Harleen Quinzel has been many things in her life. A villain. A lover. A Suicide Squad conscript. And if not a hero, then something hero-adjacent. But first and foremost, the woman called Harley Quinn was a healer. A bona fide doctor of psychology with a diploma and everything! And now, clad in her classic costume, she’s heading back into healing the mentally ill, whether they want it or not!
Harley Quinn #39 by Tini Howard and Natacha Bustos opens with Harleen setting out on her new mission. Unfortunately, prospective patient, Mr. Freeze, is not ready to begin healing. Still, there are a lot of sick psychotics in Gotham City (Harley should know. She’s friends with most of them!) and the indomitable Doctor Quinn is determined to heal the world.
The main cover and first four pages can be viewed below.
Can Harley Quinn Save the World With Psychology?
There is method to the madness of Harley Quinn and her plan to help other villains work through their issues. It cannot be denied that most of the supervillains of Gotham City have serious mental health issues. Certainly they could benefit from the aid of a good psychologist. Indeed, that is why Batman puts so much effort into trying to help his enemies heal.
However, there is some question as to just how good a psychologist Harley Quinn truly is. Some takes on her origins paint her as an indifferent student, who went into psychology to make money. Her current origin story paints her as idealistic and competent, if somewhat naive. In either case, however, it is highly doubtful that Harley Quinn is still a legally licensed therapist.
Harley Quinn #39 arrives in comic shops everywhere on April 23, 2024.
