Harvey Bullock (comics)

Harvey Bullock
Cover of Gotham Central #22 (October 2004); Art by Michael Lark.
Publication information
Publisher	DC Comics
First appearance	Detective Comics #441 (June 1974)
Created by	Archie Goodwin (writer); Howard Chaykin (artist)
In-story information
Full name	Harvey Bullock
Team affiliations	GCPD Checkmate
Supporting character of	Batman

Harvey Bullock is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly in association with Batman.

Harvey Bullock first appeared in Detective Comics #441 and was created by Archie Goodwin and Howard Chaykin.

Prior to the 1985-1986 DC maxi-series Crisis on Infinite Earths, Bullock is a crooked police detective under instructions from Gotham City's Mayor Hamilton Hill to sabotage Commissioner Gordon's career when he is formally re-introduced in Batman #361, cover dated July 1983, in the story entitled "The Most Successful Species", written by Doug Moench and penciled by Don Newton. His method of doing so is to pretend to be exceedingly clumsy, thereby spoiling whatever Gordon is trying to do, seemingly accidentally. After inadvertently giving Gordon a heart attack, however, Bullock turns over a new leaf. His character later develops into a well-meaning cop who (probably) is exceedingly clumsy, similar to the later animated version. He also forms a close bond with Robin, based initially on their mutual love of old movies. Subsequent to this, he is a Bishop in the spy organization Checkmate.

Following the continuity changes brought about in most of DC's comics by Crisis, Bullock is perhaps the most controversial police officer in the Gotham City Police Department. His colleagues in the Major Crimes Unit will swear up and down that he is a good cop, despite his reputation for taking bribes, using excessive force, and having ties to organized crime. He is not without endearing qualities, however, including a fondness for doughnuts and a hidden sentimental streak. He also has a brief relationship with a widow he meets at work.