In a playful homage to a classic Superman tableau, Harley Quinn takes center stage in a variant cover that offers a humorous twist on a beloved comic book moment. DC Comics unveils a sneak peek of what’s to come in its May batch of solicitations, featuring a variant cover for Harley Quinn’s ongoing title by Daniel Hillyard.
The variant cover pays homage to Adventure Comics #247, a classic comic that introduced Superman’s allies, the Legion of Super-Heroes. In the original cover, Superboy is seen standing before a tribunal of his peers, including Lightning Boy, Saturn Girl, and Cosmic Boy, who appear to disapprove of his membership. However, the issue reveals that Superboy’s trials were rigged, and he eventually earns membership in the Legion.
Harley’s Hilarious Take
In contrast to Superboy’s trials, Hillyard’s variant cover depicts Harley Quinn being unanimously approved by multiple versions of herself, ranging from Dr. Harleen Quinzel to the New 52 version of Harley Quinn. Unlike Superboy’s challenges based on heroism, it’s unclear what criteria Harley is being judged on, but her fashion, humor, and chaotic adventures are likely contenders.
Harley’s Jury
Harley’s jury of herself is humorously rigged in her favor, as no one would approve of Harley as much as she approves of herself. Despite the parody nature of the cover, Harley passes with flying colors, showcasing her love for the spotlight and her unapologetic self-confidence.
A Comical Parody
Hillyard’s variant cover adds to the tradition of lampooning classic DC Comics covers, capturing Harley’s irreverent spirit and penchant for parody. While Harley may not possess Superman’s powers, she certainly demonstrates her ability to steal the spotlight and show the Man of Steel a thing or two in this delightful send-up.
FAQ
What is the inspiration behind the variant cover for Harley Quinn #40?
The variant cover pays homage to Adventure Comics #247, a classic comic that featured Superman’s trials with the Legion of Super-Heroes. However, in this humorous twist, Harley Quinn replaces Superman as the central character, being unanimously approved by multiple versions of herself.
Who are the creative minds behind Harley Quinn #40?
The writers of Harley Quinn #40 are Tini Howard and Grace Ellis, while the artists are Natacha Bustos and Hannah Templer. The cover artist for the main cover is Sweeney Boo, with variant covers by Leirix, Daniel Hillyard, and Caspar Wijngaard.
What message does the variant cover convey about Harley Quinn’s character?
The variant cover humorously underscores Harley Quinn’s irreverent spirit, self-confidence, and penchant for parody. Despite the parody nature of the cover, Harley emerges as the star, showcasing her ability to steal the spotlight in her own unique way.
Will this variant cover be part of a larger storyline in Harley Quinn’s ongoing title?
While the variant cover itself may not directly tie into a larger storyline, it reflects the ongoing theme of Harley Quinn’s series, which often features lighthearted and humorous adventures in the DC Universe.