Come August 5 fan will finally see Harley Quinn on the big screen with the release of Suicide Squad. While its about damn time that DC films finally create an IRL version, there are, as is to be expected, a smattering of fans who have been complaining about this new iteration of Harley Quinn. She does not have the high squeaky New York accented voice that Arleen Sorkin made popular in Batman: the Animated Series. Her costume is minimally reminiscent of any outfit worn throughout her history.
I totally understand the desire to incessantly whine, especially when it is such a beloved character like Harley Quinn. Honestly, people need to get over it. For one, there is no way that the creators of Suicide Squad listening. Once a trailer is released they are probably well into editing and post-production. And two, what responsibility do the creators of the film have to their audience?
Yes, they have to create a film that will bring in a massive amount of money in return. Meaning they have to be educated and very cognizant of each character’s comic book and animated history. Yet, the directors, cinematographers, set & costume designers, writers, etc. should be seen as the artist that they actually are, just like comic book artists and writers are. They make films because they love the creation (and of course, to make money). Among the cast and crew there are probably plenty of fans of the comics. It would be stupid not to have at least on person super knowledgeable about the DC Universe in some higher level position. A keeper of keys is vital with a story like Suicide Squad.
Let’s be honest though there would be zero chance that the creators could appease all of the fans. Something is always going to be wrong. Even more so, several versions of Harley Quinn exist. Each Harley has a different costume, different story and usually a slight variation on the quarky, crazy and violent personality. To name a few, there is Harley in the video games, the Batman: Animated Series, Gotham City Sirens, Suicide Squad (movie and comics), her solo series, her side role in Injustice: Gods Among Us (the whole series), etc. And everyone has their favorite version. I, personally, love her in DC Bombshells and Injustice: Gods Among Us from the few I’ve read, but I understand that Suicide Squad, the film, will be different than what we’ve seen in the comics, video games or animated series.
We all should just enjoy Suicide Squad for what it is, the first film introduction of Harley Quinn (along with a few other great characters). If it lives up to even 70% of the hype that the filmmakers have created and we, fans, have hoped for, then it will be a rather glorious turnout that we can celebrate.
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