Out Of Arkham: Harley Quinn, Mental Illness And Suicide Squad

Cartoons, Comics And The Growth Of Harley Quinn

Harley began her existence not on the pages of any Batman comic, but instead in a children’s cartoon.  From the beginning, Batman: The Animated Series depicted her as the Joker’s battered girlfriend. She defended his behavior despite the narrative being very clear that he was abusive.

She became close friends with Pamela Isley, a.k.a. Poison Ivy — a relationship that, in the comics at least, blossomed into something more. Ivy and Batman both help her get away from the Joker’s control. In the end, the Harley of the Batman cartoon represents what happens in an abusive relationship, and, befitting a children’s show, gives the victim her happy ending.

The comics, however, delve deeper into Harley’s recovery. By now, we find that she has made a life for herself. She moved on (and moved in with Ivy), found love in a number of other places, and even, in one storyline, confronted her abuser.

All of this exists alongside the fact that Harley is still mentally ill. She still faces the trauma of what Joker did to her, and the things she did with him.

Overall, cartoon and comics Harley is great representation. But how does Suicide Squad stack up?