Warning: Spoilers ahead for Batman: White Knight Presents Harley Quinn #6!
DC's iconic femme fatale, Harley Quinn, first made a name for herself as Joker's equally eccentric love interest and sidekick. Their tumultuous relationship had some of the most dramatic highs and lows of any couple in DC history. Joker's abusive behavior overwhelmed his passion for Harley landed her in some dangerous situations. Manipulated by her partner-in-crime, Harley stayed in a harmful relationship for far too long. Recent storylines follow a newly single Harley as she heals from the trauma inflicted on her by Joker. This includes her character in the alternative universe featured in Batman: White Knight Presents Harley Quinn.
This tragic storyline illustrates an alternative version of both characters in which c. His original persona as Jack Napier was entirely different from the villain readers are exposed to later on. If anything, Harley played the role of the eccentric wild child, while Jack provided more stability. Not long passed before Jack spiraled into his alter ego later known as Joker. This switch changed the dynamic between the two lovers entirely. In Batman: White Knight Presents Harley Quinn #6, they no longer resemble any semblance of their former selves.
Harley Quinn & Joker's New Origin Is Less Twisted, But Still Tragic
As much as this seems to follow the original story of Harley and Joker (intense passion that later became abusive behavior), the twist in their relationship is more explained more thoroughly. In this issue, Harley finds herself yelling at her former lover, claiming that he once swore he loved her more than he loved his life of crime. The two fell madly in love at the start of the comic and even had children together. However, that admiration mutual respect would not stick around. By now, Harley has come to the realization that this was most likely a lie. She believed him based on the fact that she trusted Jack, but the comic has proven that the one she knew as Jack is gone, leaving Joker in his place.
The couple is often known for their passionate obsession with each other when it comes to their mainstream reputation. While that element does drive their relationship, it ignores the blatant abuse and manipulation inflicted on Harley by Joker. His behavior is often swept under the rug in favor of a more exciting perspective, whether it be twisted scenes in the comics or their unhealthy portrayal in Suicide Squad. Harley's love for Joker didn't even make sense to the actress portraying Harley, Margot Robbie. From the outside, it makes no sense for Harley to stay attached to Joker, considering how horrible he has treated her. However, her attachment finally makes a bit more sense in this alternative portrayal.
It is Joker that has treated Harley as disposable, not Jack. Her relationship with Jack Napier was a healthy one, roping Harley into a false sense of security before he spun out into the villainous persona he is now. It makes sense that Harley would still be in love with him, as he looks and sounds the same as the man she fell in love with. Harley Quinn wanted to believe that Jack Napier still existed within Joker, and therefore was not able to leave him so easily. She allowed Joker to take advantage of her because she still saw him as the man she fell in love with, rather than the villain he became. Joker may not love Harley, but Jack does, and it would stand to reason that Harley would not be quick to let go of the love they once had.
Next: Joker's Brutal Attack on Harley Quinn Shows He Knows She's Free of Him