We Can ‘Harley’ Believe That It’s Been 30 Years Since Ms Quinn’s Debut…
That’s right, it’s been three dynamic decades since the psychedelic psychopath of print was first unleashed onto an unsuspecting comic book universe, much to the chagrin of The Batman, but conversely to the delight of millions of comic book fans, for Harley truly is… one of the greatest comic-book characters ever conceived, and if you don’t agree, then her beloved mallet would like to have a word with you!
Former psychiatrist, Dr Harleen Quinzel was originally an Arkham Asylum intern who, after prolonged psychology sessions with crazed clown The Joker, was coerced into thinking that Batman was the ultimate cause of Joker’s insanely murderous high jinks. Slowly falling in love with the irascible psychotic, Harleen eventually aided the mirthful murderer to escape the asylum and joined him on his insane crusade to dispense madness, murder and mayhem on the populace of Gotham City.
Ms Quinn was created by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm and actually made her first ever appearance outside of the comic book format, on the critically acclaimed Batman: The Animated Series, in an episode titled “Joker’s Favour” which aired on the 11th September 1992.
Actress Arleen Sorkin was Paul Dini’s original inspiration for the clown princess of crime, after he caught her appearance in an episode of Days Of Our Lives, in which she appeared in a dream sequence wearing a Jester outfit. Dini and Sorkin had been friends since college, and he even incorporated certain facets of Arleen’s personality into the character (and, of course – Arleen/Harleen)
Though initially brought in as a throw away character, Harley proved so massively popular with the DC fanbase that she was ultimately ushered into DC Universe continuity in the 1994 graphic novel “Batman Adventures: Mad Love” which recounted her wild and wacky origin tale, written and drawn by her original co-creators Paul Dini and Bruce Timm.
Harley of course has, since that time, become a fantabulously fun force to be reckoned with both on and off the comic-book page, starring in both animated and live action movies, and is also without a shadow of a doubt, THE most most popular choice for depiction amongst cos-players across the globe.
Harley and Ivy Discuss… erm, Beavers!
Enough Already! My Ribs are Beginning To Ache!!
And So, Happy 30th Anniversary To That Marvellously Maniacal Mistress Of Mayhem – Harley Quinn!
*Please Note: No beavers were hurt during the production of this post, just tossed, stuffed, kidnapped (beaver-napped?) and made fun of… so that’s alright then!*
Posted on September 11, 2022, in Comics, Comics in film, Comics/television, Comics/toys, Cosplay and tagged Batman, Bruce Timm, DC Comics, Harley Quinn, Harley Quinn 30th Anniversary, Paul Dini, The Joker. Bookmark the permalink. 9 Comments.
30, eh?
Who could have thought that a throw away character (enter unmistaken CEO insight, lol) would become what is now?!
And Bruce…beaver…🤣
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Hey there my friend, I hope you’re well. Yes indeed, ol’ Harl has been an absolute sensation since her first ever appearance, literally becoming one of THE most popular characters in comics. ever! Harley loves her beaver, so much so she even named it – Bernie! 🙂 It’s lovely to hear from you, have a fantabulous Sunday, and don’t forget to raise a glass of something in Harl’s name (you don’t want the Joker to find out you didn’t!) 🙂
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Best wishes to you, Bruce.
I will raise a glass…Joker can stand in line, as it will be raised for Bruce first!!😀
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Awww, thanks my friend! 🙂
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Love the image with her name spelled across her arm and leg! 30 years eh? How does 3 decades pass so fast! Still, she’s a baby compared to some of her older stablemates. Cool post Bruce 😎
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Hey there, my good buddy. Yes indeedy, she’s a young ‘un in comparison to a lot of her peers, yet in her short time in the bat-spotlight she’s more popular than a huuuuge amount of them, the power of great character creation. That Harl image is by none other than the great Amanda Conner, and I proudly own a t-shirt with said image emblazoned upon it! 🙂
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You are right! She is young, yet in her prime. So cool you have the tee-shirt of that image 😎
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Wow I never knew she was just supposed to be a throw away character. It’s mad how popular she became. I’ve been enjoying the animated series with Kaley Cuoco as the voice of Harley.
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Hi there, I absolutely adore the Harley animated series, it captures the maniacal spirit of the character beautifully (also a huge fan of Margot Robbie’s live action variant) we love ol’ Harl here in the Precinct! 🙂
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