Interview with comics writer and inker Karl Kesel: 'Harley Quinn is the first big break-out character'

I usually start with an idea of some sort. That might be a scene or image that sticks in my head and intrigues me, or a sketch I did of a new character or gizmo or setting. It could be a news story I read, or a new piece of history that I learn about. Something catches my attention and my mind starts to roll it around, look at it from all sides, poke it, stretch it in different directions. Sooner or later, if it’s a good idea and if its time is right something clicks. (I had one idea that I tried to make work for a couple decades— until something happened in the news… and instantly all the pieces fit!) At that point I start seeing the idea as part of something much larger and even more interesting. That’s when I know I have a real story.