One Batman panel inspired Harley Quinn spinoff Kite Man Hell Yeah!
As a long-time comic book reader and avid gamer with a deep appreciation for the rich history of DC Comics, I can’t help but feel disheartened by the recent developments surrounding the animated series “Kite Man: Hell Yeah!” based on the character from Harley Quinn.
The title “Kite Man: Hell Yeah!” for Max’s new animated series based on Harley Quinn leaves me feeling a bit uneasy. Initially, this title was a witty and humorous reference in the comics. However, in the adaptation to Hollywood, it has become a more exaggerated and comedic element. This rapid transformation is an unfortunate example of how creators’ original works can be altered beyond recognition in the entertainment industry.
As a longtime comic book fan and avid reader, I can’t help but feel frustrated and dismayed by the way certain characters and their origins are portrayed in popular media. The phrase “Kite Man. Hell yeah” is a prime example of this.
In my perspective as a fan, Harley Quinn frequently used Kite Man as her go-to target for easy attacks, finding his pitiful and endearingly dim demeanor an irresistible punching bag. It’s challenging to feel sympathy for him knowing his supposedly brilliant and gorgeous fiancée was planning to jilt him at the altar in favor of her best friend. This portrayal of Harley Quinn is heavily influenced by Tom King’s comedic treatment of Kite Man throughout his tenure on Batman from 2016 to 2020, which began with Batman #6 and the creation of the iconic “Kite Man. Hell yeah” catchphrase.
The tale unfolds as an instance of creative serendipity, where the potential of teamwork leads to a breathtaking outcome. Initially, Kite Man was chosen by King as a minor character in a sequence showcasing weak villains. However, Reis, having control over the visual narrative, proposed adding an additional panel to one of Kite Man’s pages. He suggested inserting a witty line for added effect.
In simpler terms, King expressed his approval by saying “Hell yes.” to TopMob in 2017. He was amused by Kite Man’s introduction of himself, finding the name and his thieving persona appealing.
Kite Man’s small innovation significantly endeared him to the king, as this was the first notable update to his character in three decades. It turned out that his authentic name was Charles Brown, a tribute to one of comic art’s masterpieces. Bill Finger, a tragic figure and Batman’s co-creator or primary creator, depending on who tells the story, was responsible for bringing Kite Man to life.
During his 85-issue tenure, King made “King becomes ‘Kite Man. Hell yeah'” a recurring joke. He ultimately crafted Kite Man’s backstory as a significant emotional foundation for “The War of Jokes and Riddles” (illustrated by Clay Mann), which is considered one of King’s finest storylines. King portrayed Kite Man as a deeply relatable character whose life repeatedly offered hope, only to cruelly and comically snatch it away.
As a gamer, I’d put it this way: The entirety of Harley Quinn’s interactions with Kite Man can be traced back to that single panel Reis drew. And King took that simple joke and transformed it into a recurring comedic element and a deeply moving theme.
When Kite Man was only a secondary character in “Harley Quinn,” I found that acceptable. Contrary to popular belief, “Harley Quinn” is not merely about the mischievous antics of a cartoon character using explicit language and sexual references (or lack thereof). Instead, this series explores mature themes with depth and complexity. Characters grapple with real-life dilemmas such as moving on from an ex in shared social circles, acknowledging that romantic bliss has been sacrificed for stability, and confronting the realization that partners hold seemingly conflicting life objectives. These challenges are not limited to brief resolutions within a single episode but span across entire story arcs.
As I observed “Kite Man: Hell Yeah!”, I found myself noting right away that this series is built around comedic, quirky characters. These individuals are often shown as bumbling idiots with straightforward desires, confronting and resolving issues in a hapless manner. The humor is amplified through the inclusion of crude jokes and grisly decapitations. It’s essential to clarify that creating a show centered around such characters isn’t inherently flawed! However, viewers seeking the depth and emotional resonance that made “Harley Quinn” successful might need to recalibrate their anticipations.
The problem with “Kite Man: Hell Yeah!” is sadly the absence of the emotional depth that fuels Kite Man’s humor in King’s comics. This depth, which made Kite Man an ideal target for Harley Quinn’s jokes and earned him a cartoon series, is referenced in the title itself.
Tom King should be alright. He’s currently collaborating with Warner Bros. on bringing his DC comics to life on the big screen. Let’s hope Ivan Reis and Clay Mann fare well, too. However, the troubling aspect of “Kite Man: Hell Yeah!” is its portrayal of the significant gap between comic book creation and Hollywood recognition. Regrettably, this theme has lost its freshness and become a tired joke.
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2024-07-19 16:49