Batman's New Harley Quinn is a Major Departure, But We Back It

DC Comics’ Absolute Universe has unveiled its unique iteration of Harley Quinn, and she’s quite unlike any of her predecessors.

If you’re not up to speed, the Absolute Universe is being overseen by writer Scott Snyder and debuted in October of last year with Absolute Batman.

The ongoing Absolute Wonder Woman, Absolute Superman, Absolute Flash and Absolute Green Lantern all followed with the limited-run Absolute Martian Manhunter and Absolute Green Arrow still on the way.

Absolute Martian Manhunter will land in March of 2026 whilst Absolute Green Arrow remains without a launch window.

As reported by ComicBookMovie, Harley Quinn is soon set to debut in Absolute Batman, Issue #13 to be exact.

Within this tale, Harley is the leader of the Red Hood Gang and doesn’t don her usual colourful look.

Here, the character sports black and white harlequin print make-up across her face and neck, with her blonde tresses nowhere to be seen with this character opting for a buzzcut.

Living up to the gang’s namesake, Harley can be seen wearing an oversized red hoodie, with a white shirt, black waistcoat and blue tie peaking out from underneath.

It’s definitely a far cry from previous Harley looks; personally, I’m not against it though.

She looks as badass as ever, and this look definitely fits with the Absolute Universe’s overall aesthetic.

It’s worth remembering too, as pointed out by ComicBookMovie, that the Absolute Universe works as an alternative timeline, so the Harley you know and love hasn’t exactly gone anywhere.

This is simply an alternative take on things - and a very cool one at that.

As I said, Harley debuts in Issue #13 which is written by the aforementioned Snyder with art and a cover by Nick Dragotta.

The issue is set to launch on 8 October, with Absolute Catwoman also debuting within its pages.

“ABSOLUTE CATWOMAN DEBUTS! Batman's final showdown with the monstrous Bane! Will he be able to overcome this unstoppable behemoth, or will he be trapped in Ark-M forever?!” reads the description.

The story then continues in Issue #14 which launches on 12 November followed by Issue #15 on 10 December.

You can pick the issue up at all major comic book retailers - and I’m interested to see what the fans think of this one.

Harley Quinn means so much to so many people.

The real question is: how long is it going to be until this look is officially cosplayed for the first time? I’d hazard a guess of it being sooner rather than later.