Harley Quinn artist Chad Hardin has shared the original, unedited version of Harley and Poison Ivy's first in-continuity kiss -- revealing that the moment underwent a small but very significant change prior to its publication.
While Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy had already been romantically involved in out-of-continuity DC Comics projects, even sharing a kiss in DC Bombshells, the pair didn't have their first in-continuity kiss until 2017's Harley Quinn #25. More specifically, in the issue's "Surprise, Surprise, Part One" story by Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti, Hardin, Alex Sinclair and Corey Breen, Ivy takes Harley in her arms and kisses her on the cheek.
As part of its Pride Month celebration, DC recently shared the panel containing the kiss on Twitter as part of a discussion regarding queer-coded characters. Hardin responded to the tweet, writing, "I have the unedited art if you want to post that too." Shortly thereafter, Hardin posted the art in question, writing, "It is always easier to ask forgiveness than get permission."
Hardin's uncolored art reveals that, originally, Ivy was supposed to kiss Harley on the lips. This was presumably changed at the behest of editorial. Strangely enough, however, while the type of kiss was changed, the risqué placement of Ivy's left hand was left completely intact.
The romantic pairing of Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy remains a popular one among DC fans, and has been prominently featured in DC Universe/HBO Max's Harley Quinn animated series. Their romance was teased throughout Season 1 before finally being made official in Season 2. What's more, the show's Harley/Ivy romance will be the subject of an upcoming comic book limited series and, of course, will continue into the upcoming third season.
Source: Twitter