Ever since her 1992 debut in Batman: The Animated Series, Harley Quinn has become one of DC’s most valuable and beloved characters. Her popularity increased thanks to her multiple comic book appearances, so much so that in 2016, DC Comics co-publisher Jim Lee named her the fourth pillar in their publishing line, behind only the DC Trinity. Now, Miss Quinn is at the peak of her fame, and everybody seems to love her.
However, some fans have controversial opinions about her, and they use Reddit to express them. Harley’s storylines tend to be an acquired taste, and many fans aren’t as passionate about her as others. And even though not all controversial opinions have a negative connotation, it’s clear that reception to Harley is as erratic as the character herself.
There Are *No* Good Harley Quinn Comics
Reddit user BreakingBlink posted a thread, asking a simple question: Any Good Harley Quinn Comics? The user states they have never been into Harley but enjoyed her participation in Injustice 2 and are looking for some reading material about her.
Another user, clamdumpster, provided the perfect controversial response to the question: “Nope.” Considering every other commenter on the thread provided many answers, from Little Black Book to the seminal Mad Love, it’s clear that clamdumpster isin the minority. There are plenty of great Harley comics; why else would the character be so popular?
Harley Is Better As A Side Character
Originally, Harley creators Paul Dini and Bruce Timm wanted her to be a one-episode humorous henchwoman for the Joker. She ended up staying for multiple episodes, imbuing Batman: The Animated Series with her classic Harley quotes and sweet, sweet chaos. The rest is history.
Still, many fans believe that Harley should’ve stayed a supporting character. In a thread where the OP asks for recommendations on good Harley comics, Redditor NewSchoolDaddy-O states that she “she’s usually better as a side character.” Considering Harley is front and center in many of DC Comics’ most successful titles, including Joker Loves Harley, Gotham City Sirens, and her Rebirth series, this one is a take as unpopular as they come.
Mad Love Is The Only Good Harley Comic
Fans often regard Mad Love as Harley’s seminal storyline. It features her attempts to kill Batman after Joker dumps her. The comic gave more insight into her dynamic with the Clown Prince of Crime and developed her civilian persona of Harleen Quinzel.
Reddit user bobm10 loves Mad Love and thinks it’s the only good Harley comic. “I personally think she hasn’t been that great since B: TAS.” A divisive opinion because most fans agree that many of Harley’s adventures–Kiss Kiss Bang Stab, Breaking Glass, Harley and Ivy— rank as some of the best storylines in modern Batman canon.
Harley’s New 52 Run Is SO GOOD
The New 52 remains divisive to this day. Many critics considered the reboot a bold and effective business move. However, the quality of the storylines received a more divisive reception from both critics and fans, with many of the former calling them disappointing.
However, Reddit user FN-2814 thinks that everything that has Harley’s name on it is worth picking up. “Honestly, her (New) 52 and Rebirth run by Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti is SO GOOD.” Most fans wouldn’t call her New 52 story outright terrible, but they wouldn’t praise it either. Indeed, another commentator replied that her New 52 story didn’t add anything to her dynamic with the Joker, adding that her previous run was much better.
Harley Is Too Overexposed
Redditor Willc666666 opened a thread about a particular comic book panel. It shows a man pointing a gun at Harley and asking if she has any last words. She replies, “Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis,” saying it’s the longest word in the dictionary and, as far as last words go, “it’s a doozy.”
Most commentators laughed at the joke, saying it’s classic Harley. User PistolClutch7 appreciated the humor but still managed to sneak in a snarky comment about Harley. “I generally hate the over-the-top use of Harley Quinn,” they said. It’s a respectable opinion but didn’t have anything to do with the OP’s post. Furthermore, Harley’s presence in the comics is no more prevalent than any of DC’s other popular characters, like the wholesome Nightwing or the Dark Knight himself.
Harley Works Better As A Full-On Villain
Harley’s New 52 persona shares many similarities with another chaotic and wisecracking comic book character, the king of weird comic book arcs, Deadpool. Many fans think so, and some express dislike at the thought of her being “female Deadpool.”
However, most people agree that Harley does work as an anti-hero. Not Redditor Jon_Kent, though. In a thread discussing Harley’s current series, Jon_Kent says that Harley only works when she’s a villain. “As long as she’s an anti-hero, there’ a 99% of chance I won’t enjoy anything she’s in.” Arguably, Harley has never been entirely villainous. Indeed, she was always a humorous sidekick in B: TAS and an anti-heroine in the comics, so Jon_Kent is most likely alone in this one.
Ivy and Harley Are Pure Fan Service
The relationship between Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy is one of the most popular and influential in modern comic book history. It wasn’t only a massive breakthrough but LGBTQ+ representation but also gave these two characters a much-needed break in the romantic department. Most fans adore the couple, but a few think the relationship is pure fan service.
In the same thread, a Redditor who has since deleted their account eviscerates Miss Quinn. The user states that the character “started to degenerate” in 2010, comparing her negatively to Deadpool. Furthermore, the user thinks that Ivy and Harley’s relationship “was cheap fan service, if not plain fan fiction.” The user adds that Harley’s devotion was integral to her characterization, and making her polyamorous went against that. However, having Harley stay in her abusive relationship with the Joker would be regressive. Furthermore, her bond with Poison Ivy began years ago, so it’s not illogical or inconceivable that their platonic relationship became romantic.
Writers Don’t Know How To Depict Her Properly
Even the most ardent Harley fans will admit she’s not an easy character to write. People will often confuse her erraticness for outright stupidity. If she’s too violent or aggressive, fans will complain that she’s not bubbly enough. However, if she’s too sweet, they’ll say she’s no longer a threat.
Replying to the user who deleted their account, Redditor lifesmanyadventures agreed, further adding that the character was “overused” and “shoehorned” into others’ stories. To top it all off, the user claims that “even the best writers write her awfully,” citing Tom King and Joshua Williamson as examples. King and Williamson’s stories received mixed reviews, but plenty of other writers have succeeded with Harley. The previously mentioned Conner and Palmiotti, plus Stjepan Sejic and Paul Dini, excelled with the character, proving lifesmanyadventures wrong.
Some Fans Don’t Get Her Popularity
“Why has Harley Quinn become so popular?” Reddit user ThunderHawkLives asks this question in a thread, adding that they “just don’t get” her appeal.
Fortunately, the commenters provide many reasons to support their love for her. Some claim that her presence in Arkham Asylum boosted her popularity because of how “hot” she was in it. Others say fans love her because of nostalgia for B: TAS, where she made one heck of an impression. A few add that Harley provides levity to the otherwise grim world of Batman without seeming out of place. The last commentator states that Harley was a fan favorite from the get-go, and that’s the reason she rose to prominence with the years, becoming even more beloved in the process.
