Batman: The Animated Series debuted in September 1992 and on September 11th, of the same year an episode titled “Jokers Favor” aired introducing the world to what would become one of DC’s most popular villains, the delightful Harley Quinn.
Voiced by Arleen Sorkin, this was her very first appearance in any medium for the character who in her 25 years has gone onto star on all major platforms from the printed page to the big screen where she was bought to life by Margot Robbie.
Since her introduction 25 years ago Harley has become a major star, so much so that DC Co—Publisher Jim Lee has dubbed Harley Quinn the “Fourth Pillar” of the company, after Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman.
It’s fair to say that DC isn’t letting this milestone pass without a celebration. CBR.com has shared the first details of Septembers Harley Quinn 25th Anniversary Special, scheduled for release nearly 25 years to the day from when “Joker’s Favor” first aired. Creators contributing to the one-shot include the long-time creative team of the current Harley Quinn ongoing series, co-writers Amanda Conner & Jimmy Palmiotti and artist Chad Hardin, plus Harley Quinn co-creator Paul Dini (the writer of “Joker’s Favor,” who has recently been co-writing back-up stories in the Harley Quinn ongoing) and a story from Chip Zdarsky & Joe Quinones, who collaborated on Marvel’s tonally similar Howard the Duck. This marks Zdarsky’s first work for DC Comics.
“Jimmy and Amanda have come up with a great version of Harley that keeps her relevant for today’s readership,” Dini told CBR in a recent interview. “It keeps her fun. It keeps her funny. It’s always true to the character, and it’s always new. I really enjoy being surprised with everyone else each issue to see what they are coming up with.”
Take a look below at Lee’s variant cover to the issue, plus the solicitation text for the issue. DC Comics’ full September 2017 solicitations are scheduled to debut online at 5 p.m. Eastern time on Monday, June 19.
HARLEY QUINN 25TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL #1
- Written by AMANDA CONNER, JIMMY PALMIOTTI, PAUL DINI and CHIP ZDARSKY
- Art by AMANDA CONNER, CHAD HARDIN, JOE QUINONES and others
- Cover by AMANDA CONNER
- Variant covers by JIM LEE and BRUCE TIMM
- Celebrate twenty-five years of Harley Quinn with this collection of stories by some legendary Harley talent and some who’ve never drawn her before! How does Harley manage her insanely jam-packed life on Coney Island? What haven’t we seen from her past with the Joker? And can even Harley’s psychological acumen crack the twisted mind of…Robin, the Boy Wonder?
Be sure to check it out in September.
