Harley Quinn’s Revealing Redesigns Have 1 Major Problem, According to Her

Warning: contains spoilers for Harley Quinn #39!

Since her debut over 30 years ago, Harley Quinn has had a number of different outfits, some of them quite revealing–and now she has revealed the problems that came with these costumes. While tracking down Mister Freeze in Harley Quinn #39, Harley makes a pointed observation about her past outfits, and this realization also shows how far she has come as a character.

Harley Quinn #39 is written by Tini Howard and drawn by Natacha Bustos. Mister Freeze rejects Harley’s offer to help him, and advises her to be careful. She returns home for a quick bite to eat before heading back out on patrol. Harley wonders if, during the course of the night, she will run afoul of Mister Freeze again. This time, he will not be as friendly.

Harley then concludes that at least she is dressed warm enough for the potential encounter, as some of her past outfits would not have been ideal.

Harley Quinn Has Come a Long Way in 32 Years

Harley Quinn’s Outfits Reflect Her Character’s Journey

Harley Quinn’s arc is one of the most inspiring in comics. Beginning as a supporting character in Batman: The Animated Series, Harley would go on to become a comic book icon in her own right. Out of the myriad of comic book characters who have debuted over the last 35 years, few have achieved the mainstream recognition of Harley Quinn. Harley’s colorful outfits have been a part of her identity from day one, and they serve a greater purpose narratively, as they chart her progression from sidekick to main eventer.

Harley’s first outfit, seen in her time on Batman: The Animated Series, was the same one she wore when she made the leap to comics. It was a jester outfit, similar to the one she wears in Harley Quinn #39. At the time, she was still the Joker’s girlfriend, and the jester motif meshed well with that. Even after Harley began breaking free of the Joker, she continued to wear it. However, at the dawn of the New 52, Harley debuted a new and more revealing outfit as a member of the Suicide Squad. Harley had become objectified.

Harley Quinn’s Classic Jester Outfit Is Now A Triumphant Symbol–And It Keeps Her Warm

Harley Quinn’s Classic Duds Show How She Has Evolved

Harley Quinn’s outfits have continued to evolve, ultimately arriving back in her classic jester costume. Not only is it a much warmer outfit than some of the previous ones she wore prior, it is more practical as well. More importantly, Harley returning in her classic duds brings her arc full circle. Harley Quinn has taken the outfit of her oppressor, the Joker, and made it her own. It also eliminates the objectification that was in danger of becoming a hallmark of the character. Harley Quinn’s previous outfits not only made no allowance for comfort, but hurt her character as well.

Harley Quinn #39 is on sale now from DC Comics!