This article contains spoilers for Batman #88.
Harley Quinn and Catwoman are teaming up - to help Batman. Created as a secondary character in Batman: The Animated Series, Harley Quinn has gradually become DC Comics’ “fourth pillar,” after Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman. Harley is a fascinating and complex character, a rollercoaster ride of comedy mixed with tragedy and even an abusive relationship.
The character got a welcome boost in 2016’s Suicide Squad. Although that film was hardly universally praised - Warner Bros.’ reshoots in particular left it with a narrative that barely makes sense - but Margot Robbie wowed audiences as the sexy, sassy cinematic version of Harley Quinn. She’s about to return to the big screen in Birds of Prey, and naturally DC Comics want to make the most of this opportunity. Nobody will be particularly surprised to see Harley turn up in Gotham, ready for a cameo in Batman #88-89.
Writer James Tynion IV and Guillem March are currently telling a twisted tale in which Batman races to stop a team of assassins. Meanwhile, in the background, Catwoman - who now essentially considers herself Batman’s wife in all but the formalities - is investigating an older mystery. In Batman #88, she digs up a grave to unveil a Joker corpse - only to wind up attacked by agents of an enigmatic new villain called the Designer. Fortunately for Selina, she receives unexpected help when Harley Quinn turns up.
It’s a sign of just how much the world has changed; Harley Quinn and Catwoman are both classic villains who now fight on the side of the angels. What’s more, they know Gotham’s underworld better than even Batman - as proven by the fact Catwoman has just unearthed a Joker corpse. That means, while Batman is busy with the assassins the Designer has unleashed on Gotham, these two femmes fatale are the only ones who can unravel this dark riddle.
The prospect of a Catwoman/Harley Quinn team-up may be an exciting one, but unfortunately it’s tempered by Guillem March’s artwork. Comic books have a history of objectifying female characters, and Catwoman and Harley Quinn have been poorly served in the past; Guillem’s art is a perfect example, as he casts a lustful eye over every one of Catwoman’s curves. The timing is particularly unfortunate, given Birds of Prey is in part supposed to be a celebration that superheroines have grown up and aren’t being treated that way anymore. It looks as though March didn’t get the memo, and as a result the Harley/Catwoman team-up doesn’t quite feel right.
Batman #88 is on sale now in comic book stores.
More: Harley Quinn FINALLY Kills Joker in Batman: White Knight
