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The origin of Absolute Harley Quinn is coming this July

Absolute Batman's unlikely ally Harley Quinn is getting ready for her tell-all.

The variant cover of Absolute Batman #14 by Derrick Chew
Image credit: DC Comics

Now that the Absolute Robins have been introduced to us all in Absolute Batman, it's time that we get the full story on the origins of Absolute Harley Quinn. This July, with Absolute Batman #22, we'll be getting our look at where Absolute Harley Quinn comes from. 

The cover of Absolute Batman #22
Image credit: DC Comics

And as a bonus, guest art from Something Is Killing The Children co-creator Werther Dell'Edera.

"As the Robins nest in Gotham’s backyard, and Batman faces ultimate defeat, Harley Quinn’s origin is revealed," reads DC's description of the issue. "How does Harley connect with Ark M, and how did the Robins fledge from hatchlings to birds of prey? The call of more than one predator will be answered in this issue."

This punk rock version of Harley (okay, her mainline counterpart is also punk rock, but she doesn't have a shaved head, does she?) has proven herself to be a key ally to Absolute Batman in recent issues. Together with Alfred Pennyworth, Absolute Harley has provided critical remote support for Absolute Batman as he does, well, Batman stuff in Gotham City. And given that Absolute Batman #19 revealed that Slade Wilson has been training a group of familiar faces - Dick Grayson, Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Stephanie Brown, and Duke Thomas - as part of a state-sanctioned mech squad bringing 'law and order' to Gotham, Batman is going to need all the help he can get in the road ahead. 

Now, let's unpack this great cover by Nick Dragotta. To borrow from the Wellington police officer from What We Do In The Shadows, this guy, Absolute Batman, is not having a good time. He's gonna feel terrible tomorrow morning. His suit's all torn up. But at least he's not alone. 

In addition to the main cover by Absolute Batman co-creator Nick Dragotta, there will be variants from Dan Quintana, Brett Bean, Derrick Chew, Dell'Edera, and a whole lot more.

Let's hope that Absolute Harley has several spare magazines hidden somewhere in her hoodie, because it looks like she'll need all the firepower she can get against those massive Robin mechs and power suits. We'll see how it all goes down when Absolute Batman #22 hits comic book shop on July 8, 2026. Bonne chance, Bats and Harley! 

Absolute Batman #22 goes on sale on July 8.


Here's an update to date guide on the Absolute Batman release schedule.

Jules Chin Greene

Jules Chin Greene: Jules Chin Greene is a journalist and Jack Kirby enthusiast. He has written about comics, video games, movies, and television for sites such as Nerdist, AIPT, and Multiverse of Color.

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