Harley Quinn is one of DC Comics’ most beloved and iconic characters, known for her master of mischief and numerous spinoffs, animated series, and film adaptations.
Her origins are mysterious and illustrious, and her character has grown dramatically throughout time. From a troubled, deluded psychopath to an incredible woman of strength and influence.
Harleen Quinzel, originally known as Harleen Quinzel, was a psychiatrist at Arkham Asylum before she was hired by Joker as his assistant. As their relationship grew increasingly tense, Harleen broke away to form her own gang of criminals and misfits. She’s an adept manipulator with the power to catch people off guard; often using her childlike appearance to mask her hidden intelligence. She holds many secrets that others would rather ignore or overlook.
In the early aughts, Harley Quinn made her way around the globe in a goofy web-only animation called Gotham Girls. Soon after, her name appeared in monthly comics as Harley Quinn herself!
She then went on to star in the animated television series Birds of Prey and, most notably, became a mainstay on Suicide Squad. Her arcs in both these titles as well as appearances in other superhero shows and films are some of the most renowned moments in modern DC history.
In the late aughts, Harley was on the cusp of live-action fame and her first comic book appearance came in 2011’s Suicide Squad volume, written by Adam Glass (Smallville, Supernatural). At that time she looked slightly different with black-and-red ponytails instead of her signature white hairstyle.
Harley still maintained her strength and agility despite the costume and makeup. Harley uses gymnastics skills to add an extra dimension of acrobatics to her combat moves for added effect.
Due to her training, she is immune to most toxins and receives an injection from Poison Ivy that increases her strength and endurance. Furthermore, she’s an experienced pyrotechnics expert and can use explosives with great effect.
Despite her over-the-top mischief, there’s much more depth and nuance to her character that doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. She is a complex figure who can be somewhat hysterical but also has genuine heart and empathy for those around her.
Harley wasn’t happy when The Joker killed her husband and she was forced to flee to Arkham Asylum. In fact, she became even angrier at Batman for what she believed to be his protection of her from any consequences of her actions. But nothing could prepare her for Joker’s inhumane treatment of her son Bruce – which would ultimately become one of Harley’s major grievances in life.
On her return to Gotham City, she joined forces with Black Canary and carried out several successful capers that led her into the Suicide Squad under Amanda Waller’s guidance. Though skilled in combat and possessing the ability to juggle objects, her personality is that of an intoxicated woman who becomes violently aggressive if threatened.