First Post Rebirth Appearance Of Joker In Harley Quinn #9

12/07/2016 11:16 am EST

Harley Quinn has truly come into her own in recent years, especially on the comic side of things. That is partly due to her severing of ties with The Joker, but fans have wondered if he would ever resurface again, and it appears we finally have our answer.

Spoilers from here on out for Harley Quinn #9, so you've been warned.

It's a rough day at the office for Harley in this issue, as at seemingly every turn she's either getting her head bashed in or having to stop an armed robbery at her local pizza place. Not a moments peace for Harley, but it seems things are only going to get more complicated from here on out.

After her whirlwind of a day, Harley comes home to find The Joker holding her lovable pooch, greeted by "Hello kiddo. Miss me?"

Back in issue #25 of her previous series, Harley had to break into Arkham Asylum to free her boyfriend Mason. Joker was also an inmate at the time and of course attempted to manipulate his way to Harley, causing problems with their escape because it amused him. After asking her to open the cell because they were meant to be together, Harley goes into his cell simply to talk, but that soon gives way to more of Joker's mind games.

Harley has enough of him to last a lifetime and proceeds to beat him to a pulp. She says " I'm not yer toy anymore understand? You did mean somethin to me at one time, but that time is over." Upon leaving him in a bloody mess she comes to a realization, saying "I finally get why Batman never just killed you all these years. It would give you exactly whatcha want."

Now he's back, and it's not just significant to Harley, but to readers as well, as this is the first time he's surfaced since DC's Rebirth #1. It was revealed in that issue that there are three versions of the Joker in this modern day universe, the first being Jerry Robinson's Joker, the second being Brian Bolland's Killing Joke Joker, and the Joker from the New 52. You can view the spoiler image in the gallery, but fans should be looking forward to Harley Quinn #11 to find out more about who exactly this Joker is.

Harley Quinn #9 is written by Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti with art by Brandon Peterson and Michael Kaluta.

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