This article contains spoilers for Multiversity: Harley Screws Up the DCU #5.
Multiversity: Harley Screws Up the DCU has been a giant rollercoaster ride for the fan-favorite antihero, Harley Quinn.
From preventing Aquaman’s birth to destroying Captain Carrot’s crew, Harley has done unfathomable damage to the DC Multiverse. However, her recent interaction in one timeline’s Gotham City could prevent Bruce Wayne from ever becoming Batman.
Most comic book fans are aware of Batman’s famous origin story. One night, when Bruce was a child, he was walking home with his parents from the theater. When the trio went through Crime Alley they are ambushed by a robber, Joe Chill. He killed Bruce’s parents right in front of him. And, ever since that fateful night, Bruce trained every day to prepare for his mission to fight for the innocent and defenseless people of Gotham, and become Batman in the process.
However, Multiversity: Harley Screws Up the DCU #5 (by Frank Tieri, Logan Faerber and Ferran Delgado) not only changes this event but it also completely eliminates the Dark Knight’s origin story. In this issue, Harley is the one who walks down Crime Alley and encounters Chill instead of the Wayne family.
Harley Quinn Eliminates Batman's Famous Origin
Joe who is unaware of Harley’s infamous violent streak and unpredictable nature approaches her. While he has his gun pointed at her, he still tries to flirt with her. Harley takes offense to this and attacks the criminal in a very brutal fashion and throws insults at him as Bruce and his parents walk right past the commotion. His dad, Thomas Wayne, even told his family to ignore the "horrible woman".
Harley’s quick temper and Joe’s inability to outmatch her saved Bruce's parents in this universe. Although this is good for the Dark Knight's family it might not be for Gotham. The city is known for its dangerous criminals who constantly outsmart Gotham’s justice system. Without a vigilante like Batman protecting the city’s civilians the future of this timeline may become one of the darkest in DC’s Multiverse.
Multiversity: Harley Screws Up the DCU #5 written by Frank Tieri with art from Logan Faerber, letters by Ferran Delgado and covers by Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti, is currently available to read on DC Universe Infinite and hits comic book stores on July 11, 2023.
Source: DC Comics