Deadpool Has a Harley Quinn, But With a Darker Ending
There is a certain Marvel character who is the equivalent of DC's Harley Quinn, but the story does not end well. The character in question is Dr. Ella Whitby. She becomes obsessed with the Merc with a Mouth. Dr. Whitby worked as a psychologist at Crossmore Prison in England. She was drawn to Wade Wilson because of his criminal mind and wanted to study his psychology.
Deadpool (2008) #40-44 – written by by Daniel Way, with art by Carlo Barberi – In this story arc, Deadpool was brought into the prison at the request of Dr. Whitby. Dr. Whitby had been wanting to study Deadpool, and her interest in him quickly morphed into a romantic Obsession.
Dr. Whitby's Obsession Grows
It is soon realized that Dr. Whitby's intentions were far from pure. Dr. Whitby orchestrated a prison riot so that Deadpool could escape, but her real intention was to follow him and confess her love for him. Dr. Whitby also revealed a suit that she had made for herself, modeled after Deadpool's suit.
At first, Deadpool felt like Dr. Whitby could reach him and help him. She called herself “Hostage McHostageworth” to get Deadpool's attention, so that the two of them could talk. Afterward, she allowed Deadpool to wander the ward freely, even though he had tried to kill inmates just a week prior. Her conversations with him had a positive effect on him because he stopped seeing the narrative comic rectangles that he often talked with.
Dr. Whitby's Obsession Escalates
When Deadpool tried to escape, Dr. Whitby followed him and revealed her love for him. Deadpool was not excited at the prospect of a partner-in-crime. He knocked her out and escaped, catching a ride with Queen Elizabeth II. While speaking with Her Royal Highness, Wade realized that Dr. Whitby was going to go around killing in his name. He knew it was his responsibility to stop her.
Dr. Whitby's Obsession with Deadpool was undeniable. In her apartment, Deadpool found out just how deep her obsession with him runs: her fridge was full of his previously discarded body parts, enough to make an entire second Deadpool. On his way to stop her from killing the prison warden, he fantasized how he’d commit the murder himself, ultimately settling on an explosive teabag, an oven full of gas, and a hot water kettle on the stove. True to her word, this was also the plan Dr. Whitby had for killing her victim, though afterwards, Deadpool points out the difference between them: he can survive the explosion.
Dr. Whitby's Tragic End
Surprisingly, Dr. Whitby also survived the explosion. Burned and tattered, wielding a gun, she looked more like Deadpool than ever. However, the gun wasn't for Deadpool or her intended target – she used it to kill herself, in front of Deadpool. In a comic full of cartoon violence, it's a sobering moment, and in the next issue, Wade is still dealing with his feelings about it. There’s guilt, but also jealousy that she can end her life so easily – something he’ll never do. Even though Harley Quinn and the Joker have had a dark history, they have nothing on Dr. Ella Whitby and Deadpool.
Dr. Whitby's story is a dark and tragic one, and it is a reminder that obsession can have devastating consequences. The story also shows that even the most beloved of characters, such as Deadpool, can have their own dark side.
