Conclusion:
As we have seen, the JokerxHarley relationship is an incredible complex and sophisticated one that operates on multiple levels. Many of the details of the relationship are subtly conveyed and succeed in striking resonant chords with people who enjoy and desire similar relationship dynamics and who are not hetero-normative in their interests and desires.
But the question I wanted to consider was whether or not the Joker was capable of loving Harley Quinn.
I think it’s important to consider that for someone like Joker any tender emotion at all is alien. Whatever affection Harley stirs within him is somewhat miraculous in itself, which makes the relationship all the more intriguing. I believe Joker does love Harley and that there is ample evidence to indicate this – sometimes outright, and sometimes subtextual – but definitely present within canon.
Whatever you personally believe, one thing there can be no doubt of and that is that Harley has had an impact on The Joker, perhaps more than any other person has for sixty-eight years. She has added a new dimension to his personality, one that is ripe for exploration and speculation about one of the most intriguing and fascinating villains ever created.
It is, of course, a romanticisation of a terrible situation to enjoy this relationship as it is. It's clearly not a desirable one or a healthy one. But it is far more than simply abusive and simply unhealthy. It fulfils a need in both participants that might not be normal, but that exists for them anyway.
It's one that I love. Many fans of this pairing have their own affection for Joker and identify with Harley's emotion on a certain level. It is both an interesting and compelling one, as well as being sick, twisted and bizarre. Of course, there will be many who do not agree with much of what I have written above, and that is fine. We all have our own responses. However, I, for one, never want to see this pairing end. For me, it's magic and was what first drew me into their world.
Recommended Reading/Viewing:
Comics:
Mad Love
Batman: Harley Quinn
Harley Quinn #1
Harley Quinn #5
The Code (Batman #570 & Detective #737)
Joker’s Last Laugh (Batman & Robin Adventures #18)
Mightier Than The Sword (Batman: Gotham Adventures #10)
Masks of Love (Batman: Gotham Adventures #14)
Joker/Mask 1-4
Joker’s Last Laugh
Superman: Emperor Joker
Harley & Ivy: Love on the Lam
Twelve Days of Madness (Batman Adventures #28)
Two-Timer (Batman and Robin Adventures #1)
Cartoons:
Wild Cards (Justice League Unlimited)
Harlequinade (Batman: The Animated Series)
World’s Finest (The New Batman Adventures)
Harley & Ivy (Batman: The Animated Series)
The Man Who Killed Batman (Batman: The Animated Series)
The Laughing Fish (Batman: The Animated Series)
Beware the Creeper (The New Batman Adventures)
The Trial (Batman: The Animated Series)
Joker’s Millions (The New Batman Adventures)
As we have seen, the JokerxHarley relationship is an incredible complex and sophisticated one that operates on multiple levels. Many of the details of the relationship are subtly conveyed and succeed in striking resonant chords with people who enjoy and desire similar relationship dynamics and who are not hetero-normative in their interests and desires.
But the question I wanted to consider was whether or not the Joker was capable of loving Harley Quinn.
I think it’s important to consider that for someone like Joker any tender emotion at all is alien. Whatever affection Harley stirs within him is somewhat miraculous in itself, which makes the relationship all the more intriguing. I believe Joker does love Harley and that there is ample evidence to indicate this – sometimes outright, and sometimes subtextual – but definitely present within canon.
Whatever you personally believe, one thing there can be no doubt of and that is that Harley has had an impact on The Joker, perhaps more than any other person has for sixty-eight years. She has added a new dimension to his personality, one that is ripe for exploration and speculation about one of the most intriguing and fascinating villains ever created.
It is, of course, a romanticisation of a terrible situation to enjoy this relationship as it is. It's clearly not a desirable one or a healthy one. But it is far more than simply abusive and simply unhealthy. It fulfils a need in both participants that might not be normal, but that exists for them anyway.
It's one that I love. Many fans of this pairing have their own affection for Joker and identify with Harley's emotion on a certain level. It is both an interesting and compelling one, as well as being sick, twisted and bizarre. Of course, there will be many who do not agree with much of what I have written above, and that is fine. We all have our own responses. However, I, for one, never want to see this pairing end. For me, it's magic and was what first drew me into their world.
Recommended Reading/Viewing:
Comics:
Mad Love
Batman: Harley Quinn
Harley Quinn #1
Harley Quinn #5
The Code (Batman #570 & Detective #737)
Joker’s Last Laugh (Batman & Robin Adventures #18)
Mightier Than The Sword (Batman: Gotham Adventures #10)
Masks of Love (Batman: Gotham Adventures #14)
Joker/Mask 1-4
Joker’s Last Laugh
Superman: Emperor Joker
Harley & Ivy: Love on the Lam
Twelve Days of Madness (Batman Adventures #28)
Two-Timer (Batman and Robin Adventures #1)
Cartoons:
Wild Cards (Justice League Unlimited)
Harlequinade (Batman: The Animated Series)
World’s Finest (The New Batman Adventures)
Harley & Ivy (Batman: The Animated Series)
The Man Who Killed Batman (Batman: The Animated Series)
The Laughing Fish (Batman: The Animated Series)
Beware the Creeper (The New Batman Adventures)
The Trial (Batman: The Animated Series)
Joker’s Millions (The New Batman Adventures)