DC Confirms: Harley Quinn Is A Certified HERO In Birds Of Prey

Warning! Spoilers for Birds of Prey #1 below.

Harley Quinn has had a very unique journey as a character. After originally debuting as Joker’s abused girlfriend/sidekick, she evolved into an antihero who grew into her own person after being separated from the Clown Prince of Crime. Now, DC Comics has confirmed that Harley is a certified hero.

Harley first debuted in Batman: The Animated Series and was later introduced in the comics as a psychologist at Arkham Asylum who falls in love with the Joker before joining him. In her early appearances, there was no question she was a bad guy. She assisted Joker and killed in his name. However, over time, Harley soon became an antihero and most recently, she even was considered friends of the Justice League. In a new Harley-starring comic, it’s clear Harleen Quinzel has made the full-time transition into being a hero, even if she doesn’t fully realize it.

In the new Birds of Prey one-shot from Brian Azzarello and Emanuela Lupacchino, Harley has found a new lease on life of sorts. Recently released from the Suicide Squad for good behavior, her story opens with her lamenting how she might look good in Robin’s yellow and red colors. After beating up a group of Joker’s men at a bar, she finds a severed head and confronts the gang who did it. This puts her right in the path of the Huntress, who Harley ties up to get some answers. Harley tells Huntress “she’s a good guy now,” and that she was released from Task Force X since the “good” she has done with the team outweighs the bad she’s previously done. In a flashback, Amanda Waller tells her sentence has fully commuted. Harley leaves Belle Reve while ditching her “Daddy’s Lil Monster” shirt in an emancipating moment. While she’s recounting the story in her head, the Birds of Prey are peppered with bullets. Joker shows up and shoots a rocket launcher at Harley, Huntress, and Renee Montoya. But, Harley manages to lead the team into the sewer, saving them from getting blown to bits.

Later in the issue, Black Canary can’t believe the team is working alongside Harley, but Huntress – who isn’t easy to win over – defends her saying she saved her life. The book showcases Harley’s redemption arc and while she retains her zanier, unpredictable personality, she’s clearly on the good guy’s side. More importantly, the world around her is slowly recognizing that as well. The issue confirms Harley Quinn has transitioned to a full-fledged DC hero, even if she’s a hero through her own cartoonish methods.

About The Author

Liam McGuire
(2558 Articles Published)

See also  Made For Love: Cast & Character Guide

Lead writer for Screen Rant’s comic team. [email protected]. Find me on Twitter @LiamRMcGuire for comic news and reporting.

More From Liam McGuire