Following the break-up of Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy in a recent story from DC Comics, fans were quick to harass comic writer, Stephanie Phillips. The break-up occurred in Harley Quinn #10 from Phillips, Laura Braga, Arif Prianto, and Deron Bennett. On Twitter, Phillips called out the inappropriate behavior of some members of the comic community.
Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy have been a couple for a while now, in both comics and in the show, Harley Quinn: The Animated Series. Their relationship had previously been edged around, particularly when it was revealed by Chad Hardin that their first potential canon kiss was changed for Harley Quinn #25 back in 2017. However, they had recently become a power couple up until additional tension was added with the rise of Simon Saint – resulting in Ivy splitting into two versions of herself. Their relationship was also already becoming rocky considering Harley Quinn’s current path to heroism.
On Twitter, Stephanie Phillips posted a thread addressing some unwarranted “criticism” of her recent work. In Harley Quinn #10, Harley and Ivy separated, as the two were going on different paths. Harley gave Ivy a memento to remember her by and stepped aside to give her lover room to grow independently. According to Phillips, some comic fans unleashed a “barrage” of messages, harassing her, calling for her job, and trying to remove her place within the LGBTQ+ community. Phillips is a member of the LGBTQ+ community and has continuously incorporated well-written LGBTQ elements and characters into the stories she’s involved in, making these attacks and accusations of homophobia exceedingly unwarranted and downright vile.
Other comic creators were quick to rally around Phillips in support. Gail Simone and Tom Taylor. Simone’s work with Ken Lashley, Drew Geraci, Jason Wright and Carlos M. Mangual on Secret Six is one of many with LGBTQ themes. Taylor has also done exceptional work with John Timms, Gabe Eltaeb, and Dave Sharpe on Superman: Son of Kal-El. There is no question that DC has been making strides in representation and inclusion, particularly as of late. Calling out a writer who has been a supporter of her own community is especially disheartening considering how well Harley and Ivy’s relationship has been presented.
Harley and Ivy have been on different paths for a while. Their ability to stay together was going to be called into question eventually. With Harley committing to being a hero and Poison Ivy showing her villainous tendencies, there was going to be complications. Batman and Catwoman’s relationship has been similarly strained in the past, so hero/villain relationships are being treated on equal footing. Ivy and Harley cannot stand together if they’re pulling each other down opposite paths. Following the end of her abusive relationship with the Joker, Harley took time to grow and has shown significant strides in her growth. Staying with Ivy right now would hinder them both – a fact Harley is well aware of. The break-up itself not presented negatively. It feels more like a promise that they could have a better future together if they take some time apart. This break-up is a natural step in their growth as individuals and as a couple.
While it may be disheartening to see one of DC’s power couples separating, particularly such an iconic one in the LGBTQ community, fans should realize they’re on a longer journey that WILL have bumps in the road. Disagreeing with the choices of fictional characters is certainly not worth attacking someone over – particularly someone who has spoken about struggling with identity in public and private spaces. Phillips – and the comic community – need more allies than abusers. Stephanie Phillips is a much-needed voice in the comic community, especially since she is willing to give LGBTQ characters REAL relationships with REAL struggles that all couples go through – including Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy.
