10 Most Tragic Batman Villains

What was meant to be a one off henchwoman for The Joker in Batman: The Animated Series became easily the most important addition Paul Dini and Bruce Timm ever made to the Batman mythos.

Harley Quinn is, without question, one of the most popular characters in the history of DC comics, as well as - of course - one of its most tragic.

Harley started out as Dr. Harleen Quinzel, a psychiatrist working at Arkham who wanted to use one of the supervillains there to write a tell all book. She settles on the ever enigmatic Joker, who proceeds to use his mind games to find her insecurities, play to her sympathy, gain her trust, and eventually drive her to supervillainy herself.

Harley became a hopelessly obsessed henchwoman for the clown prince of crime, convinced that he was in love with her. In reality she was always just another pawn for the clown to use for a cheap laugh.

Ultimately that was what made Harley so popular, as she stood as a hauntingly real depiction of an abusive relationship. Now, in recent decades, Harley has managed to finally get away from The Joker, even hooking up with Poison Ivy, as shown in the Harley Quinn TV show on HBO Max.