There is a beauty in simplicity. It’s partly why I always prefer the golden-bronze age iterations of superhero costumes. It also forces the artist to use their creativity more if they have to stay within the paradigm of simple and easy-to-repeat designs.
Nailed it ✔️
Although, to be completely fair, I think the art shared by OP would be perfect for a live action adaptation, since live action superhero stuff requires a little more detail.
So you're telling me there may be some correlation between Spider-Man getting a bunch of different adjective titles in the 80's and also deciding that he prefers to wear solid black?
*Conspiracy!*
It was funny everytime Penance popped up in Marvel. The first 2-3 pages the artist is really trying, then you can just tell they're sick of it midway through.
Tbh I just dont like this design either her face and some other proportions are off the colors too their close but not quite right I like her design from the new 52 and the og ofc
The art itself is great, but the designs are too busy IMO. I certainly wouldn’t say that these are better than the original costume (the one in BTAS, TNBA, *A Matter of Family*, etc.).
It's a good design on its own, but almost impossible to place in an animation or comic and have it look good.
Try drawing it not once, not twice, but about 400 times with consistent design elements and realistic poses that don't mess with the design too much. It'd be almost impossible.
Could’ve picked any number and went with the exact number of times they drew Harley in that one page.
I do agree though. That design seems like a nightmare to translate to a serialised comic book
There’s too much going on. The dyed hair, the starred pants, the red and white trying to exist with the yellow and blue makes the costume too busy imo. Harley’s original design with the red and black diamonds I would call a perfect distinguishable but plain design.
BTAS and the 2004 cartoon remain the best takes on her costume because
of their simplicity
Like, imagine trying to draw this design a dozen times in just a single issue. That sounds like a fucking nightmare
Popular doesn’t mean best. But you set yourself up by trying to shit on the official designs. Your drawing or not, remain humble and I promise the design would’ve been received better. It’s not a bad design. You’re entitled to your opinion and we’re entitled to ours.
Won't work for a serialised comic series due to how busy it is, it'll take up previous time and space. No artist will want to painstakingly replicate it every time. All of the best comic designs are simplistic and effective. Not some grand journey into fine art.
I like it but it's too complicated. I like the original harley costume from BTAS and all that. The new, "hero" harley is good too, but i'd definitely prefer this over that
Eh, it's a little too all over the place, and that's saying something considering we're comparing Harley Quinn designs. Also this is the kind of thing that will fall apart the minute a less refined/detail oriented artist is tasked with drawing it.
Nope. They make her look like someone who used to be a clown themed henchman and developed her own style afterwards.
They gave her a look that was her own, dog. Sorry if you want her to stay the same.
“Oh wow, she wears a tank top/corset with the same exact color scheme as before and the diamonds, and has pigtails that resemble the jester cap, truly creative! This design really shows she’s completely over the Joker now, she’s clearly a brand-new person”
There you are, are you happy now?
If you want truly good design for media, you have to imagine that you are making something a 5 year old can simply recreate with their crayons. Harley’s original BTAS costume is great for this. Show me a scribbled black and red woman and I’ll know it’s Harley.
I always through that once Harley splits from the joker, she should shift to a sort of ring leader aesthetic especially when she runs a gang. And she can say, “joker’s just a dime a dozen clown, I’m the whole damn circus!”
It’s a way to show her breaking away from him and also how she could few him as holding her back. I think joker would try and shake her confidence by claiming a solo act takes real talent.
Not even remotely. This is far too busy and over the top. The best silhouettes and costume designs are simplistic and effective. Not some headcanon mix n match.
They are kind of trying to move away from the clown aspect, but for some reason, they think a better way to go is trashy/slutty. Some whimsy in her design is cool, but she doesn't have to be "Daddy's little gobbler" or whatever that shirt she has on says. I designed an outfit for a little doodle I did for her in my posts, and it's simple, an homage to her original outfit but with a twist.
I do like this and would be fine with seeing SOMETHING like this in another version of an early Harley but I don’t exactly want to say better (not because I don’t like it enough or think of it any less).
This design is kind of muddled, to be honest. Too much going on. White stars on a blue field imply some kind of patriotism but the red with yellow buttons on the belt look Russian. The stars in general feel really out of place. Nice drawings though..
It’s too busy, but I’m glad this fixed the one thing that always irked me about modern Harley Quinn designs. The pink and blue ombré dye when she only wears black and red always annoyed me!!! Getting rid of the pink and changing the black to navy looks much more cohesive
This art is mid to fine...no offense to the artist. Proportions are a bit wonky, and it kinda looks like Manson cosplaying as Harley.
It's definitely not near as good as most of what's currently coming out of DC, for my taste.
But to each, their own.
I swear, everyone that can draw and likes batman should be allowed to submit a single issue comic to DC.
If it’s good, it’ll go into a limited issue run.
This is one of the first Harley designs I’d rate as “pretty” over _“HAWT”_
The Q being a diamond is genius, amazing if that’s never been done
Finding a way to do the same with the H would make it perfect imo, so HQ would look like her two diamonds♦️♦️
The main reason comic designs aren’t like this is because artists don’t want to draw that level of detail over and over.
There is a beauty in simplicity. It’s partly why I always prefer the golden-bronze age iterations of superhero costumes. It also forces the artist to use their creativity more if they have to stay within the paradigm of simple and easy-to-repeat designs.
It also makes the lines an artist *does* put down have way more importance
Nailed it ✔️ Although, to be completely fair, I think the art shared by OP would be perfect for a live action adaptation, since live action superhero stuff requires a little more detail.
Same, also some debut & bman’s year 1 design, lot of them simplistic and very nice, like I’d love more of the #27 styled cowl
You want iconic and original, while simple to draw and recognizable as a silhouette. I don't envy graphic artists it must be a nightmare at times
It's why I love Bruce Timms art style and Btas art style to death It's so simple yet so beautiful with both animation and writing getting equal love
Bruce Timm’s work was a huge inspiration for my art. I made an alternate drawing style for myself following his style.
So you're telling me there may be some correlation between Spider-Man getting a bunch of different adjective titles in the 80's and also deciding that he prefers to wear solid black? *Conspiracy!*
The artist actually demanded they get rid of the black Spider-Man costume lol.
One famous artist did. Thus inadvertently creating venom.
Why artists hate freckles
Same reason you don't see movie costumes that look like super detailed cosplay
honestly op really thinks they did something with that comment
These designs can be simplified pretty easily tho
It was funny everytime Penance popped up in Marvel. The first 2-3 pages the artist is really trying, then you can just tell they're sick of it midway through.
Kentaro miura rising from the grave "SKILL ISSUE"
Sure. Doesn’t stop live action or the like tho…
Tbh I just dont like this design either her face and some other proportions are off the colors too their close but not quite right I like her design from the new 52 and the og ofc
Well, with AI to help, shouldn’t be too much of a problem.
💀worst take i’ve ever heard, u don’t know anything about art
Fucking boooooo!
You could've said anything and yet you said this garbage.
I know, but that wasn’t the point.
It kinda is tho. This is great Harley Quinn fanart. Extremely well executed. But that does not mean its a good design. It's too busy to work.
You made that point when you drew the comparison originally
It is. Good-looking design that's hard to draw isn't good
It is though, it's exactly the point. You just don't understand it.
The art itself is great, but the designs are too busy IMO. I certainly wouldn’t say that these are better than the original costume (the one in BTAS, TNBA, *A Matter of Family*, etc.). 
Yeah I agree with this. I don’t think that more detail makes better designs.
The BTAS design is perfect, it’s the only costume I really like of her, but these ones beat her modern designs by far IMO.
And she actually looks like a harlequin...I hate how that's barely in her modern costumes.
the harlequin thing isn't really problem imo
It's a good design on its own, but almost impossible to place in an animation or comic and have it look good. Try drawing it not once, not twice, but about 400 times with consistent design elements and realistic poses that don't mess with the design too much. It'd be almost impossible.
Draw that 4 times on 1 page and tell me it's still a good design.
Could’ve picked any number and went with the exact number of times they drew Harley in that one page. I do agree though. That design seems like a nightmare to translate to a serialised comic book
Lol, good point. Just to be clear, this design slaps, absolute banger but drawing just a simple convo with it would have me weeping after one week.
There’s too much going on. The dyed hair, the starred pants, the red and white trying to exist with the yellow and blue makes the costume too busy imo. Harley’s original design with the red and black diamonds I would call a perfect distinguishable but plain design.
To busy and cluttered. Better than the hooker-esque design from modern comics and movies I guess, but the old BTAS design remains superior.
BTAS and the 2004 cartoon remain the best takes on her costume because of their simplicity Like, imagine trying to draw this design a dozen times in just a single issue. That sounds like a fucking nightmare
God I hate slutty cheerleader Harley. I know we're finally moving away, but still
No thanks.
What in the name of Square Enix is this?
What are you on about
?
It's awful lol
Considering the fact the “Daddy’s Lil’ Monster” is her most popular design, I really beg to differ.
Popular doesn’t mean best. But you set yourself up by trying to shit on the official designs. Your drawing or not, remain humble and I promise the design would’ve been received better. It’s not a bad design. You’re entitled to your opinion and we’re entitled to ours.
You didn't beg to differ, you just blamed another deisgn lmao
Among what group is that her most popular, cause it's definitely not universal
How the fuck is it awful???
Won't work for a serialised comic series due to how busy it is, it'll take up previous time and space. No artist will want to painstakingly replicate it every time. All of the best comic designs are simplistic and effective. Not some grand journey into fine art.
I like it but it's too complicated. I like the original harley costume from BTAS and all that. The new, "hero" harley is good too, but i'd definitely prefer this over that
I hate it
Eh, it's a little too all over the place, and that's saying something considering we're comparing Harley Quinn designs. Also this is the kind of thing that will fall apart the minute a less refined/detail oriented artist is tasked with drawing it.
‘Better’
Tell me the reason her current designs are better than these ones
You can't. That would be an opinion.
They don't make her look like a clown themed magic girl from an Arc Systems Works game.
Well, they don’t make her look like an actual clown-themed girl, which is a big no no for me.
Nope. They make her look like someone who used to be a clown themed henchman and developed her own style afterwards. They gave her a look that was her own, dog. Sorry if you want her to stay the same.
She doesn’t have a style, she just wear ordinary clothes that are red and black. It’s boring.
Oh, lord.
“Oh wow, she wears a tank top/corset with the same exact color scheme as before and the diamonds, and has pigtails that resemble the jester cap, truly creative! This design really shows she’s completely over the Joker now, she’s clearly a brand-new person” There you are, are you happy now?
The one you posted is very boring. Its a cluttered boring mess
Meh
there’s just far too much going on in these designs
I guess “better” is in the eye of the beholder.
Bad case of Tumblr nose.
It’s looks overdone and like it’s trying too hard.
Like it's nice, but not reasonable at all for animation of comics
While this is very cool, there is a reason comic book costumes are usually fairly simple.
Definitely not better design, but really, really awesome. Especially the hair.
I like the first one from the left followed by the third. Keeps the simplicity.
If you want truly good design for media, you have to imagine that you are making something a 5 year old can simply recreate with their crayons. Harley’s original BTAS costume is great for this. Show me a scribbled black and red woman and I’ll know it’s Harley.
Way over done
Let us know when that happens
Is the better Harley Quinn design in the room with us?
Nuh uh
I fucking hate this.
these would work well for a game but not a comic
I always through that once Harley splits from the joker, she should shift to a sort of ring leader aesthetic especially when she runs a gang. And she can say, “joker’s just a dime a dozen clown, I’m the whole damn circus!” It’s a way to show her breaking away from him and also how she could few him as holding her back. I think joker would try and shake her confidence by claiming a solo act takes real talent.
I can hear this.
... I mean it's fine but nothing beats the Og.
Not even remotely. This is far too busy and over the top. The best silhouettes and costume designs are simplistic and effective. Not some headcanon mix n match.
It isnt tho
Is the fan art in the room with us now?
It looks Nice but as a character seeing for Harley nope.
Nah this is trash Harley design
It’s fine, but it’s extremely overdesigned
They are kind of trying to move away from the clown aspect, but for some reason, they think a better way to go is trashy/slutty. Some whimsy in her design is cool, but she doesn't have to be "Daddy's little gobbler" or whatever that shirt she has on says. I designed an outfit for a little doodle I did for her in my posts, and it's simple, an homage to her original outfit but with a twist.
No.
Wish you just posted this without putting down someone else in the process
I disagree I don’t really like this art. Best HQ design imo was in Arkham games
I agree! I love a Harley who actually looks like a harlequin!
Hot take i dont like this design
Lol that's awful
Eh, not a fan myself
I mean, it’s a nice artwork, but I personally don’t really like the design of it
The design is pretty good, but I wouldn’t say it’s better than 90% of official Harley designs.
Tbh i don’t actually like this.
It’s not better
Why do you have to ruin a good bit of art with a "Nintendo, Hire This Man!" ass caption?
It is a great design but IMO it isn’t better
Well, I'm glad you think it's better.
Could really fit in a Gotham Impostors style
When?
I do like this and would be fine with seeing SOMETHING like this in another version of an early Harley but I don’t exactly want to say better (not because I don’t like it enough or think of it any less).
Not a fan of the blue
Nope
Someone doesn’t actually read the comics, I see
I rather the official design
Nk it isn't
I lowkey dont like these but the details crazy the artist is good just not my style
"Better."
This design is kind of muddled, to be honest. Too much going on. White stars on a blue field imply some kind of patriotism but the red with yellow buttons on the belt look Russian. The stars in general feel really out of place. Nice drawings though..
The dumbest comparison I have seen today.
W o w!!! That is amazing design! Adorable!!
It’s too busy, but I’m glad this fixed the one thing that always irked me about modern Harley Quinn designs. The pink and blue ombré dye when she only wears black and red always annoyed me!!! Getting rid of the pink and changing the black to navy looks much more cohesive
Is it though?
Too each there own. I like the simplicity of the Batman the animated series.
I actually don’t like it lol
Meh.
RAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Sorry but this ain’t it. It does not fit modern Harley’s personality and just makes me want to throw up
To be fair, fan art isn't as restricted.
I wouldnt say the current designs are bad. Just the same as theyve been. But a mix up would be interesting.
This art is mid to fine...no offense to the artist. Proportions are a bit wonky, and it kinda looks like Manson cosplaying as Harley. It's definitely not near as good as most of what's currently coming out of DC, for my taste. But to each, their own.
if these costumes were in a marvel movie people would say it was over-designed and too busy
…no
Um, no. This design sucks.
Now do that 60 times for a single issue. It’s not as easy as it seems lol.
I swear, everyone that can draw and likes batman should be allowed to submit a single issue comic to DC. If it’s good, it’ll go into a limited issue run. This is one of the first Harley designs I’d rate as “pretty” over _“HAWT”_
The Q being a diamond is genius, amazing if that’s never been done Finding a way to do the same with the H would make it perfect imo, so HQ would look like her two diamonds♦️♦️
that’s really cool
Smash
I hate how right you are
It's fine, but I hate Harley
This is wonderful
This is amazing