Harley is the most famous and popular DC heroine at the moment. Entire series of graphic novels are devoted to this beauty, she appears in games and movies of the DC Cinematic Universe. And today, July 28, 2022, the third season of the solo animated series about her will be released. In honor of this event, we decided to tell you when Miss Quinn first appeared and how her image changed over time.
Harley Quinn debut. Batman: the animated series
The vast majority of DC characters made their debut on the pages of comics. Harley is one of the few exceptions. We first saw her in the animated series Batman: The Animated Series (1992-1994). For the episode “Joker’s Favor”, the writers planned a scene where the Joker unexpectedly jumps out of a huge cake. And it was decided that in such a situation a cruel villain would look ridiculous. Therefore, he was replaced by a heroine in a harlequin costume (in English – harlequin). As you already understood, this is how the name Harley Quinn and her image were invented.
At the same time, the relationship between her and the Joker was explained, in which the girl was openly mocked, and she continued to love the main enemy of Batman. In addition, this novel lasted more than two decades. But today, Harley spends time in the arms of Poison Ivy and the Joker has an affair with a bandit known as Punchline.
In Batman: Animated Series, Miss Quinn hasn’t been turned into a sex bomb yet. Her behavior was not erotic, but crazy and a little funny. At the same time, there was a place for feminine charm in the animated series – Catwoman and Poison Ivy openly seduced men, and the Joker made bold comments when he looked at Batgirl’s sleek outfit.
Harley in the comics. From 90s graphic novels to DC reboot
Shortly after Miss Quinn’s cartoon debut, she also appeared in graphic novels. For example, the comic book The Batman Adventures: Mad Love (1993), which was released in Russia under the title ‘Batman. Adventures: crazy love. In it, Harley looks and behaves exactly the same as in the animated series. She befriends Catwoman and Poison Ivy, and they work together as the Gotham City Sirens. Since 2000, the first solo strips about Miss Quinn began to appear.
The relationship between the Joker and Mrs. Quinn changed significantly after 2011, when the DC Universe was completely rebooted. Over time, Harley became more and more independent and even started having affairs. For example, before she started a relationship with Poison Ivy, she had an affair with the hit man Deadshot. All this, of course, did not please the selfish Joker. He tortured her – he beat and cut the girl with a knife, after which he put hungry predators on her. At the end of it all, the villain chained Harley and left him in the basement, where the corpses of girls dressed just like them lay.
All this led to the final break in their relationship. Harley began to search for himself, actively befriended other villains and superheroines, and also committed crimes without the participation of the Joker. The DC writers actively developed her solo comic series, which began to resemble the adventures of Deadpool. Miss Quinn not only demonstrated her madness, but also periodically broke the fourth wall to personally inform readers of important information. In addition, she participated in joint adventures with other villains as part of the Suicide Squad graphic novels. Later they became the basis for the film of the same name.
The change of scenery affected Harley – she decided to dress more revealingly. The closed suit was replaced by shorts and a subject. In addition, the girl began to behave more courageously. Miss Quinn kissed Poison Ivy, unequivocally nestled against Power Girl’s huge breasts, and offered unknown guys “kiss her toes” as a reward, which they happily agreed to.
And if you still want to see Harley’s rise, her first meeting with the Joker, and the beginning of their abusive relationship, check out the 2019 Harleen comic, which presents her story as a dark and cruel drama.
Harley in video games. Batman Arkham and Injustice Series
Miss Quinn has appeared in many games related to the DC Universe. Among them are The Adventures of Batman and Robin (1994) for the SNES and Sega Genesis, Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes and Multiplayer DC universe online. But the most famous games with Harley are: injustice and Batman Arkham.
BEE Arkham Asylum and Arkham City, she acted as the Joker’s assistant. Her character remained the same as in the 1990s animated series, but the outfits were different. At the hospital, she flaunted a short white skirt and a plunging neckline cardigan.
And in Arkham City, Miss Quinn wore tight red and gray jeans.
BEE The Arkham Knight Joker is gone and Harley leads a small gang of his own. Here she appeared in a black skirt and leggings. Interestingly, the spiciest scene in the game is associated with it. When Batman grabbed the girl, she began to break free, desperately pounding her fists on the hero and squeaking to let her go.
According to preliminary information, Harley would appear in a fighting game Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe, but that didn’t happen. However, we were able to play as Mrs. Quinn in both parts of Injustice. In the first game, she appeared in an open dress, under which her panties were exposed.
The costume from the second part is more standard – a red vest and gray-black jeans, almost like in Arkham City. Surprisingly, Harley’s combat outfit from James Gunn’s (James Francis Gunn Jr.) movie “Suicide Squad” looks suspiciously like him. There is a sense that we have an elegant reference. But there were no official statements about that. You can read about Injutice 2 in our review.
Harley Quinn in the DC universe. Suicide Squad and Birds of Prey
But Harley’s worldwide fame was not brought by comics, animated series or video games, but by films of the DC Cinematic Universe. It all started at the end of 2014, when the first details about the film adaptation of Suicide Squad appeared. Margot Elise Robbie’s Miss Quinn, in a sassy outfit, became an instant hit in fan culture. Artists drew art and homemade comics with her participation, and cosplayers actively ordered canonical T-shirts, shorts and boots. For example, at IgroMir in 2015, Harley met even more often than Triss or Ian. On our site is a selection of the best cosplay for her.
Suicide Squad itself disappointed many viewers. However, this is where we can see the sexiest Harley. She likes to show herself in underwear, bend over erotically and demonstrate her spectacular figure in every possible way.
Did you like the first Suicide Squad?
The producers soon realized that there was money to be made from the hype surrounding the Joker’s ex-girlfriend. The next film, originally titled Birds of Prey, was renamed Birds of Prey: And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn. But that didn’t help him. For the purposes of this article, we won’t analyze the reasons for the failure, but let’s say the most important thing: there was no trace of Harley’s sexuality. Instead of stockings and high heels, we saw strange outfits with misplaced sequins and golden jumpsuits.
Harley’s latest movie appearance is the second The Suicide Squad. You can learn more about the film itself in our review. There Miss Quinn appears for the first time in an outfit similar to Injustice 2, only to run around in a red wedding dress after a failed marriage attempt. This tape showed that the writers were finally moving away from the idea of ​​sexualizing Harley’s image. At least in the DC universe.
Solo animated series about Harley Quinn
The excitement surrounding the image of Harley, which arose in 2015, motivated copyright holders to start an animated series about Miss Quinn. The first season was released in 2019 and immediately won the love of the audience.
Speaking directly of Harley’s image, here she is again dressed in shorts and a T-shirt. But they don’t try to present it to us as a sex symbol – rather we are a character who finds his own way. However, there are a few spicy scenes in the animated series that are both erotic and funny.
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Harley has become the most famous DC heroine for a reason. Before us is an interesting and well-developed character, whose character changes over time. The combination of feminine beauty, a strange but funny sense of humor and a touch of madness make Miss Quinn really interesting to watch. We look forward to new movies and video games with her participation.
Are you watching the third season of the solo animated series Harley?
Source: VG Times
Barbara Dickson is a seasoned writer for “Social Bites”. She keeps readers informed on the latest news and trends, providing in-depth coverage and analysis on a variety of topics.