Come 2020, Harley Quinn is heading back to her hometown of Gotham City! The supervillain-turned-superhero has been avoiding those dark and dank city streets ever since her break-up with the infamous Joker way back in 2016. While the two have had still shared a few scenes since then, they've been mostly violent affairs--much like their actual relationship. Now Harley and her super-sisters are returning to the town that made her famous in a brand new comic book series.
It really is a great time to be a Harley Quinn fan. Margot Robbie is bringing the character to life once again in February's Birds of Prey, she's got her own Harley Quinn animated series premiering on November 29th and a mature one-shot comic from the brilliant Brian Azzarello. Whether you watch TV, movies or read comics there's plenty of Harley to be found. But DC's latest announcement might be the most important of all as Harley returns to the town that made her famous. The latest comic series is entitled Harley Quinn and the Birds of Prey and will be written by 2 of Harley's greatest writers Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti. Conner will also be on art duties. The writing team have been telling Harley stories for years, starting with a 30-issue Harley Quinn series in the New 52. Together, the two have made Harley Quinn into one of the funniest, quirkiest and kick-ass characters in comics.
Our first look at the new title comes from DC's official solicitations, with a description and comic cover that builds excitement for the upcoming debut. Take a look:
Harley Quinn has avoided Gotham City ever since she broke up with The Joker and found a home, and a kind of family, in Coney Island. But when she gets an offer she can’t refuse, she has no choice but to slip back into the city as quietly as she can, hoping to be gone before anyone—especially her ex—learns she’s been there. But for Harley, “as quietly as she can” is plenty loud…and before she can say “Holee bounty hunters, Batman,” The Joker’s sicced every super-villain in the city on her pretty ombré head—and the only team tough enough (or crazy enough) to come to her defense is the Birds of Prey!
The foul-mouthed, no-holds-barred sequel to one of DC’s raciest runs is here! Get on board early, before we come to our senses!
Sounds like the Joker is going to try and get some revenge for their not-so-amicable break-up. Thankfully, Harley's been spending the last few years gathering a formidable group of fighting girlfriends. Whatever fight Joker is looking for Harley and her Birds will be more than happy to give it to him. There's also an exciting tidbit to take from that description. This latest series is going to actually be a sequel to Conner and Palmiotti's raunchy original run. Their Harley Quinn series was as rowdy as it was hilarious, a far cry from her new and mature Black Label origin.
It's always great to see Amanda Conner put her pencils to work on Harley. Now that the Birds of Prey are along for the ride this could be one of the most entertaining and action-packed comics DC has coming. Unfortunately for the Birds, most of the action in the comic is going to involve some of Gotham's greatest villains trying to murder them. Not exactly unfamiliar territory for one of DC's greatest superhero teams, but let's take a look at possible clues on that cover. The Wanted Posters behind the Birds of Prey on the cover could be a clue as to which villains Joker sics on Harley. Clayface, Joker, Riddler, Poison Ivy and the Penguin are all featured in the background.
Will the Birds of Prey have to face every single one of those ridiculously dangerous DC villains? Maybe not, as Poison Ivy has been one of Harley's closest allies for years. In fact, they're even currently starring in their own team-up comic. If Ivy's going to make an appearance hopefully it's as a friend and not foe. But as Harley knows all too well the Joker can be very convincing.
Let's hope Harley Quinn and the Birds of Prey make it out of Gotham City alive when the series hits shelves on February 12th.