Learn more about Arleen's Harley!
This episode right here inspired the creation of Harley Quinn!
Harley has two fathers - Paul Dini (who wrote her character for television and comics) and Bruce Timm (who visually brought her character to life in both animation and comics).
Arleen's name was also used as inspiration for the character - Arleen Sorkin = Harleen Quinzel.
Harley Quinn's first ever appearance was in Batman The Animated Series in an episode titled "The Joker's Favor," which aired September 11, 1992. She was just supposed to be a generic hench wench for the Joker. A one-off character. However, Arleen's performance won the hearts of many, and a legend was born from there. Harley Quinn's origins was explored in "Mad Love" as a psychiatrist who fell madly in love with her patient and adopted the persona of a Harlequin Jester. Due to the Joker's manipulation and lies, Harleen Quinzel became Harley Quinn and she broke him out of Arkham in the name of "love."
See her origin here: https://youtu.be/Nss0ghyCrm0?si=QL_YcobNg4b0npn3
I knew it was coming someday when Bat Family members would pass away and it's pretty tough to accept. The original trio - Kevin Conroy, Mark Hamill, and Arleen Sorkin. :( Some day there will be news about Hamill and I'm not ready. I know I was deeply saddened in Arkham City when Joker died and Hamill announced his retirement (although later on he did some more voice work). Back in 2010, Arleen has officially retired from voicing her character with her last performance being in DC Universe Online. I couldn't believe then that I wouldn't here the depiction of Harley I loved so much.
These actors and these characters mean a lot to me. As you know, I am obviously a huge fan of Batman's universe and DC Comics. I have consumed a lot of media since I was a child; it meant a lot to me especially during my middle school years. I drew Harley Quinn and Joker, a lot. I actually got better at drawing from that much practice because I studied Bruce Timm's style. XD
I was inspired creatively in many ways by Batman The Animated Series and by the other projects their names were attached to. Arleen Sorkin will always be Harley for me, and no one has quite managed to replace her. In the same way Kevin Conroy's Batman and Mark Hamill's Joker can't be.
They represent a time where Warner Bros. produced spectacular content for DC Comics, from the writers, artists, voice performances, animation, and more. The 90s and early 2000s was such a great time. Their iconic work continues to be admired today. <3
Mark Hamill's response to her death:
Mark Hamill Tweeted, “Devastated to learn we've lost the brilliant Arleen Sorkin. Not just a wonderful talent, but a truly wonderful person. I'm grateful not only to have worked with her, but to have been her friend. Sending my heartfelt condolences to her family & loved ones.”
Enjoy some photos:
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