Harley Quinn’s Medieval Costume Turns Her Darkest Outfit Heroic
Harley Quinn’s classic costume may symbolize her toxic past, but its return in Dark Knights of Steel signifies an important and heroic role.
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Warning: contains Dark Knights of Steel #1!
In DC’s new Dark Knights of Steel, Harley Quinn’s classic outfit makes a return with a medieval twist, turned into something more than just a symbol of her villainous past. Having abandoned her harlequin costume years ago as a metaphor for her independence from the Joker, Harley has dabbled in all sorts of fashion from roller derby apparel to Fourth World chic. But this costume’s return isn’t a regression; it’s a chance to live up to her namesake and speak truth to power.
Dark Knights of Steel #1 depicts a new DC Comics reality in which classic heroes are reimagined in a sword and sorcery setting not a million miles from Game of Thrones. In this world, the heroes fans know are gallant knights, mystical sages, or warrior princes. Strangely enough, Harley makes perhaps the smoothest transition to this new interpretation by playing the most obvious role suited to her nature.
This fantasy tale from Tom Taylor and Yasmine Putri has Superman’s parents making the journey from a dying Krypton, only to land in a Middle Ages-era land. Their quickly developed powers allow them to create a new kingdom within decades, with Jor-El and Lara as King and Queen, and Clark as their prince. Bruce Wayne protects the kingdom and Clark as the bastard Bat-Prince, assisted by his legion of Robins. After a nearly disastrous attempt at defeating a local banshee (this world’s Black Canary), Harley, in a familiar outfit, waits to greet the returning heroes. She wastes no time in doing the job of a harlequin and makes light of the misadventure. She gleefully taunts Bruce, mocking his serious attitude paired with his unconventional attire. But mirth and merriment are not her only ways of communicating, and she dutifully informs Clark that he is summoned by his parents.
Harley isn’t often seen in her jester outfit these days. As an independent antihero, Harley has come into her own having moved on from the Joker, and getting rid of her henchwoman costume was a large part of that. But bringing the black and red garb back for this story helps establish Harley’s role in it. Jesters were lively deliverers of news, both good and bad. They used their comedic talents to serve the kingdom for the better and critique those otherwise above reproach. The return of Harley’s old-school harlequin costume – albeit with some slight tweaks, and the noticeable absence of her domino mask – isn’t a step back, it’s a great piece of historical awareness that allows her to serve in a more noble capacity.
The fantasy landscape of Dark Knights of Steel makes it clear this is a much more brutal version of the DCU. Heroes who are traditionally Clark’s allies aim to kill him, and a war is clearly on the horizon. The heroes of this world need an earnest voice unafraid to tell them what they may not want to hear. No one is more suited to the job, nor has the outfit needed to play such an important role, as Harley Quinn.
Link Source : https://screenrant.com/harley-quinn-original-costume-harlequin-dark-knights-steel/