One of the things that makes Suicide Squad’s Joker stand out from previous cinematic interpretations is that we get to see him in love. The woman at the centre of this love? None other than fan favourite Harley Quinn, who has only grown in popularity since her introduction in Batman: The Animated Series. Joker and Harley’s relationship has often been presented as abusive in the comics, and this is certainly something that Assault on Arkham doesn’t shy away from (Joker makes some really nasty jokes about bruises). Their relationship is also (in my opinion) the biggest flaw of the animated movie, with it not really being clear where Harley stands in the 3rd Act showdown between Joker, Deadshot and Batman. However, their relationship is presented much more simplistically in Squad (though if rumours are to be believed, this wasn’t always Ayer’s original intention) as a loving relationship. As I stated previously, we get to see the Joker in love in this movie. Another difference is that Assault on Arkham presents a love triangle between Joker, Harley and Deadshot, whereas in Suicide Squad Harley and Deadshot’s relationship is much more platonic.
