Absolute Harley Quinn Debuts With Radical New Redesign

Harley Quinn has undergone countless redesigns over the years, but the Darkseid-created Absolute Universe has just delivered her most radical transformation yet. This new look completely reinvents the Gotham City Siren, leaving her nearly unrecognizable, and fans are bound to either love it or hate it.

Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta’s Absolute Batman #13 officially introduces Harley Quinn to the Absolute Universe. As fans of this line know, the Absolute Universe reimagines DC’s heroes and villains with a darker, more twisted edge befitting the world Darkseid created.

Harley is no exception, as she not only sports a bold new look but also takes on a hardened new identity. Gone are her signature blonde hair and her days as a madman’s sidekick, as she now steps into the role of leader of the Red Hood.

Harley Quinn Debuts in DC’s Absolute Universe With a Bold Redesign

Comic Page Comes from Scott Snyder’s Absolute Batman #13 (2025) – Art by Nick Dragotta

Harley’s new look is unlike anything fans have seen before. She’s still petite and pale-skinned, but now sports a punk-inspired aesthetic with a shaved head, diamond-shaped tattoos on her neck and hands, and bold black makeup reminiscent of the hard rock band KISS, all while keeping her iconic diamond motif.

This version of Harley also appears noticeably younger than her main universe counterpart. Though it’s difficult to pinpoint her exact age beneath the dramatic makeup and edgy haircut, she seems to be in her late teens. Her outfit, consisting of an oversized red hoodie, leggings, plaid socks, and Converse, further emphasizes that youthful energy. This redesign is truly one of a kind.

Meet the Leader of the Red Hood: Absolute Harley Quinn Steals Joker’s Legacy

Cover D 1:25 Clay Mann Variant for Absolute Batman #14 (2025)

While Harley’s striking new design steals the show, it’s her role as the new leader of the Red Hood that carries the biggest narrative impact. Fans will recall that Snyder has been teasing the Red Hood, an outlaw collective, as a potential Batman ally since issue #2, setting the stage for this major reveal.

The Red Hood collective finally makes its debut in Absolute Batman #13 when Bruce and Catwoman pay an unannounced visit to their territory. The meeting quickly erupts into a fight, but once Batman explains his plan to take down Ark M (the blacksite prison where he was experimented on), Harley steps forward, revealing herself as the group’s leader and declaring her intent to join his cause.

Harley taking on the Red Hood mantle is a bold twist in Batman lore. Longtime fans know the original Red Hood, before Jason Todd, was the Joker. By essentially claiming Joker’s OG moniker and origin for herself, Harley Quinn forges a powerful connection to her character’s history in the main universe without being forced back into the role of his sidekick.

ABSOLUTE BATMAN #13 is available now from DC Comics!