10 Iconic DC/Marvel Characters Who Originated Outside The Comics
3. Harley Quinn
Batman: The Animated Series is considered by many to be the best comic book-based cartoon of all time, DC or otherwise. The show not only did a lot with the Batman mythos, but also brought its fair share of new ideas to the table (i.e. the aforementioned Renee Montoya.) However, the show's biggest success regarding an original character is undeniably Harley Quinn.
Quinn was created by Bruce Timm and Paul Dini, who introduced her in the show in 1992 as a henchwoman/romantic partner for the Joker. Needless to say, the character absolutely exploded in popularity.
Harley's popularity in The Animated Series would eventually carry over to the comic books. Since being introduced in The Batman Adventures #12 in 1993, she has become one of the most prevalent characters in the main DC universe, appearing in her own series, as well as other big-name titles.
And while Harley's publication history has had its fair share of ups, downs, and controversies, she has recently had something of a renaissance thanks to writers Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti, leaving her relationship with the Joker in the past and moving forward as her own, definitive character.
She's also achieved massive success in the Arkham games, numerous animated features, and as the marquee character in 2016's Suicide Squad.