The Batman ’89 comic line has expanded upon the cinematic world of Batman envisioned by Tim Burton. The latest installment, Echoes, continues the trend, introducing this world’s version of Harley Quinn.
Batman ’89: Echoes #1 by Sam Hamm and Joe Quinones is set two years after the previous Batman ’89 series, Shadows. As the story opens, it has been some time since Batman has been seen in Gotham City. As such, the public has largely moved on from the mystique of costumed criminals and crimefighters.
One person who has not moved on, however, is Dr. Harleen Quinzel. Popularly known as Dr. Q, this Harley Quinn is a famous pop psychologist and “celebrity shrink.” She built her brand on a theory she dubbed “persona therapy.” Her theory is that mentally unstable people benefit from adopting a secret face when dealing with their trauma.
Naturally, this theory ties her star to the popularity of masked heroes and supervillains. Unfortunately, it also sinks her prime-time special devoted to The Joker and an interview with his mistress. Ironically, she is preempted because of a special report regarding a new supervillain dubbed Firefly.
Harley Quinn, Material Girl
One of the fun elements of the Batman ’89 series is how it gives Hamm a chance to explore how the Batman cinematic universe might have progressed. The first series, Shadows, explored the downfall of Harvey Dent (as played by Billy Dee Williams). It also featured a new Robin, Drake Winston, inspired by Marlon Wayans. Echoes continues this approach, with Joe Quinones modeling his character designs on actors who almost appeared in Tim Burton’s Batman movies.
In this case, Harley Quinn’s appearance is based on Madonna, who was cast to play Harleen Quinzel in an unproduced movie, Batman: Triumphant. Echoes also introduces a version of Dr. Jonathan Crane, aka Scarecrow, who strongly resembles Jeff Goldblum. The two are presented as professional colleagues (albeit unfriendly ones), teasing how the two might come to team against Batman in future issues.
Batman ’89: Echoes #1 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
