Spoilers for DC's Saved by the Belle Reve #1
DC's Saved by the Belle Reve #1 has just unveiled Harley Quinn's darkest fear- a magical combination of Poison Ivy and the Joker- exposing the tragic truth about their relationship. With this coming only a few months after Harley and Ivy's latest breakup, the future of this iconic couple looks bleak.
It's no understatement to say that Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy are among DC's most important romances. Though the two have been forced to repeat a cycle of getting together and breaking up, fans love the beloved couple for a reason. Harley's story of overcoming the Joker's abuse to find someone as empathetic as Ivy is as heartwarming as Ivy overcoming her innate misanthropy to connect with Harley. Despite this though, a new comic suggests Harley still has some issues to work through before she can truly commit herself to a relationship.
Related: Harley Quinn And Poison Ivy's Love Has One Huge Flaw
Tim Seeley and Scott Kollins' High School Lows is one of eight school-related stories in DC's Saved by the Belle Reve #1. In this story, the Suicide Squad is sent on an undercover mission at an elite boarding school. However, this mission takes a turn for the worst when the team finds themselves up against the occult. With chaos magic making the Suicide Squad's deepest fears a reality, Harley Quinn is forced to face off against a terrifying combination of Poison Ivy and the Joker. Given Harley Quinn's past relationship with the Joker, it makes sense that she would be terrified of Poison Ivy turning out like the last person she 'loved.' Unfortunately for Harley, her fear of a twisted Poison Ivy is becoming a reality as Ivy's current solo challenges her anti-hero status while she orchestrates the end of humanity. Poison Ivy's quest to destroy humankind confirms that Harley Quinn's terrifying vision is not unfounded, and Ivy is on the path to becoming an irredeemable villain.
Saved by the Belle Reve's depiction of a Poison Ivy and Joker combination confirms that Harley Quinn is terrified of her girlfriend turning into her first 'love.' As the Joker's partner, Harley Quinn experienced frequent mistreatment and manipulation, acting as just another pawn in the villain's games with Batman. Poison Ivy's quest to destroy the human race establishes her as a villain, unlike Harley, who has evolved into an anti-hero. Due to this change in morals, the two have began to grow distant as Ivy struggles to accept the new person Harley has become. This divide is further complicated by Poison Ivy's reliance on Harley Quinn saving her despite leaving the jester behind. Ivy's desire for her girlfriend to rescue her is not unlike the Joker's pattern of pushing Harley away only to draw her back in when he needed her. Although Ivy's intentions are nowhere near as malicious as the Joker's, they are enough to make Harley question if her partner is doomed to turn into her first 'love.'
DC's Saved by the Belle Reve #1's Poison Ivy and Joker combination does an excellent job of exposing Harley's deepest fear. With Poison Ivy determined to wipe out humanity, it only makes sense that Harley Quinn is terrified of her girlfriend turning into her first 'love.'
DC's Saved by the Belle Reve #1 is available now from DC Comics!