Mad Love

from Art Department Weekly | Issue 82 Vol. 8

75 Years Amazon

**Half of a two-page picture...**
Madeline Strum Photography

Luis outlines Harley’s world domination

If you have been a regular convention goer over the last half decade, you have noticed that the most popular female costume has belonged to Harley Quinn. You will constantly find yourself outnumbered by multiple costumed versions of a relatively new character who seems to have struck a chord with fans everywhere.

Harley Quinn was created by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm for Batman: The Animated Series in 1992. She did not become a part of the mainstream DC Universe until 1999. Since then, she has become the most popular female character in the DC Universe. Upon introduction, Harley in comic form was much more violent and less humorous than her animated self. That all changed with the launch of her solo series which saw her gain independence from the Joker and lead a small gang of her own.

While not an initial huge hit (her first solo title only lasted 38 issues), DC continued to tinker with the character and would see a big uptick in sales whenever she guest starred. When DC relaunched their line in 2011, Harley really took off. Harley was given a new look, a new attitude and was now completely Joker-free. Harley was introduced as a member of the new Suicide Squad where she proved to be a huge hit with the fans. In 2013, Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti launched Harley’s solo title (where, à la Deadpool, Harley constantly broke the 4th wall and talked directly to the readers). It has been a consistent Top 20 seller now for three years.