Harley Quinn is a fictional character created by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm. She first appeared in Batman: The Animated Series in 1992 as the Joker's henchwoman and was initially intended for a single episode. However, she became a recurring character in the DC Animated Universe as the Joker's accomplice and love interest. Harley Quinn was later introduced into DC Comics' canon. Her origin story depicts her as a former psychologist at Arkham Asylum who fell in love with the Joker, her patient, and eventually became his accomplice. Her alias is a play on "Harlequin" from commedia dell'arte.
1991: Inspiration for Harley Quinn
Paul Dini's inspiration for Harley Quinn came in 1991 after seeing Arleen Sorkin play a jester in a dream sequence on the soap opera Days of Our Lives.
September 11, 1992: Debut of Harley Quinn
Harley Quinn made her debut appearance in "Joker's Favor," the 22nd episode of Batman: The Animated Series, on September 11, 1992.
1992: Debut in Batman: The Animated Series
Harley Quinn first appeared in Batman: The Animated Series in 1992, voiced by Arleen Sorkin.
1992: Creation of Harley Quinn
Paul Dini and Bruce Timm created Harley Quinn for Batman: The Animated Series in 1992, initially intending her for a single episode.
September 1993: Comic Book Debut
Harley Quinn made her comic book debut in The Batman Adventures #12 in September 1993.
1993: Introduction of Poison Ivy
Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn's current love interest and best friend, was introduced in the 1993 Batman: The Animated Series episode "Harley and Ivy". This marked the beginning of a significant friendship, with Harley often calling Ivy "Red". The episode was written to explore Harley outside of Joker's control and show her resilience.
1993: Harley and Ivy Episode
The episode "Harley and Ivy," which aired in 1993, established the friendship between Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy.
February 1994: First Video Game Appearance
Harley Quinn appeared in a video game for the first time in February 1994, in The Adventures of Batman and Robin.
February 1994: Mad Love Release
The one-shot comic The Batman Adventures: Mad Love, exploring Harley Quinn's origin, was released in February 1994.
1995: End of Batman: The Animated Series
Harley Quinn's run in the original Batman: The Animated Series ended in 1995.
1996: Appearance in Superman: The Animated Series
Harley Quinn made appearances in Superman: The Animated Series starting in 1996.
1997: Appearance in The New Batman Adventures
Harley Quinn appeared in The New Batman Adventures beginning in 1997.
1997: Appearance in Batman: Thrillkiller
Harley Quinn, as Hayley Fitzpatrick, appeared in the Elseworlds story Batman: Thrillkiller in 1997.
October 1999: First Comic Book Appearance
Harley Quinn made the jump from the animated series to DC Comics canon with the one-shot comic, Batman: Harley Quinn #1 in October 1999.
1999: Mad Love Animated Adaptation
The Mad Love comic was adapted into an episode of The New Batman Adventures in 1999.
1999: Abusive Relationship with the Joker
In 1999, the abusive and codependent dynamic of Harley Quinn's relationship with the Joker was explored. Despite the abuse, Harley continued to return to the Joker, who in the comic "Batman: Harley Quinn" almost killed her, while acknowledging both his care for her and their romantic entanglement.
1999: Appearance in The New Batman Adventures
Harley Quinn's role in The New Batman Adventures concluded in 1999.
1999: Batman: Harley Quinn
In 1999, Harley Quinn officially joined the DC Universe in the graphic novel "Batman: Harley Quinn." This story, set during the "Batman: No Man's Land" arc, gave her a darker origin and changed the dynamic with Joker. She also gained immunity to toxins and enhanced physical abilities thanks to Poison Ivy.
1999: Canon Comic Book Introduction
Harley Quinn became part of the main DC Comics continuity with the release of Batman: Harley Quinn in 1999.
1999: Comic Book Introduction
After her animated debut, Harley Quinn was introduced into the DC Comics universe in 1999, initially portrayed as the Joker's sidekick and lover, and also associated with Poison Ivy.
1999: Canonization and Abilities
Harley Quinn officially became part of the main DC Universe continuity in 1999. She also gained several superhuman abilities including immunity to toxins, enhanced strength, agility, durability, and reflexes, due to a serum injection from Poison Ivy. Later, she also demonstrated the ability to breathe underwater. She is Peak human level and possesses Low Superhuman strength, and can lift approximately 900-1600 lbs.
December 2000: Harley Quinn's First Ongoing Series Begins
Harley Quinn's first ongoing comic series, written by Karl Kesel and illustrated by Terry and Rachel Dodson, launched in December 2000. This series focused on Harley's solo criminal career after leaving the Joker.
2000: Appearance in Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker and Static Shock
In 2000, Harley Quinn was featured in the film Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker and began appearing in the series Static Shock.
2000: Karl Kesel's Work on Harley Quinn
In 2000, Karl Kesel worked on Harley Quinn.
2001: Appearance in Justice League
Harley Quinn made appearances in Justice League starting in 2001.
December 2002: End of Kesel's Run on Harley Quinn
Karl Kesel's 25-issue run on Harley Quinn's series ended in December 2002 due to low sales.
2002: Birds of Prey TV Series
Mia Sara portrayed Harley Quinn in the live-action television series Birds of Prey in 2002.
2003: Harley Quinn Series Cancellation
After a change in creative team and a shift toward a darker tone, Harley Quinn's ongoing series was ultimately cancelled in 2003 due to continued poor sales.
2004: End of Static Shock and Justice League Appearances
2004 marked the end of Harley Quinn's appearances in both Static Shock and Justice League.
July 2009: Gotham City Sirens Debut
Harley Quinn returned to comics in July 2009 as a main character in the new series "Gotham City Sirens," teaming up with Catwoman and Poison Ivy. This series also explored Harley's backstory, revealing details about her family and hometown.
2009: Gotham City Sirens
In 2009, Harley Quinn took a leading role in the Gotham City Sirens series, teaming up with Poison Ivy and Catwoman.
2009: Ranked #45 on IGN's Top 100 Comic Book Villains
In 2009, Harley Quinn was ranked #45 on IGN's list of the Top 100 Comic Book Villains of All Time.
August 2011: Gotham City Sirens Cancellation
"Gotham City Sirens" was cancelled in August 2011 as part of DC Comics' "The New 52" relaunch.
2011: The New 52 Reboot
DC's The New 52 reboot in 2011 reintroduced Harley Quinn with a new look, personality, and origin, making her a member of the Suicide Squad.
2011: Ranked #16 on Comics Buyer's Guide's "100 Sexiest Women in Comics"
Harley Quinn was ranked #16 on Comics Buyer's Guide's "100 Sexiest Women in Comics" list in 2011.
September 2013: "Break into comics with Harley Quinn!" Controversy
In September 2013, DC Comics faced backlash for an art contest involving Harley Quinn in suicide scenarios. The contest, held near National Suicide Prevention Week, was criticized for its insensitive themes and sexualized portrayal of Harley Quinn.
November 2013: Harley Quinn Solo Series Relaunch
A new Harley Quinn solo series launched in November 2013, featuring the work of multiple artists, including co-creator Bruce Timm. The series showcased Harley's adventures in Coney Island.
2013: Second Ongoing Series
A new ongoing series for Harley Quinn launched in 2013, written by Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti, showing her moving to Coney Island and building a life independent of the Joker.
June 2016: DC Rebirth Relaunch
DC Comics relaunched its entire line with the "DC Rebirth" event in June 2016, impacting Harley Quinn and Suicide Squad.
October 2016: Suicide Squad: Rebirth #1 Release
The relaunched Suicide Squad series, including Harley Quinn, began with the one-shot issue "Suicide Squad: Rebirth #1" in October 2016. Harley's appearance was updated, taking inspiration from the 2016 film.
2016: DC Rebirth Relaunch and Popularity
2016 saw the relaunch of Harley Quinn's comic book series as part of the DC Rebirth initiative. The relaunched title became one of the best-selling comics of the year, surpassing all other DC Rebirth titles in sales, and led to DC declaring February as "Harley Quinn Month", publishing 22 variant covers featuring the character. Her Halloween costume was the most popular in both the US and UK that year.
2016: Unlockable Character in DC Universe Online
In 2016, Harley Quinn became available as an unlockable character in DC Universe Online. Jen Brown took over the voice acting role from Arleen Sorkin.
2016: Suicide Squad Film Debut
Margot Robbie debuted as Harley Quinn in the live-action DC Extended Universe film Suicide Squad in 2016.
December 2017: End of Conner and Palmiotti's Run on Harley Quinn
Conner and Palmiotti concluded their five-year run on Harley Quinn's ongoing series in December 2017 after 64 issues.
2017: Harley Loves Joker Backup Feature and Limited Series
In 2017, a backup feature called "Harley Loves Joker" was included in Harley Quinn's Rebirth series, revisiting her relationship with the Joker. A two-part limited series of the same name followed, expanding on Harley's past and explaining her costume change.
2017: Confirmation of Harley and Ivy's Relationship
In 2017, Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy's romantic relationship was confirmed. The pair shared their first canonical kiss in Harley Quinn #25, solidifying their non-monogamous relationship that had been hinted at in previous New 52 comics.
July 2018: Sam Humphries Takes Over Harley Quinn Series
Sam Humphries became the new writer for Harley Quinn's ongoing series in July 2018.
November 2018: Release of "Mad Love" Novel
"Mad Love", a novel adaptation of Harley Quinn's origin story, was released in November 2018. It was co-written by Paul Dini, Harley's original co-creator, and Pat Cardigan, and published by Titan Books.
January 2019: Suicide Squad Series Cancellation
The relaunched Suicide Squad series was cancelled in January 2019.
2019: Harley Quinn Animated Series
A new animated series focused on Harley Quinn premiered in 2019, with Kaley Cuoco voicing the character.
August 2020: End of Harley Quinn Ongoing Series
Harley Quinn's relaunched ongoing series concluded in August 2020.
2020: Birds of Prey Film
Margot Robbie reprised her role as Harley Quinn in the film Birds of Prey in 2020.
2021: Infinite Frontier Relaunch
Harley Quinn returned to Gotham City in DC's 2021 Infinite Frontier relaunch, now depicted as a superhero seeking redemption.
2021: Harley Quinn in Infinite Frontier
Harley Quinn transitioned into a superhero role in Gotham City for the 2021 "Infinite Frontier" relaunch, featuring a new design and a focus on redeeming her past.
2021: The Suicide Squad Film
Margot Robbie again played Harley Quinn in The Suicide Squad film released in 2021.
January 2022: Resumption of Psychology Career
In January 2022, Harley Quinn decided to return to her original profession as a psychologist.
2022: Launch of Harley Quinn YA Series
Penguin Random House launched a young adult series based on Harley Quinn within their DC Icons line in 2022. The series is authored by Rachael Allen.
2024: Joker: Folie à Deux
Lady Gaga is set to portray Harley Quinn in the film Joker: Folie à Deux, scheduled for release in 2024.