In this article, we will delve deep into the world of Batman and Harley Quinn, a 2017 animated film that explores the relationship between two iconic DC Comics characters.
We’ll start with a comic character summary of Batman and Harley Quinn themselves before moving on to a movie summary, parent guide, and timeline of when the film takes place.
As we continue, we will discuss the film’s locations, cast and characters, memorable quotes, and soundtrack by Michael McCuistion and Lolita Ritmanis.
We’ll also uncover behind-the-scenes curiosities, tips for cosplay, Bob Kane’s biography and works, and the possibilities of a remake, sequel, or spin-off.
Additionally, we’ll discuss other media directed by Sam Liu, similar media to Batman and Harley Quinn, and the creation of the Harley Quinn character by Paul Dini.
Finally, we’ll explore video games featuring Batman and Harley Quinn, a travel guide to visit their world, book club questions, and discussions.
Comic character summary: Batman and Harley Quinn
Batman, also known as Bruce Wayne, is a billionaire playboy and philanthropist who moonlights as a vigilante crime fighter in the fictional city of Gotham.
Created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger in 1939, Batman has become one of the most iconic comic book characters in history.
His tragic backstory, involving witnessing the murder of his parents as a child, has led him to dedicate his life to fighting crime and injustice.
Harley Quinn, real name Harleen Quinzel, was created by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm in 1992 as a sidekick for the Joker in Batman: The Animated Series. Originally a psychiatrist at Arkham Asylum, she fell in love with the Joker and transformed into the unpredictable and dangerous Harley Quinn.
Over the years, Harley Quinn has evolved from a mere sidekick to a complex and beloved character in her own right, with her own series of comic books and appearances in various DC media.
Movie summary and parent guide
Batman and Harley Quinn is an animated film directed by Sam Liu and released in 2017.
The movie follows Batman and Nightwing as they team up with Harley Quinn to stop the villainous duo of Poison Ivy and the Floronic Man from annihilating humanity.
Along the way, they face dangerous challenges and learn to understand and appreciate each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
In terms of a parent guide, Batman and Harley Quinn is rated PG-13 for some violence, suggestive material, and language.
Parents should be aware that while the movie features animated characters, it is not intended for young children.
The film contains some adult humor, and the themes and situations may not be suitable for younger audiences.
Exploring the timeline: When Batman and Harley Quinn takes place
The timeline of Batman and Harley Quinn is not explicitly stated in the movie.
However, it is generally believed to take place after the events of Batman: The Animated Series and The New Batman Adventures, but before the events of Batman Beyond.
The film’s visual style and character designs are reminiscent of the classic animated series, and it acknowledges the history between Batman, Nightwing, and Harley Quinn from previous storylines.
Delving into film locations
Batman and Harley Quinn takes place primarily in Gotham City, a fictional metropolis in the DC Universe.
The city is known for its dark and gritty atmosphere, as well as its high crime rate. Key locations in the movie include Gotham City Police Department, Arkham Asylum, S.T.A.R. Labs, and a variety of abandoned warehouses and hideouts used by the villains.
Who’s who in Batman and Harley Quinn: Cast and characters
The cast of Batman and Harley Quinn is led by Kevin Conroy, who reprises his role as Batman/Bruce Wayne from the animated series.
Loren Lester returns as Nightwing/Dick Grayson, while Melissa Rauch takes on the role of Harley Quinn/Harleen Quinzel.
Other notable cast members include Paget Brewster as Poison Ivy/Pamela Isley, Kevin Michael Richardson as the Floronic Man/Jason Woodrue, and John DiMaggio as Swamp Thing.
Memorable quotes from the movie
- “Sometimes the darkness is your friend.” – Batman
- “Life’s a carnival, but the ride’s never free.” – Harley Quinn
- “We all wear masks, Harley. At least yours is just on the outside.” – Batman
The soundtrack by Michael McCuistion and Lolita Ritmanis
The soundtrack for Batman and Harley Quinn was composed by Michael McCuistion and Lolita Ritmanis, who are known for their work on other DC animated projects.
The score features a mix of orchestral and electronic elements, adding to the film’s dark and moody atmosphere.
The standout track is “That Night,” a hauntingly beautiful piece that plays during a pivotal scene between Batman and Harley Quinn.
Behind-the-scenes curiosities
One interesting fact about Batman and Harley Quinn is that it was written by Bruce Timm, who co-created Harley Quinn with Paul Dini back in the 1990s.
Timm is also known for his work on other DC animated shows such as Batman: The Animated Series and Justice League.
In addition, the film features a brief cameo by the character of Swamp Thing, who is voiced by John DiMaggio, better known as Bender from Futurama.
Tips for cosplay: Dress like your favorite characters
If you’re a fan of Batman and Harley Quinn, you might want to try cosplaying as your favorite character.
For Harley Quinn, you’ll need a red and black harlequin costume, a blonde wig, and a baseball bat.
For Batman, you’ll need a black bodysuit, a cape, a cowl, and a utility belt.
You can find these items online or at a costume store, or you can try making them yourself if you’re feeling crafty.
A tribute to Bob Kane: His biography and works
Bob Kane was the co-creator of Batman, along with Bill Finger.
Born in 1915 in New York City, Kane began his career as a cartoonist in the 1930s. He created Batman in 1939, and the character quickly became a pop culture icon.
Kane continued to work on Batman comics until his death in 1998, and his legacy lives on through the many adaptations and spin-offs of the character.
Batman and Harley Quinn ending explained
At the end of Batman and Harley Quinn, the heroes are able to stop Poison Ivy and the Floronic Man from releasing a dangerous virus that would have destroyed humanity.
Harley Quinn decides to turn herself in to the authorities and returns to Arkham Asylum, but not before sharing a moment of understanding with Batman and Nightwing.
The film ends on a hopeful note, with the possibility of future adventures for the trio.
Possibilities of a remake, sequel, or spin-off
As of now, there are no official plans for a Batman and Harley Quinn remake, sequel, or spin-off.
However, the popularity of the characters and the success of the film could lead to future projects down the line.
In the meantime, fans can enjoy the many other Batman and Harley Quinn comics, movies, TV shows, and video games that are available.
Other media directed by Sam Liu
Sam Liu is a prolific director who has worked on many other DC animated projects in addition to Batman and Harley Quinn.
Some of his other notable works include Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths, All-Star Superman, and Superman/Batman: Public Enemies.
Liu is known for his attention to detail and his ability to bring classic comic book stories to life on the screen.
Similar media to Batman and Harley Quinn: Recommendations
If you enjoyed Batman and Harley Quinn, you might want to check out some other DC animated projects that are similar in tone and style.
Some recommendations include Batman: The Animated Series, Justice League, Young Justice, and Teen Titans.
These shows feature complex characters, dark themes, and exciting action sequences that are sure to keep you entertained.
The creation of Harley Quinn character by Paul Dini
The Harley Quinn character was created in 1992 by Paul Dini for the popular animated television series, Batman: The Animated Series.
Initially, Harley Quinn was meant to be a one-time appearance character, but her popularity grew immensely, and she quickly became a fan favorite.
The character’s unique blend of charm, wit, and chaotic personality struck a chord with audiences, and she has since become a staple in the Batman universe.
Over the years, Harley Quinn has evolved from a sidekick to the Joker to a complex character in her own right.
Writers have explored her relationships, motivations, and origins, delving into her past as a psychiatrist at Arkham Asylum, where she first met the Joker.
The character’s evolution has also seen her transform from a villain to an anti-hero, and she has even joined forces with Batman on occasion.
Paul Dini is undoubtedly the driving force behind the success and continued popularity of Harley Quinn.
His distinct writing style and deep understanding of the character’s complexities have allowed her to grow and evolve throughout her appearances in various media.
From her initial introduction in Batman: The Animated Series to her live-action debut in the film Suicide Squad, Dini’s influence on Harley Quinn has remained a constant and vital presence.
Video Games Featuring Batman and Harley Quinn
- The Batman: Arkham series is a collection of action-adventure games developed by Rocksteady Studios and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. The series showcases Batman and Harley Quinn in a thrilling, open-world environment that allows players to immerse themselves in the iconic characters’ universe. Harley Quinn plays a significant role throughout the series, serving as both a primary antagonist and a playable character in the downloadable content.
- The Injustice series is a popular fighting game franchise developed by NetherRealm Studios and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. The games feature a wide roster of characters from the DC Universe, including Batman and Harley Quinn. The series is renowned for its captivating storyline, which sees heroes and villains engage in epic battles to determine the fate of the world. Harley Quinn’s inclusion in the series has allowed players to experience her unique fighting style and chaotic personality firsthand.
- The LEGO Batman series is a family-friendly action-adventure franchise developed by Traveller’s Tales and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. The games feature a colorful cast of characters, including Batman and Harley Quinn, as they embark on exciting missions and adventures. The LEGO Batman series is notable for its lighthearted tone and humor, providing a fun and engaging experience for players of all ages.
A Travel Guide to Visit Batman and Harley Quinn’s World
Gotham City, the fictional home of Batman and Harley Quinn, is a dark and brooding metropolis plagued by crime and corruption.
While the city may not exist in reality, fans can visit various real-life locations that have served as inspiration or filming locations for Gotham City.
For example, Chicago and New York City have both been used as the backdrop for Gotham in different Batman films, while London’s Highgate Cemetery served as the setting for Arkham Asylum in Batman Begins.
For those looking for a more immersive Batman and Harley Quinn experience, Six Flags theme parks offer various attractions and rides themed after the iconic characters.
The parks feature roller coasters such as Batman: The Ride and The Joker’s Jinx, as well as the thrilling pendulum ride, Harley Quinn Spinsanity.
These attractions allow visitors to step into the world of Batman and Harley Quinn and experience the excitement firsthand.
Attending comic book conventions and fan events, such as Comic-Con, is another fantastic way to explore the world of Batman and Harley Quinn.
These events often feature panels with the creators and actors behind the characters, as well as opportunities for fans to dress up in cosplay and meet others who share their passion for the Batman universe.
Book Club Questions and Discussions
One topic of discussion for book clubs and fans is the complex relationship between Batman and Harley Quinn.
- How do their interactions evolve throughout the various comic books, movies, and games in which they appear?
- What factors contribute to the characters occasionally working together, despite their adversarial relationship?
Another interesting topic to explore is the role mental health plays in the Batman universe, particularly concerning Harley Quinn’s background as a psychiatrist and her subsequent descent into madness.
- How is mental illness portrayed in the stories featuring these characters, and what implications does this have on the overall narrative?
With so many adaptations of Batman and Harley Quinn in various forms of media, it can be intriguing to discuss the impact these adaptations have had on the characters’ popularity and continued success.
- How have different portrayals of the characters influenced their development and the way they are perceived by fans?
Conclusion
Batman and Harley Quinn are two of the most iconic and enduring characters in the world of comics.
Their fascinating history, captivating stories, and numerous appearances in various forms of media have solidified their status as fan favorites.
Exploring the depths of these characters, from their creation to their portrayal in movies, games, and other media, offers a glimpse into the rich and complex world they inhabit.
From the dark streets of Gotham City to the thrilling attractions at Six Flags theme parks, the world of Batman and Harley Quinn is one that continues to captivate and inspire fans around the globe.
