The modern fandom of DC Comics may still be catching up on the idea that Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy are more than just friends, but the longtime lovers have officially tied the knot in DC's Injustice: Year Zero series. And now that readers are finally able to witness the wedding for themselves, the ceremony doesn't disappoint.
For as progressive and unrestrained as Harley Quinn has proven in modern comics--ditching the Joker's abuse and finding a life and family of her own--the acceptance of her romantic relationship with Poison Ivy has been resisted by both editorial and readership. At least in terms of 'official canon,' Harley and Ivy's friendship has been viewed with uncharacteristic naivete, reducing the winks, nudges, or even outright confirmation of their years-long sexual relationship to edgy humor. But in the Injustice universe, writer Tom Taylor has cut through 'canon' to confirm: Harley and Ivy's love led them straight down the aisle to marital bliss.
The marriage between Harley Quinn and Ivy had previously been alluded to (along with Harley's daughter) in prior Injustice storylines. When the marital festivities surrounding Killer Croc and Orca's wedding in Injustice 2 #70 hit Ivy, she was forced to admit that marriage "wasn't in my plans... but there was this Elvis impersonator when Harley and I went to Vegas." While the meaning was clear, the latest Injustice: Year Zero #8 leaves no room for misunderstanding. Returning to Harley and Ivy's love story as it reached its height, Ivy casts any reservations to the wind, gets some payback on Joker for Harley, and arranges a surprise wedding inside their Las Vegas suite. Needless to say, Harley says 'yes.'
While Batman and Catwoman's wedding made headlines thanks to writer Tom King, there are sure to be just as many fans praising Tom Taylor (no relation) for delivering the most anticipated and long-awaited marriage in DC Comics history, with artists Cian Tormey and Rain Beredo delivering the instantly unforgettable scene. Complete with Harley's daughter, a leaf-shaped ring, and that aforementioned Elvis impersonator (keeping with continuity does have its uses).
Of course, no blessed occasion or cause for celebration is without a catch when it's superheroes doing the celebrating. Ivy and Harley have made their love and commitment known to themselves and any others who might hear of it, and Joker has been beaten into acknowledgement of the same. But given that Year Zero is a prequel to the original Injustice series, a happy ending is not ultimately in the cards (for anyone, really). Harley may eventually be driven back into helping Joker commit his world-shattering scheme, and Ivy may stray just as far. But at least for this one day, fans of their romance can appreciate what they were given, and imagine the life they might have led in another world.
Injustice: Year Zero #8 is available now digitally from comiXology.