Bidding for this lot will end on Friday, March 27th. The auction will begin at 2:00 PM (PDT) / 5:00 PM (EDT) / 9:00 PM (GMT) and lots are sold sequentially via live auctioneer; tune in to the live streaming broadcast on auction day to follow the pace. Note other lots in the auction may close on Wednesday, March 25th or Thursday, March 26th.
A magnificent original production cel and drawing setup from Batman: The Animated Series featuring the Joker from "Harlequinade" (Warner Bros., 1994), complete with a special ink line process reproduction cel demonstrating the complete animation workflow.
This extraordinary three-part educational setup shows the Joker in his most theatrical pose, complete with his signature purple suit and maniacal grin. The progression from original drawing to ink line to finished cel provides rare insight into the meticulous craftsmanship behind Bruce Timm's character designs. Production markings and multiple Warner Bros. seals confirm the studio's direct involvement in creating this demonstration of their animation process.
"Harlequinade" was a pivotal episode that reunited Batman and the real Harley Quinn in an uneasy alliance to stop the Joker from detonating a nuclear bomb in Gotham. Written by Paul Dini, the episode explored Harley's complex psychology while showcasing Mark Hamill's legendary voice performance as the Joker. The story balanced genuine terror with dark comedy, representing the series at its most sophisticated.
This type of process demonstration was created exclusively by Warner Bros. to illustrate their animation heritage during the golden age of hand-drawn production. Unlike standard production materials, these educational setups were specially prepared to show the complete journey from animator's pencil to broadcast-ready animation. Such pieces were never intended for public release, making their appearance at auction exceptionally rare.
The Joker remains Bruce Timm's most iconic character design, with his angular features and Art Deco styling influencing every subsequent animated interpretation. Mark Hamill's voice work cemented this version as the definitive Joker for multiple generations, making production art from these episodes particularly significant among collectors.
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a complete animation education from television's most influential superhero series, featuring its most legendary villain at his most memorable.
Estimate: $1,000 - 2,000