I Made a Super-Sized Joker/Harley Quinn Playing Card!

Plus: My Top 5 Favorite Batman the Animated Series Episodes!

Greetings, nostalgia fans! As a Gen Xer, I hadn’t thought about how most of the popular Marvel and DC superheroes we see featured in today’s media were created before I was born. There are some tentpole exceptions like Marvel's Wolverine and Deadpool. But when it comes to DC the biggest character to premiere in the Gen X era would have to be Harley Quinn!

I was asked recently to create an exclusive print for Surprise Comics featuring Harley and her partner in crime the Joker for the “Mad Love” Black Friday event. Celebrating Harley Quinn’s origin story. Of course , always having to outdo myself I created a massive playing card which you can check out in my latest video. And as a bonus made a black and white coloring page you can download for FREE.

While Illustrating Harley I was so inspired by Bruce Timm and Paul Dini’s creation I went back and rewatched many of my favorite episodes of Batman The Animated Series which for my money is the best interpretation of the Batman ever put on screen (big or small)

I’ve compiled my personal list of top five favorite episodes which with so many incredible stories was not an easy task but here you go.

5. Beware the Grey Ghost (Season 1, Episode 18)

In this touching episode, Bruce Wayne partners with his childhood hero, Simon Trent, the actor who played the "Grey Ghost" in an old TV series. When Gotham is terrorized by a bomber replicating crimes from the Grey Ghost show, Batman seeks Trent's help to solve the mystery. To me this is a heartfelt tribute to nostalgia and I love the casting of Adam West, as Simon Trent.

4. The Man Who Killed Batman (Season 2, Episode 23)

Sidney Debris, a meek and unlucky small-time crook, accidentally gains notoriety after rumors spread that he killed Batman. As Gotham's underworld and the Joker take a sudden interest in him, Sidney finds himself in over his head. Mark Hamill shines as the Joker perplexed by the notion that a hapless cook could take out Batman.

3. Perchance to Dream (Season 2, Episode 2)

Bruce Wayne awakens in an idyllic world where his parents are alive, he's engaged to Selina Kyle, and someone else is Gotham's Batman. As Bruce unravels this dreamlike reality, he faces a profound inner conflict: is this perfect life worth giving up the truth of who he is? Kevin Conroy delivers a tour de force performance as Batman discovers the truth behind this strange alternate reality.

2. Almost Got ‘Em (Season 2, Episode 18)

A rogue’s gallery of Gotham’s villains—the Joker, Penguin, Poison Ivy, Two-Face, and Killer Croc—gather for a poker night and share their "almost got ‘em" stories about nearly defeating Batman. I’ve always enjoyed it when Batman’s villains get together. I only wish the Riddler was invited to play poker.

1. Heart of Ice (Season 1, Episode 14)

This Emmy-winning episode redefines Mr. Freeze as a tragic villain. When Victor Fries seeks revenge against the corrupt businessman who caused his wife’s cryogenic suspension, Batman must stop him while grappling with the injustice that created this monster. The haunting story, combined with Michael Ansara’s chilling performance as Freeze, elevates this episode to masterpiece status.

---

That’s my list. With so many fantastic episodes and only five spots I undoubtedly left off some of your favorites. Let me know what you feel should have made the list by leaving a comment.

Don't forget, my Patreon has an archive of all the project files I’ve created, including the Mad Love Joker/ Harley Playing Card.