Harley Quinn Defeats DC Comics' Superhero Trinity in Heroes in Crisis #2

SPOILER WARNING: The following article contains major spoilers for Heroes in Crisis #2 by Tom King, Clay Mann and Travis Moore, on sale now.

Heroes in Crisis #1 highlighted the aftermath of a slaughter at the superhero haven Sanctuary, where several heroes were found murdered. One of the prime suspects is Harley Quinn, and, in Tom King and Clay Mann's Heroes in Crisis #2, Harley is forced to find another kind of sanctuary. Hiding from the heroes pursuing her, she sports a new but familiar look, as well as some surprising battle skills once she's discovered.

Welcome Back, Harley

Harley fled the crime scene after battling Booster Gold last issue. This issue, she takes her plight to the Penguin, who sets her up in a secret safehouse. Between her visit with the Penguin and her next appearance pages later in the old warehouse, though, Harley makes a notable wardrobe change. When next seen, she's back in her original black and red jester-like costume.

Harley hasn't been seen in her classic costume since her look was revamped as part of DC's New 52 redo in 2011. The modern costume distanced her from her association with the Clown Prince of Crime, the Joker, and entrenched her more in the mainstream DC Universe. Her change also symbolized her transition from an outright supervillain to more of an antihero, by way of her role in the Suicide Squad.

The reason for the rollback isn't specifically stated. Harley is seen later, though, voicing regret over past decisions she's made, both recent and long ago. She also shows resentment over allowing herself to be hurt by others. The costume switch could possibly reflect a return to her early roots, predating even her relationship with the Joker, and the emotional pain that followed. Since she's also the prime suspect in the Sanctuary murders, it could also foreshadow a return to her role as a supervillain.

Harley vs. The Big Three

It doesn't take long for Batman to find and confront her, along with Superman and Wonder Woman. The trio first take a soft approach, attempting to reason with her rather than simply take her down. Harley, however, recognizing that being the target of the Big Three probably won't end well for her, initiates some clever moves, allowing her to escape.

She feigns emotional distress over the murders, collapsing in Wonder Woman's arms, allowing her to snag her Lasso of Truth. Harley immediately uses it on Batman, not only to neutralize him, but compel him to share the means for her to defeat Superman. Batman forcibly reveals that he's carrying a sample of Kryptonite, which Harley unleashes on the Man of Steel. The ploy allows her not only to flee the scene, but also accomplish something that few non-metahumans have been able to: Defeat DC's Trinity of superheroes.

A surprised and embarrassed Superman professes that Harley demonstrated fighting prowess on par with that of Batman himself. The equally shell-shocked Batman denies it, of course. But Harley's impressive skills indicate a possible return to villainy, and defeating the core of the Justice League would be a striking start to a relaunched supervillain career.

What's Next for Harley?

Heroes in Crisis so far has pointed towards Harley as being the possible murderer, but she's not the only suspect. Whether she's guilty or not, though, her checkered past likely will never allow her to be placed above suspicion -- for this or any crime associated with her. Despite gravitating away from being a tried-and-true villain, her reputation might prevent her from ever being considered one of the good guys. If Harley is ever looking for any kind of acceptance, it's more likely she would find it as a supervillain. The Penguin, after all, apparently was willing to help.

The return of her supervillain costume isn't really a surprise, anyway -- Mann and Tomeu Morey's cover, showing her clad in her old costume, was revealed prior to the start of the series. This issue's cover also evokes a familiar, longtime scenario: Batman and Harley on opposing sides of a conflict -- hero versus villain. Perhaps Harley's return to the role of Bat-villain, and maybe also a foil to the rest of the DC Universe, is only a matter of time.

Harley's guilt, or innocence, will remain a likely plot point in Heroes in Crisis #3, on sale Nov. 28.