Batman is getting a new sidekick, and an unlikely one at that. According to some newly revealed information on the first several issues of James Tynion IV’s upcoming run on DC’s main Batman comic, as reported by Comicbook.com, the Caped Crusader will be teaming up with none other than Harley Quinn, presumably to help save Gotham City. This is, to say the least, unexpected. But for now, we have more questions than answers.
The information comes from some recent solicitations that were sent out by DC Comics for March 2020. Tynion is set to take over Batman from longtime writer Tom King with issue #86. The March solicits included a synopsis for issue #91, which reveals the surprising new sidekick situation.
Here’s the Synopsis for Batman #91.
“To save Gotham City, Catwoman will have to commit the greatest heist in the city’s history! But hot on her trail are the Penguin, the Riddler, a horde of assassins, and the master criminal called the Designer! And the most dangerous person standing in her way is the man she’s trying to save: Batman. And what complications will his arise from his new sidekick, Harley Quinn??”
Harley Quinn is most closely associated with the Joker in the DC universe. Given that Joker is Batman’s greatest foe, Harley has gone on to become a notable villain for the Gotham City hero as well over the years. While she’s not always as nefarious as the Clown Prince of Crime, it’s another thing entirely when we start talking about the prospect of her becoming Batman’s new sidekick. She’s no Robin.
What remains quite unclear, at least for now, is how this will unfold. As the synopsis explains, this will be tied to the Designer, a new villain set to be introduced during Tynion’s run. Will Harley Quinn’s partnership with Batman be a one-off situation? Or is she set to become a much larger part of Bruce Wayne’s life as a costumed crime fighter? Many questions, precious few answers.
“I loved writing stories for [Batman] Eternal, Detective Comics, and even Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, but my desire to tell a Batman story, one focusing solely on Bruce Wayne instead of an ensemble, is what drove me back to the Batcave,” Tynion said when it was announced that he would be taking over Batman for DC comics. “I want to dig deep into the Bat himself and tell an epic story that pushes him to his absolute limits. I want to tell a Batman story like the kinds I grew up loving, one that embraces the horror and gothic elegance of Gotham and dives deep into Batman’s greatest villains.”
Batman #91 hits shelves in March 2020.
So what do you think? Are you excited at the prospect of Harley Quinn becoming Batman’s new sidekick? Do you think this partnership will extend into the future? Join in on the conversation over on Facebook or Twitter!
