12 major Marvel and DC comic book moments fans should know about (March)
By Mark Lynch
10. Official Bat-Family member
Comic book: Harley Quinn No. 1
Harley Quinn has been trying to be a better person for years. Recently, she’s become an important part of the Bat-Family. During Joker War, Harley nursed Batman back to health when Punchline and Joker had him beaten. Later, she helped Batman make the decision to finally let Joker reap what he sowed.
In issue No. 1 of Harley Quinn (written by Stephanie Phillips), we see that Batman fully put his faith in her. It was a small gesture (he bought her a toaster with the Bat-Family symbol), but it’ll make a huge difference for Harley going forward.
Why is this important?
Harley is on a journey to make amends for everyone she hurt while she was with the Joker. She said that Joker War showed her that she enabled him for a long time. Since that war hurt Gotham, she wants to give back. So she made a list of all the people she, as she put it, “ticked off” in Gotham. Among them are the Penguin, Deathstroke, and Poison Ivy. When Batman went to look at Ivy’s file, Harley said she wasn’t ready for that yet.
Harley’s quest is a noble one. It’s unfortunate that she may never get it. Deathstroke and Penguin are stubborn and petty. They won’t forgive her. But, honestly, who cares. They’re not good people. Ivy is the one that will mean the most. When you’ve wronged someone who loves you, they may forgive, but things are never the same. There’s another part as well. Can Harley forgive herself? That will be the biggest hurdle.