Harley Quinn

Largely uses characters as-is; no major race/gender swaps of iconic figures, though some reinterpretations.

• Most DC characters retain their established identities

Many male legacy heroes and villains (Joker, Batman, Mr. Freeze, etc.) are mocked, neutered, or made buffoonish while Harley and Ivy are framed as competent leads.

• The Joker is repeatedly humiliated and depicted as pathetic
• Many male villains played as incompetent comic foils
• Harley's empowerment arc centers on escaping a controlling man

The central emotional throughline is the romantic relationship between Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy, which becomes the show's defining arc.

• Harley and Ivy fall in love and become a canonical couple
• Their relationship is the show's primary emotional storyline across seasons
• Additional LGBTQ+ supporting characters and themes

Cast diversity is present but fits a sprawling DC ensemble; not a lore-breaking checkbox.

• Diverse ragtag crew of DC castoffs

Contains feminist and empowerment themes and occasional commentary, but mostly delivered through raunchy comedy rather than sermons.

• Harley's arc framed as breaking free from an abusive relationship and patriarchal control
• Occasional jabs at male-dominated villain hierarchy

Male characters, especially the Joker, are frequently framed as toxic, controlling, or pathetic, leaning into a 'men hold women back' theme.

• Joker depicted as manipulative and abusive toward Harley
• Many male figures portrayed as fragile egotists

Reinterprets characters significantly, most notably making Harley/Ivy canonically romantic, which is an identity-driven change from much classic source material.

• Harley and Ivy made a committed romantic couple
• Tonal and characterization overhauls of several DC figures