In her latest variant cover, Harley Quinn has stolen one of Batman’s most iconic moments. Since issue #18, Harley’s solo series has paid homage to famous DC cover art, including Brian Bolland’s Killing Joke and Jim Lee’s Batman #609 covers. More recently, DC has teased an upcoming Harley Quinn #22 variant featuring a reimagining of Frank Miller’s classic Dark Knight Returns cover with Harley’s silhouette alongside Batman’s.
Initially introduced as the Joker’s girlfriend in Batman: The Animated Series, Harley Quinn has come a long way from her origin and is now one of DC’s most recognizable characters. No longer living in the Joker’s shadow, Harley currently operates as an anti-hero working alongside Batman and the Bat-Family. However, DC’s recent solicits promise that her new life is nearing its end, as Harley Quinn is officially being killed off this September. Along with this announcement came the latest in a series of Harley Quinn homage variant covers, depicting Harley stealing Batman’s iconic Dark Knight Returns #1 cover.
Featuring a silhouetted Batman jumping in front of a lightning bolt, Frank Miller’s Dark Knight Returns #1 cover is one of the most famous pieces of comic book art. The cover is so iconic that the original artwork sold for $2.4 million at auction, breaking the record for the most expensive American comic art ever sold. As revealed by League of Comic Geeks, Ryan Sook’s variant cover for Harley Quinn #22 steals this beloved classic cover and inserts the anti-hero’s silhouette jumping alongside Batman, making Harley Quinn finally look like the hero she is.
In this reimagining, Harley creates a new space for herself besides Batman, stealing the Dark Knight’s thunder even when intruding on one of his most memorable moments. Placing Harley alongside Batman instead of having her replace the Joker, Robin, or Batgirl sets this variant apart from others in the series. Harley appears to be on Batman’s level, highlighting her skyrocketing popularity and growth into a hero. This variant manages to pay respect to an iconic artwork that changed comic history while still allowing Harley to hijack one of Batman’s most famous moments.
The Harley Quinn takeover of Batman’s greatest cover moment in her homage variant series provides an incredible tribute to an iconic piece of comic book history. As Harley’s solo progresses, it will be exciting to see what famous cover art DC reimagines next. Harley Quinn #22 and its homage variant will be available beginning September 27.
