By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
Dynamite Entertainment, Queen B Productions and DC are launching a licensed crossover comic series that features Harley Quinn and Elvira.
Portrayed by actress Cassandra Peterson, Elvira the Mistress of the Dark is a gothic character that was first created over four decades ago to serve as a hostess for campy horror and sci-fi programming.
Throughout the years, Elvira has been featured across numerous talk shows, merchandise, movies and comic books.
“Recently I’ve gotten the chance to have my Elvira character crossover with some other icons of horror and even personal friends of mine, like H.P. Lovecraft and Vincent Price,” said Peterson. “My fiendish fans may recall that my entry to comics was with DC, and it’s exciting to be working with them again, and with one of their most revered characters. There are few who can match my charisma and appeal, but Harley is up there!”
For the past five years, the character’s comic book publishing rights have been part of Dynamite Entertainment’s IP portfolio.
The upcoming crossover collaboration will be written by the long-standing Harley Quinn comic writer duo, Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti.
“This is such a great story, we had to bring the best creators on board for this historic team-up and crossover,” said Dynamite CEO, Nick Barrucci. “Amanda and Jimmy are some of my closest friends in this industry, and we’ve loved working with them at Dynamite. Their work with Harley is so beloved as well, so it’s just a perfect project all around. We’re excited to share more with fans as it comes together.”
Conner and Palmiotti previously contributed to the formation, writing and characterization of the Harley Quinn comic franchise from 2013 to 2018.
During this time, the two writers added numerous elements to the character and set the blueprint for many of Harley’s future interpretations.
“What do you get when you slam a Maid of Mischief and a Mistress of the Dark together?” said Amanda Conner. “Sheer chaos, escapades and fun! Holee pandemolee, who wouldn’t wanna see the vivacious Elvira and the hijinky Harley Quinn get together for a bunch of wisecracking and clowning around? And a bit of naughtiness. Okay. Maybe a lot. I can’t wait to work on this book!”
Part of the DC comic universe, Harley Quinn first made her villainous debut in 1992 on the popular cartoon, Batman: The Animated Series.
Following her initial launch, the character quickly expanded across comic books, films, video games, merchandise and more with her boundless energy and wit.
“We are super excited to not only revisit our lovely Harley Quinn and her gang in Coney Island, but it seems like a match made in heaven… or hell, having the ever stunning Elvira, Mistress of the Dark along for the ride in this team-up to end all team-ups,” said Jimmy Palmiotti. “We are talking icons here! This is one of those circumstances where the characters have so much in common that the books almost write themselves. The trouble these two are going to be getting in will be epic!”
Further details about the creative teams, plot details, formats and release dates will be shared by Dynamite Entertainment at a later date.
Founded in 2004, Dynamite Entertainment is an American comic publishing company that focuses on releasing original series and officially licensed comic book adaptations of entertainment properties.
The company is known for working with high-profile creators from across the comic book and entertainment industry.
This includes writers and artists such as Danny Lore, Vita Ayala, Brandon Thomas, Amy Chu, David Walker, Leah Moore, Reginald Hudlin, Gail Simone, Jenny Frison and many more.
Dynamite Entertainment currently represents an extensive portfolio of IP that includes more than 3,000 characters.