As James Gunn’s reinvention of the DC movie and TV universe gathers momentum, it would be easy to forget about the previously existing DC adaptations that are continuing alongside Gunn’s new vision. I hope that won’t be the case for Max’s veteran adult animated series “Harley Quinn,” which returns this week for its fifth season without losing any of its charm or inventiveness.
Gunn’s fellow Max animated series “Creature Commandos” has been getting all the attention thanks to its designation as the official launch of the new DC Universe, but “Harley Quinn” has its own intricate and rewarding continuity, without the need to connect to a myriad of other movies and TV series. Instead, the series about onetime Batman villain Harley Quinn (Kaley Cuoco) offers its own twisted takes on a variety of DC characters, mixing genuine affection for superhero storytelling with an irreverent approach to the genre’s clichés.
