WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for Batman: Gotham by Gaslight - The Kryptonian Age #6!
As two of DC’s most infamous villains,Harley Quinnand theJokerhave appeared in numerousElseworldstales, each time receiving a variety of wild and iconic redesigns. However, theGotham by Gaslightuniverse may have delivered their most daring reinvention yet, while also laying the groundwork for one of the most unique iterations of the Suicide Squad to date.
Joker’s transformation into a horse introduces a surprisingly fresh take on the duo’s dynamic.
Andy Diggle, Leandro Fernández, Matt Hollingsworth, and Simon Bowland’sBatman: Gotham by Gaslightsequel—Gotham by Gaslight - The Kryptonian Age—has given a plethora of DC’s most iconic characters a 19th-century-inspired twist.
While the spotlight has primarily been on the heroes—such as Wonder Woman, Superman, Green Lantern, Cyborg, Martian Manhunter, and John Constantine—fans have also been treated to the introductions of some of the DCU’s most legendary villains. Among the most notable are Lex Luthor, Talia al Ghul, Catwoman, Joker, and Harley Quinn. However,it’s the Joker and Harley Quinn who truly stand out, thanks to their wildly inventive redesigns.
Harley Quinn Becomes the Ringleader of a Criminal-Filled Traveling Circus (& Joker Is Her Show Horse)
Gotham by Gaslight – The Kryptonian Age#6 Debuts One of Harley and Joker’s Best Elseworlds Redesigns Yet
Gotham by Gaslight - The Kryptonian Age#6stunned fans with the debut of Harley Quinn and the Joker in theGotham by Gaslightuniverse, presenting wildly unconventional takes on these iconic characters.The Joker, instead of being the infamous clown prince of crime, is reimagined as a majestic show horse.Though the horse isn’t explicitly called"Joker,“its unmistakable design—featuring a bleach-white coat, a vibrant green mane and tail, and bold red markings reminiscent of the Joker’s signature makeup—leaves no doubt about its inspiration.
Harley Quinn’s redesign, while less drastic than the Joker’s, still stands out as a perfect fit for theGotham by Gaslightuniverse’s 19th-century aesthetic.She’s depicted in a vibrant red saloon dress, paired with matching high-heeled boots, gloves, and black fishnet stockings.Accessories like a black choker necklace and a tiny red top hat complete the look. Adding to the flair, Harley wears mime-like face makeup, though her larger-than-life personality in thisElseworldstale is anything but silent or reserved.
Poison Ivy & Harley Quinn’s New Costumes Are the Perfect DIY Couples Cosplay
DC fans have been waiting far too long for fresh art uniting Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy, leaving Harlivy fans parched for content. The wait is over.
Gotham by GaslightGives Task Force X Its Most Unique Twist Yet
Despite her mime-like makeup, Harley Quinn takes on perhaps the most talkative and commanding role within the traveling circus: the ringleader. This is evident as she captivates the audience, introducing each act with dramatic flair. Additionally, the other villains in the circus defer to her authority, solidifying her role as their leader.Among the villains featured in“Harley Quinn’s Wildest of the Wild West Extravaganzas”are Killer Croc, El Diablo, Deadshot, Slipknot, and Copperhead.With such a lineup, it’s hard not to view this asGotham by Gaslight’sversion ofthe Suicide Squad.
The Suicide Squad has seen countless team rosters over the years, butthis may mark the first time Task Force X has been reimagined within anElseworldsstoryline, making it especially noteworthy. While this group isn’t explicitly called the Suicide Squad and there’s no sign of Amanda Waller, every villain featured in Harley’s circus has been part of some iteration of Task Force X at some point. The lack of the official Suicide Squad label inThe Kryptonian Age#6 doesn’t rule out the possibility that they will adopt the title as the story continues in 2025’sBatman: Gotham by Gaslight – A League for Justice.
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TheGotham by GaslightUniverse Gives Harley Quinn & Joker a Refreshing Dynamic Change
The Best Part About Horse-Joker Is That He Can’t Talk
The potential introduction of anElseworldsSuicide Squad is undeniably thrilling, but Harley Quinn and Joker undeniably steal the spotlight in this reveal. Joker’s transformation into a horse in theGotham by Gaslightseries may seem like a humorous choice by Andy Diggle and Leandro Fernández, but it also introduces a surprisingly fresh take on the duo’s dynamic. In mainstream continuity, while Harley and Joker have long been separated, their past interactions—defined by Joker’s domineering personality—remain vivid in fans' minds.By reimagining Harley as the ringleader and Joker as her showhorse, the creative team has completely flipped the script on their usual relationship.
Harley is now the one in control, calling the shots, while Joker—silent and obedient—stands in stark contrast to his typical portrayal. It’s especially amusing that Diggle and Fernández chose tostrip the Clown Prince of Crime of one of his most defining traits: his constant chatter and maniacal laughter.By making Joker a horse, they’ve not only redefined his dynamic with Harley but also completely reinvented his character in an unprecedented way. To say the least,Gotham by Gaslight’sBatmanmay very well be the luckiest Dark Knight in the multiverse when it comes to his Joker counterpart.
The Best Harley Quinn & JokerElseworldsRedesigns in the DCU
Dark Knights of Steel, Gotham City Garage, DC Bombshells, andWhite KnightAll Give Harley Quinn & Joker Major Redesigns
TheGotham by Gaslightseries has given Harley Quinn and Joker one of their most unique—and, in Joker’s case, wildest—redesigns to date. However, this isn’t the first time the duo has undergone dramatic makeovers that deviate significantly from their main continuity appearances. In White Knight, for example, Joker and Harley are reimagined as extraordinarily average, everyday people. Meanwhile,DC Bombshellstransports them to the 1940s, offering vintage-inspired designs, andGotham City Garageplaces the pair in a gritty, biker-themed, post-apocalyptic world. Finally, inDark Knights of Steel, bothHarley QuinnandJokerembrace high-fantasy, medieval aesthetics, showcasing yet another imaginative take on their iconic personas.
Batman: Gotham by Gaslight - The Kryptonian Age #6is available now from DC Comics!
