I wanted to put more in the video, but it was already going long so there it is...

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Harley & Joker was the 1st time I learned what an abusive relationship was. Mad Love shocked me as a kid. Sad that nowadays she's just a walking hot topic ad

Yes, yes, YES! Harley was amazing as a walking cautionary tale for all of the reasons you said, as well as making the audience care about her. How many people have witnessed loved ones fall into destructive spirals, pull them out, and have their hopes crushed when said loved one goes back? Heck, Harley's story could symbolically fit the story of addicts as well.

Yes! Hard agree with all of this! I think that the true reason as to why Harley Quinn does not sell is because she doesn’t work as a solo character. Harley has had co-dependency issues as a core component of her character since the beginning, she is defined by her relationships to others- it makes no sense for her to be “independent”, she always just ends up glomming on to another character in her stories (Ivy, Batwoman etc) anyway.

Part of the reason I hate the Harley + Ivy ship is because it should be a toxic, controlling relationship but it’s always portrayed as the “healthiest and most loving relationship in comics” (even when it is clearly not...) It has all the dysfunctional hallmarks of Harley’s relationship with Joker but because it’s a lesbian relationship it cannot be talked about in a negative way (in universe and out)

The only two camps who would be mad at this take, are people who most likely didn’t watch Batman the animated series to see the true origins of the character, or didn’t understand her purpose in that story, or those who don’t think characters embodying Harley’s problem should be represented in media.

The bigger problem with Harley, which is actually not a unique problem to fiction in general is what do you do with a villain character when that character becomes popular in the mainstream — too popular and lucrative to dispatch, but also too popular to allow to be as villainous as  they were originally conceived lest you invoke the wrath of society’s morality police.

I will admit i can see Harley in cycle of abuse only being broken by the power of a real support network in her close friends of Catwoman and Ivy. Cause thats such an important thing you need to get out of that kinda mind set and habit. And why abuser's keep their victims isolated. But the shipping between Ivy and Harley kinda runs it. Now it feels like she rebounded or traded one obsession for another. Rather than finding independence with friends. Its lame

You are so SO right!! What I wouldn't give for DC to hire you for anything Harley related 😭

Probably the best video on Harley I’ve seen. Fantastic job, Jes 🙏🏼

You absolutely nailed the issue with Harley and why I couldn't feel as invested in Harley's character in the tv series. It's important to have a character being a tale of caution rather than a positive role model. You can learn from people's mistakes too, hence why villains tend to lie and cheat their way to the top or let how society treats them determine the sort of terrible person they become instead of being a better person than society.

Thanks for giving us your very thoughtful perspective on Harley! Original Harley has so much personality to explore. I would enjoy more backstory as well. Good job, Jesterbell.🎉

Yeah I never got why they made her so uncomfortably raunchy in recent years. Before I got into Batman I thought she was just like this until I watched BTAS

Aye, the haircut looks great.. and yea, I agree Harley completely changed from the vintage 90s show to now. This is why Joker 2 will probably be great because Harley should be in an abusive, toxic relationship. Exactly how it's like the comics

To quote General Iroh, "AND THEN WHAT?????!!!! YOU NEVER THINK THESE THINGS THHHHRRROUGH!"

This is my favorite video about Harley and Joker so far! What you said is so true

Totally agreed I found Harley very similarly to the way you did and fell in love with her for those same reasons. This video was amazing!👏

Once again, a perfect analysis on the character. Harley was always meant to complement the Joker. After the New 52, when she was resurrected into a roller derby lesbian Deadpool ripoff, I just sort of stopped caring about the character, and DC Comics in general. Hopefully one day DC will see a resurgence in quality storytelling and art.. but I ain't exactly holding my breath.

Another great Harley related video. I wish more people would talk about this subject. It's sad it seems like Joker 2 is the only hope right now, I really hope it ends up delivering.

Well, I liked this video and agreed with most of the points you made in it.  The way Harley is portrayed in Deadly Duo is the best I have seen her in a long time.  I would also like to point out that I feel Catwoman has been written wrong as well and she is also being given a disservice to her character just as Harley is currently.

Animated series harley best harley

Personally I think the best version of Harley Quin is in the Arkham games.