Warning: Spoilers for Harley Quinn #41!

Summary

  • Harley Quinn and Tim Drake's Robin form a strong partnership in Harley Quinn #41.
  • Their unique bond and chemistry solidify Harley's place as a hero in the DC Universe.
  • Harley's inclusion in the Bat-Family and her relationship with Tim show her acceptance as a hero.

There's a new dynamic duo in town, as Harley Quinn and Tim Drake's Robin make for a surprisingly perfect pairing. Despite her consistent dedication to living crime-free (well, almost crime-free), some heroes still struggle to trust Harley Quinn and, as a result, she often has trouble playing well with others — but that isn't the case with Tim.

Thankfully for Harley, Tim Drake's Robin makes for a happy exception in Harley Quinn #41 by Tini Howard and Sweeney Boo. The reason for their pairing is as unconventional as the pairing itself looks on paper. However, as far as team-ups go, the two exceed expectations, easily bantering, sharing details about their personal lives, and working well together on an intellectual level.

Harley Quinn glides on Tim Drake's Robin back

Not only are Harley and Tim entertaining to read and make for solid chemistry on the page, but this partnership is enough to solidify Harley Quinn as a hero in a DC Universe that constantly doubts her.

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2

Harley Quinn and Tim Drake's Robin Make for the Perfect Team

A New Dynamic Duo Hits the DCU

When she's forced to be an informant for the police to set up a case against Batman, Harley Quinn crosses paths with Robin, intending for him to spill some secrets. However, he's smart enough to realize that Harley Quinn is acting aggressively out of character, even for someone as unpredictable as Harley. Confident she's found a friend she can trust, Harley urges Tim to keep the facade that they're fighting, as she's smart enough to realize they're probably being watched. So, they spar for show while planning their next move in a way that doesn't blow Harley's cover.

Harley Quinn winning over the whole Bat-Family should be enough of a co-sign for the DC Universe to accept her fully as a hero.

This issue shows how both heroes are smart in a way that compliments each other. Tim Drake is more intuitive, while Harley Quinn has street smarts and self-awareness in her arsenal, among other bits of intelligence from her academic background. The two share a wholly unique bond, especially when it comes to both characters being bisexual. It's touching to see Tim have someone he can talk about his personal life with in ways that his brothers may not relate to. The dynamic they share is a prime indicator that they genuinely care about both each other and the Bat-Family.

Harley Quinn Earns a Place in the Bat-Family

And in the Wider DC Universe's Hero Community

Tim Drake Robin talks about his boyfriend to Harley Quinn

With an official member of the Bat-Family wasn't enough of a co-sign, the Bat-Family themselves have warmed up kindly to Quinn, with the third Robin being the latest example. Harley Quinn winning over the whole Bat-Family should be enough of a co-sign for the DC Universe to accept her fully as a hero.

Harley Quinn #41 is available now from DC Comics.

HARLEY QUINN #41 (2024)

Harley Quinn 41 Main Cover: Harley Quinn leaping in front of the Bat-Symbol, knocking over Robin Tim Drake.
  • Writer: Tini Howard, Gretchen Felker-Martin
  • Artist: Sweeney Boo, Dani
  • Colorist: Trish Mulvihill
  • Letterer: Steve Wands, Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
  • Cover Artist: Sweeney Boo
Created By
Paul Dini, Bruce Timm
First Appearance
Batman: The Animated Series
Alias
Dr. Harleen s Quinzel
Alliance
Suicide Squad, Gotham City Sirens, Quinntets, Gang of Harleys, Secret Six, Justice League of Anarchy, Batman family
Franchise
D.C.