JokerandHarley Quinnare returning for the next chapter in the critically acclaimed Black Label series that completely reimagined their relationship, with the Clown Prince of Crime taking on a more grounded and modernized role as a notorious serial killer, and Harley portrayed as a young forensic psychiatrist and profiler consulting on his case.
…this is the kind of story perfect for fans of True Detective, Mindhunter, and Criminal Minds.
Based on the above description, long-time fans will immediately recognize the core premise that defined Kami Garcia, Mico Suayan, and Mike Mayhew’sJoker/Harley: Criminal SanityBlack Label mini-series. Now,Garcia returns for the second chapter in this adult-only tale withJoker/Harley: Malicious Intent, alongside the artistic team of Suayan, Jason Badower, and Annette Kwok.
This sequel will be a four-issue mini-series,officially debuting on Jul 22, 2025.While it picks up after the events ofCriminal Sanity, it can be read as a standalone story that doesn’t require readers to be familiar with the original to follow the narrative.
Harley Quinn Is Hunting the Joker Once More in Brand-New, Adults-Only Series
Cover C Phan Tuan Dat Variant forJoker / Harley: Malicious Intent#1 (2025)
Joker/Harley: Malicious Intent#1 picks up with Harley Quinn one year aftershe helped lock theJoker behind bars in Arkham Asylum. While she’s still hunting serial killers, Harley is no longer operating in Gotham City, having severed her ties with the GCPD and Lt. Jim Gordon after their working relationship fell apart.
The issue’ssynopsis teases that Harley is now pursuinga different kind of justice, as she begins working with vigilantes. Although it doesn’t reveal exactly who or where she’s working, preview pages showa character who clearly resembles this universe’s version of Black Canary. This suggests Harley may be operating in Star City and possibly collaborating with Dinah Lance.
Still,Harley doesn’t stay away from Gotham for long.As the city is rocked by headlines about a series of grisly new crime scenes, she begins to suspect the Joker has escaped. She then returns to Gotham despite Jonathan Crane, her former classmate and now the head of Arkham Asylum, assuring her that the notorious killer remains locked up.
Harley Quinn & Joker Are Bringing TRUE DETECTIVE to the DC Universe
Cover D Riley Rossmo Variant forJoker / Harley: Malicious Intent#1 (2025)
When asked about her upcoming sequel toJoker/Harley: Criminal Sanity, Garcia shared that“at its core, [the] new series explores the relationship between heroes and villains and how thin the line is between the two.”She also noted thatthis is the kind of story perfect for fans ofTrue Detective, Mindhunter,andCriminal Minds.
While that is enough to spark interest even for readers unfamiliar withCriminal Sanity, Garcia also teased thatMalicious Intentwill feature reimagined versions of DC characters who have yet to appear in this universe. Garcia believes fans will genuinely love and connect with them. It seemsHarley QuinnandJokerare about to help kick off a truly unforgettable Spooky Season.
Joker / Harley: Malicious Intent #1is available June 21, 2025, from DC Comics!
The Joker
The Joker is a psychopathic criminal mastermind with a warped sense of humor. Initially introduced as a remorseless serial killer, the character evolved over time, often oscillating between a prankster and a homicidal maniac. His relationship with Batman is one of the most complex in comic book history, defined by their mutual obsession. Over the decades, the Joker has become an enduring icon of chaos and madness, embodying the antithesis of Batman’s order and justice.
