Week 09: New Comics

I've been a huge Batman fan ever since I was a child. I was particularly fond of Harley Quinn, a vileness from the cartoon Batman: The Animated Series. I loved how quirky, funny and crazy she was and how her lover for the Joker was endless. Of course, Harley's appearance on the show was solely for cartoon purposes but the fans really loved her-- enough where she began to make appearances in the comics.

In 2014, Harley Quinn got her own spinoff comic. I was completely excited to finally follow my favorite character and see what sort of mayhem she will get into this time. Unfortunately, the more I read, the less Harley she becomes. If this series has accomplished anything (besides selling like gangbusters), it's reminding DC fans that Harley has plenty of potential as a solo character and outside of her connections to Joker and Batman.

That being said, it is interesting to see the writers explore different facets of Harley's character throughout the series. She isn't just her typical goofball self. We see a sentimental side as she defends an innocent woman from thieves. We even see her revert to a completely normal and lucid state as she rises to the challenge in her new job. You have to wonder if moments like that are building to something bigger for Harley. Using Marvel's current Deadpool comic as a gauge, there could be real potential in exploring Harley's serious side and the resulting tension that arises in her fractured mind.

(Original Harley Quinn)

(Harley Quinn Reboot)

Regardless, this new Harley character has become and interesting one, but she doesn't resemble anything similar to the original Harley Quinn of Gotham we, especially I, grew up to know and love.