Warning: Spoilers Ahead for Batman ‘89: Echoes #4!
DC’s “Keatonverse” is expanding and diverging from traditional DC Comics lore, presenting a reimagined backstory for Harley Quinn. In an intriguing new preview, Michelle Pfeiffer’s portrayal of Catwoman is revealed to be connected to the Madonna-esque Dr. Harleen Quinzel. As these formidable Gotham villains forge their relationship in the Batman ‘89 universe, the Tim Burton-inspired world may soon introduce its own version of the Gotham City Sirens.
In Batman ‘89: Echoes #4—crafted by Sam Hamm, with artwork by Joe Quinones—Bruce Wayne’s ongoing undercover mission in Arkham is explored. Simultaneously, it is disclosed that Dr. Quinzel has been offering therapy to Selina Kyle but suddenly wishes to discontinue the sessions to concentrate on her upcoming TV show.
This fresh interpretation of Harley Quinn’s origins integrates Catwoman more deeply into the DC Universe fabric as she makes her return to the Batman ‘89-verse. Since Selina influences Harleen’s persona therapy, she replaces the Joker as Harleen’s first significant villain patient.
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*Batman ‘89: Echoes #4* – Written by Sam Hamm; Art by Joe Quinones, Leonardo Ito, & Carlos M. Mangual
In the Keatonverse, establishing Selina Kyle as a crucial element of Harley’s origin is a long-overdue enhancement for the character, who has been largely absent from the Echoes series until now.
With Jack Nicholson’s Joker meeting his end in Tim Burton’s Batman (1989), the Keatonverse’s Harley Quinn was destined to deviate from her conventional origin as the Joker’s romantic interest. The sequel comic finally casts Madonna as the iconic character, weaving a new narrative that connects her with a Catwoman inspired by Michelle Pfeiffer’s memorable portrayal of Selina Kyle. As a therapist turned TV host specializing in persona therapy for the world’s heroes and villains, this Harley seemingly never encountered the Joker of this universe.
The Keatonverse affirms Selina Kyle as pivotal in Harley’s origin, marking a significant upgrade for the character, who has been missing from the Echoes series until this point. Although Harley draws some inspiration from the Jack Napier version of the Joker, it’s evident in the Batman ‘89: Echoes #4 preview that Selina’s idea of persona-based therapy has heavily influenced Harleen. With Harleen’s connections to the Scarecrow, her transformation into the villainous Harley Quinn is poised to make her a significant player with powerful ties in Batman’s expanding rogues gallery.
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*Batman ‘89: Echoes #4* – Launching September 11, 2024
Fans would be thrilled to see this universe develop its version of the Gotham City Sirens trio.
With Catwoman and Harley joining forces in this Keatonverse narrative, the only missing component to form a new Gotham City Sirens is their very own Poison Ivy. As one of Batman’s quintessential adversaries, Pamela Isley would seamlessly fit into the world Tim Burton created and later expanded in the Batman ’89 comics. Fans would undoubtedly be eager to see this trio come together in this universe, especially with another distinguished performer completing the group to challenge Keaton’s Batman.
Though Uma Thurman portrayed Poison Ivy in Batman & Robin (1997), only Tim Burton’s films are canon to Batman ‘89, excluding Joel Schumacher’s sequels. This continuity is evident as their Two-Face mirrors Billy Dee Williams, the original film’s Harvey Dent. Considering Echoes has depicted many villains resembling comedians of the era, perhaps a comedy legend and Burton film alumna like Catherine O’Hara could assume the role of the plant-powered supervillain. O’Hara’s portrayal would harmonize beautifully with Pfeiffer and Madonna as this universe’s Gotham City Sirens.
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Despite some tension between Selina and Harleen in the Batman ‘89: Echoes #4 preview, Batman’s rogues gallery is known for internal disputes when collaborating.
Undoubtedly, Pfeiffer’s Selina Kyle merits more appearances in comics or even her own spin-off series. She nearly received a movie follow-up after her standout performance in Batman Returns (1992), but that version of the character was absent until the Batman ’89 comic. Beyond the new developments with Harley Quinn elevating her status, Catwoman’s presence in the series is not as prominent as it could be. Therefore, DC Comics would do well to expand the Catwoman ’92 story and further develop Pfeiffer’s character.
Even though Selina and Harleen appear to clash in the Batman ‘89: Echoes #4 preview, Batman’s villains are notorious for their infighting. The two could either unite as a formidable duo against a common foe or completely disrupt the Keatonverse as adversaries. This iteration of the Batman universe will be forever altered as Harley Quinn and Catwoman either collide as foes or collaborate as fiercely powerful allies.
*Batman ‘89: Echoes #4* will be available on September 11, 2024, from DC Comics.
Batman Returns
Batman Returns sees the return of Michael Keaton's Bruce Wayne after his victory over the Joker. This time, the Dark Knight faces a new threat in the form of The Penguin, an outcast who wants revenge on Gotham City. Featuring Danny DeVito as Oswald Cobblepot, Michelle Pfeiffer as Selina Kyle a.k.a. Catwoman, and Christopher Walken as Max Schreck, Batman Returns is Tim Burton's second and final movie based on the iconic DC comics character.