Quote Originally Posted by qwazer07 View Post
Thank you. This was enlightening. I still don't think Harley is a healthy role model but I understand her situation a little better. And also why she has a passionate dedicated fanbase willing to defend her.
My pleasure. I regretfully have a lot of experience with the topic.

But no, Harls isn't a role model. Oh my gods no, she's a psychotic killer. But I don't think her popularity stems from being a role model, at least not the in the same way you could say of Superman or Captain America. Harley isn't a role model in that she's a quality person, but she does represent freedom for a lot of people who have none.

I think it's more about over coming adversity than anything. I've met a few people (not a lot, but a few) who adore Roy Harper. They don't really care for Spider-Man or Flash, but Roy and his struggle with addiction is something they can relate to. Roy reflects their own lives in a way other characters don't and that's the appeal for them.