'Harley Quinn': A look at the evolution of the clown princess of crime in DC's animation universe
With the 'Harley Quinn' animated series dropping fast, it is perhaps worth taking a look back at the character's animated history, and all her varied forms.
Unlike most DC characters, Quinn actually got her start on TV, as opposed to appearing in the comics. Created by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm, she made her first appearance on 'Batman: The Animated Series' in 1992 as the Joker's top henchwoman and romantic partner.
In the comic book 'Mad Love', later adapted by the series itself, her origin as a psychologist who fell in love with the Joker was revealed. She was voiced by Arleen Sorkin, whose endearing, high-pitched voiced set the tone of the character for years to come.
This version of Harley Quinn made a great number of appearances in the DC Animated Universe shows, appearing not only in 'Batman: The Animated Series', but also shows like 'Superman: The Animated Series', 'Justice League Unlimited', and 'Static Shock' — not to mention the various animated movies set in the same world.
The next major version of Harley Quinn in an animated series would be in 2004, on the Kid's WB series, 'The Batman'. She was voiced by Hynden Walch.
As was the show's style, she was given a slightly different, more exaggerated costume. The series reimagined her as a television pop-psychologist who was more on an equal footing with the Joker instead of being an underling.
In 2008, Cartoon Network's 'Batman: The Brave and the Bold' saw a Harley Quinn modeled after a 1920s flapper, voiced by Meghan Strange.
While 'Batman: The Brave and the Bold' was a more light-hearted, playful show, Meghan Strange's Harley Quinn is ironically the most somberly dressed — her red-and-black colour scheme switched out for just black.
She would be given more of a starring role in 2014's animated direct-to-video 'Batman: Assault on Arkham', with Hynden Walch reprising her role.
In this movie, audiences would see a more mature and provocative version of the character, as she takes a team of supervillains on a government-sponsored heist. The movie takes Quinn out from the shadow of the Joker, and helps cement her role as a member of the Suicide Squad.
She currently has a starring role on Cartoon Network's 'DC Super Hero Girls', voiced by Tara Strong. She is portrayed as a completely heroic, if somewhat mischievous, teenager with a preppy, high-school version of her costume.
As of today, the character's status as a Batvillain icon is well established. Pretty much all Batman-related media features a version of her at some point, from animated movies to video games and even live-action portrayals.
After Margot Robbie's portrayal of the character in the live-action 'Suicide Squad' film, the character's popularity has skyrocketed.
Bruce Timm brought his creation back to her roots in her original costume and characterization in 2017's 'Batman & Harley Quinn', where she was voiced by Melissa Rauch.
Clever and as endearing as ever, the animated movie had her teaming up with Batman in a fun romp aimed at long-time fans of the character, bringing her animated appearances full circle.
Almost 30 years after her first appearance, a new animated Harley Quinn, voiced by Kaley Cuoco, is all set to join a rich and varied line of portrayals. How this new Harley will establish herself is yet to be seen, but it is guaranteed to be fun, endearing, and just a little bit wicked.
‘Harley Quinn’ will arrive on the DC Universe on Friday, November 29.
