WARNING: Contains potential spoilers for Batman: Gotham by Gaslight – The Kryptonian Age #6!
As two of DC’s most infamous villains, Harley Quinn and the Clown appeared in numerous Other worlds tales, each time receiving a variety of wild and iconic reworkings. However, the Gotham by Gaslight universe may have delivered its boldest reinvention yet, while also laying the groundwork for one of the most unique iterations of Suicide Squad to date.
The Joker’s transformation into a horse introduces a surprisingly new approach to the duo’s dynamic.
Andy Diggle, Leandro Fernández, Matt Hollingsworth and Simon Bowland Batman: Gotham by Gaslight sequence-Gaslight Gotham – The Kryptonian Age– gave a plethora of DC’s most iconic characters a 19th century-inspired twist.
While the spotlight has mostly been on the heroes – like Wonder Woman, Superman, Green Lantern, Cyborg, Martian Manhunter, and John Constantine – fans were also treated to introductions from 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 really stand out, thanks to their wildly creative redesigns.
Harley Quinn becomes the leader of a traveling circus full of criminals (and the Joker is her show horse)
Gotham by Gaslight – The Kryptonian Age #6 debuts one of Harley and Joker’s best Elseworlds revamps yet
Gaslight Gotham – The Kryptonian Age #6 surprised fans with the debut of Harley Quinn and the Joker in Gotham by Gaslight universe, featuring completely unconventional versions of these iconic characters. The Joker, instead of being the infamous clown prince of crime, is reimagined as a majestic show horse. Although the horse is not explicitly named “Clown,” its unmistakable design – featuring a white coat, vibrant green mane and tail, and bold red markings reminiscent of the Joker’s signature makeup – leaves no doubt as to its inspiration.
Harley Quinn’s redesign, while less drastic than Joker’s, still stands out as a perfect fit for the Gotham by Gaslight 19th century aesthetics of the universe. She is pictured in a vibrant red dress, paired with high heel boots, gloves and matching black fishnet stockings. Accessories like a black choker and red top hat complete the look. To add to her talent, Harley wears makeup on her face similar to a mime, although her larger-than-life personality in this Other worlds the story is anything but silent or reserved.
Gotham by Gaslight Gives Task Force X its most unique twist yet
Harley Quinn, Killer Croc, Joker, El Diablo, Deadshot, Slipknot and Copperhead form DC’s new Suicide Squad
Despite her mime makeup, Harley Quinn assumes perhaps the most talkative and dominant role within the traveling circus: the leader. This is evident because she captivates the audience, presenting each act with a dramatic touch. Furthermore, the other villains in the circus obey his authority, solidifying his role as leader. Among the villains featured in “Harley Quinn’s Wildest Wild West Extravaganzas” are Killer Croc, El Diablo, Pistoleiro, Slipknot and Copperhead. With such a background, it’s hard not to see this as Gotham by Gaslight’s version of Suicide Squad.
The Suicide Squad has seen countless team lineups over the years, but This may mark the first time that Task Force X has been reinvented within a Other worlds plotmaking it especially noteworthy. While this group isn’t explicitly called the Suicide Squad and there’s no sign of Amanda Waller, all of the villains featured in Harley’s Circus have been part of some iteration of Task Force X at some point. The lack of an official Suicide Squad label in The Kryptonian Era #6 doesn’t rule out the possibility of them adopting the title as the story continues in 2025 Batman: Gotham by Gaslight – A League for Justice.
THE Gotham by Gaslight Universe gives Harley Quinn and Joker a refreshing dynamic change
The best part about Horse-Joker is that he can’t talk
The possible introduction of a Other worlds Suicide Squad is undeniably exciting, but Harley Quinn and Joker undeniably steal the spotlight in this reveal. The Joker’s transformation into a horse Gotham by Gaslight the series may seem like a humorous take on Andy Diggle and Leandro Fernández, but it also presents a surprisingly fresh take on the duo’s dynamic. In mainstream continuity, although 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 a leader and Joker as her workhorse, the creative team 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 fun that Diggle and Fernández chose takes away from the Clown Prince of Crime one of his most defining characteristics: his constant chatter and maniacal laughter. By making Joker a horse, they not only redefined his dynamic with Harley, but also completely reinvented his character in an unprecedented way. To say the least, Gotham by Gaslight’s Batman may very well be the luckiest Dark Knight in the multiverse when it comes to his Joker counterpart.
The best Harley Quinn and Joker Other worlds Redesigns in the DCU
Dark Knights of Steel, Gotham City Garage, DC Bombshellsand White Knight Everyone Gives Major Makeovers to Harley Quinn and Joker
THE Gotham by Gaslight The series gave Harley Quinn and Joker one of their most unique – and, in Joker’s case, wildest – designs to date. However, this isn’t the first time the pair have undergone dramatic transformations that deviate significantly from their main continuity appearances. In White knightfor example, Joker and Harley are reinvented as extraordinarily ordinary people. About that, DC Pumps transports them to the 1940s, offering vintage-inspired designs and Gotham City Garage puts the duo in a post-apocalyptic biker-themed world. Finally, in Black Knights of Steelboth Harley Quinn and Clown embrace the medieval high fantasy aesthetic, presenting yet another imaginative take on their iconic personas.
Batman: Gaslight Gotham – The Kryptonian Age #6 is now available from DC Comics!