Harvey Bullock (DC)
Harvey Bullock is a male comic character who features in DC Comics.
Contents |
Biography
Pre-Crisis
Harvey Bullock
Stein brought Vigilante to Gotham to partner with Bullock on the Katia case. Vigilante located Katia at the Regency, and Batman, who was also tracking her, ambushed him. Vigilante said he was working for the feds, but Batman ignored him, saying he was a dangerous madman and a killer, and he intended to bring him into custody. Vigilante was overwhelmed by his fighting style, but Bullock broke them up, and vouched for him. Batman agreed to settle up with the Vigilante later, after Katia was caught. They stopped the shipment of smuggled art treasures, and Vigilante found a tape of government tapes she was also smuggling. A firefight erupted between Katia's men and the feds, and Carlos' men gunned down Katia for involving them in high treason. They took aim at Vigilante, and Batman pushed him off a pier. Bullock cleaned up the mess, and Stein was disconcerted that there was no trace of Vigilante. (Vigilante v1 #47) Commissioner Gordon told Harvey he would better be served staying on as a fed, happy to get rid of him. Stein Stein went with the cover story that Adrian drowned in Gotham, and set him up with the identity of Dean Baker. Bullock helped him get set up in his new Manhattan apartment, bragging about his new position and saying he felt like James Bond. Harvey learned that Black Thorn was lying to Vigilante about her past, but because he needed to keep Vigilante a functional operative he decided not to tell him. (Vigilante v1 #49) Vigilante snapped and committed suicide. Harvey Bullock attended his funeral, and shed a tear for a man whose drive he had admired. (Vigilante v1 #50)
Post-Crisis
Following the Crisis on Infinite Earths, a new version of reality was created with a different history of events.
Joker chose fellow inmate Arthur Rankle, a serial killer who raped and killed eighteen women before Batman took him down, as his apprentice. After teaching him everything he knew he orchestrated his escape. He told Joker he’d need two men to help him carry out his big kill, and Joker sent him Dr. Thomas DeGeorge, a doctor who was locked up after it was discovered he was causing seizures in his patients so he could save them and seem a hero, and Calvin Marshall, a brute full of rage who killed a nun in broad daylight for rejecting his advances. He had DeGeorge knock on a woman’s door, in tears that his dog was lost, and when she let him in Calvin came close behind and brutally slaughtered her. Rankel filmed the incident, and mailed it to the police under the alias DeMille. The authorities, believing Calvin to be DeMille, saw how sloppy his methodology was, and were convinced he would easily be caught after making a mistake. Weeks later Rankel and his crew had killed 23 more women and Commissioner Gordon was frustrated that he didn’t have a single lead. He met with Batman and said he suspected they weren’t dealing with a simple madman, they were dealing with a lunatic with a purpose, and Gordon suspected he was after Batman. Rankle, Calvin and Thomas killed a celebrity in Gotham, and Harvey Bullock was assigned to investigate. He ended up butting heads with the FBI, who’d also been put on the case. Batman contacted Oracle, and after hours of research she came up blank, but planted the idea that Batman was looking for more than one unsub. Batman confirmed the hypothesis when he realized the fingerprints left behind at the crime scenes were identical except for their size, and knew the unsubs were using false fingerprints. Batman confronted Professor Milo, who connected Rankel with his associates, and he spilled his guts, but Joker had foreseen this and told Rankel to get ready to ambush Batman. Batman defeated Calvin and Thomas, and when confronted Rankel begged Batman not to hurt him and gave up. (Batman: Joker’s Apprentice v1 #1)
Post-Flashpoint
Following the Flashpoint, a new version of reality was created with a different history of events.
During this time, all electronic devices received a call from Oracle who had come online and was re-assuring the citizens that they would end the Joker's rampage but only if they worked together. Commissioner Bullock was ready to lend the Bat Family his support when a message from the Mayor's office came asking him to stand down. Harvey then decided to quit his position and requested volunteers from the G.C.P.D. to perform their duty in serving and protecting by aiding the Bat Family. Ultimately, the Joker was defeated but the landscape of Gotham was said to had changed drastically as a result of his war on the city. (Batman v3 #100)
Overview
Personality and attributes
Bullock was frequently depicted as an officer whose allegiance could shift, sometimes working for Gotham’s corrupt political system, other times showing flashes of conscience. His rough style, disdain for procedure, and willingness to use intimidation painted him as the archetype of Gotham’s street-level law enforcement. However, beneath his gruff exterior, Bullock carried a sense of loyalty to his city, even if his methods and loyalties were often questionable. (Batman v1 #361)
Bullock’s relationship with Commissioner James Gordon defined much of his career. Initially placed by corrupt officials to undermine Gordon, Bullock gradually grew to respect him, and over time, their relationship shifted into a genuine partnership. Gordon’s integrity influenced Bullock, pulling him away from corruption and giving him a stronger moral compass. (Batman v1 #378)
Over the years, Bullock became a mainstay of the GCPD, often partnered with Renee Montoya. His dynamic with Montoya highlighted his old-school, hardboiled approach to police work contrasted against her more idealistic methods. Their partnership, though often contentious, underscored Bullock’s value as a seasoned detective whose street smarts and instincts balanced his flaws. (Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight v1 #16)
Despite his abrasive personality, Bullock frequently demonstrated surprising loyalty to Batman, even as he distrusted and mocked Gotham’s vigilantes. His view of Batman shifted from open hostility to reluctant respect, with Bullock recognizing that Gotham’s problems often required methods beyond the law. (Batman: Shadow of the Bat v1 #3)
Powers and abilities
Notes
- Harvey Bullock was created by Archie Goodwin and Howard Chaykin where he made his first appearance in Detective Comics v1 #441 (June, 1974).
Alternate Versions
In other media
Television
- In Gotham, Harvey Bullock featured as a cast member in the live-action television series where he was portrayed by actor Donal Logue.
Films
- In Batman: The Killing Joke, Harvey Bullock appeared in the animated film where he was voiced by actor Robin Atkin Downes.
Video games
Radio
Appearances
- Detective Comics v1: (1974)
- Batman v3:
External Links
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