Warning! Spoilers for Harley Quinn #74 below
Harley Quinn’s romantic relationships have been a defining part of the character’s history throughout the DC Universe. Originally introduced to be the Joker’s girlfriend in Batman: The Animated Series, Harley would go on to enter the main DC Universe and, eventually, leave her abusive relationship with the Clown Prince of Crime. Harley’s romantic life would then shift to include Poison Ivy, with Ivy and Harley receiving their own comic series. However, in Harley Quinn #74, Harley showed that she also had feelings for another DC character - Booster Gold.
While the latest issue of Harley Quinn may be remembered for her kiss with Booster Gold, the comic itself shows just how far Harley has come as a character. Originally, seen as a villain (or even as a minor henchman for the Joker), Harley has now changed to become more of a heroic character with her own series. In this issue, Harley even saves the world from the malevolent plans of Granny Goodness. Harley discovers that Granny has created an infant firepit in North Hollywood that could eventually lead to the spread of Apokolips on Earth.
While Harley is, obviously, physically outmatched by Granny Goodness, she is able to defeat the villain using the skills she acquired while working as a mental health professional. Harley is able to understand the loss that Granny Goodness has suffered throughout her life, with the villain being particularly affected by the loss of her loyal pet, Mercy. Harley is able to distract Granny for long enough to reach for an Apokoliptan weapon and destroy the firepit. Granny Goodness escaped through a boom tube and Harley was almost killed as the building collapsed, only surviving after local paramedics arrived and took her to a nearby hospital. Afterward, Harley goes to find her own happiness.
While this issue was primarily focussed around Harley saving the world, it also explored her personal life. For the past several issues, Harley has been growing closer to Booster Gold, with the hero acting as emotional support for Harley, allowing her to vent to him about any issues she may be experiencing. This dynamic led Harley to admit she had developed a crush on Booster and, in issue 74, this crush comes to a head as the two shared a romantic moment together. After her clash with Granny, Harley finds Booster in their favorite bar singing karaoke and then surprises Booster by singing a duet with him, before the two eventually share a kiss.
While Poison Ivy may be the partner that most fans prefer Harley to be with, it seems like Booster Gold is going to be Harley’s main love interest for now (even if their relationship is nothing more than a flash in the pan), even more so considering that Poison Ivy appeared to break things off with Harley. Not only will this comic help show a different side to Harley Quinn, but it will also show a more tender and personal side to Booster Gold that fans of the character will welcome with open arms.