myself.)
As for dysfunctional relationships in comics, I just want to bring up a sidepoint: we all focus on the Joker/Harley dynamic, but why does nobody talk about Guy Gardner and Ice?
Be the change you wish to see in the world! (I'd read it!)
What’s funny is that the Amy Chu “Poison Ivy: Love and Death” miniseries hit on that beautifully. In particular, she meets a botany research student who was raised Jain, so, as he puts it, “I get really conflicted whenever I get a plate of sweet potato fries.”
Batman's villains typically have some interesting pathologies. Bruce Timm was someone who understood that and could effectively transfer that to his work in DCAU shows. His HQ is the OG masterpiece. All others are relegated to "imaginary story" territory and ignored.
Haha I do consider these shows "canon" more than most of the comic book universe! I think Paul Dini deserves most of the credit for Harley Quinn.
I absolutely could not get through Batman & Harley Quinn though, holy rusted metal...
I don't buy many post-2000 era Big Two comics, though I keep pace with the news on the deteriorating stories and art. HQ is a creature of animation, and I prefer her that way. Timm/Dini got her, but modern comic writers haven't a clue by comparison.
I’ve never read a lot of these comics, but after reading your article I’m interested in reading more. Fascinating, thank you! ✨💫
When the comics you read turn out to be absolutely awful please forgive me 😆
😂
Harley Quinn is among the most compelling characters in Batman's rogues gallery. Her dysfunctional relationship reveals a lot about deep human psychology. But as you said, Harley's also an amusing foil to the stoic Batman. Couldn't have put it better myself! Awesome article, from one Batman fan to another!