For most people, Joker and Harley Quinn are synonymous with each other. Ever since the latter debuted a quarter century ago on Batman: The Animated Series, the “Mad Love” they’ve shared has become the stuff of legend and has since carried over into live action cinema thanks to Suicide Squad.
But those who haven’t been keeping up with the comics may not be aware of the fact that they parted ways very early on in the New 52, with last year’s violent encounter in Arkham Asylum that saw Harley emerging as the victor serving as icing on the cake.
What makes the current “Joker Loves Harley” arc especially intriguing is seeing an apologetic, sympathetic Joker as opposed to the abusive, manipulative psychopath that previously saw her as nothing more than cannon fodder. Unless this is an imposter with some serious acting skills, it’s likely that he has something up his sleeve. After all, when isn’t that guy plotting something?
Defending Harley’s honor is Red Tool, who wants the Clown Prince of Crime to have nothing to do with her new life. It’s hard to decide whether a bloody battle or the words exchanged between the two will be the real draw, though.
Harley Quinn #12 arrives in comic shops this Wednesday, January 18. For a little more information on what to expect (it seems DC doesn’t want to spoil much), check out the official synopsis below:
“JOKER LOVES HARLEY” part two! Don’t ship Joker and Harley too hard! In this issue, the “reformed” Joker deceives Harley, and when that happens, she goes for his throat!