DC Finally Gets Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn’s Romance Right After Years of Development

WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for the Harley Quinn & Poison Ivy Narrative in DC’s Lex and the City #1!

As a dedicated aficionado of the Harlivy pairing—comprising Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy—I’ve always delighted in any narrative that showcases their dynamic. However, the recent portrayals from DC have frequently left me wanting more. Thankfully, this year’s Valentine’s special offers a refreshing revival, encapsulating the essence of this dearest couple.

The special anthology, Lex and the City, features eight engaging short stories that spotlight several of DC’s legendary heroes and villains navigating the complexities of love. Included in this ensemble are the beloved Robins—Damian Wayne, Tim Drake, Stephanie Brown, and Jason Todd—as well as notable characters like Mr. Freeze and Lex Luthor.

Lex and the city #1 poison ivy and harley quinn

A Celebration of Harley & Ivy’s Love in DC’s Valentine’s Day Special

Comic Page Artwork from DC’s Lex and the City #1 (2025) – Illustrated by Leslie Hung

Lex and the city #1 poison ivy and harley quinn 2

The short narrative titled A Valentine’s Day Gift for Poison Ivy follows Harley Quinn in her quest for the ultimate Valentine’s gift for her beloved girlfriend. The journey is filled with humorous escapades and some lighthearted mischief. While I won’t spoil the gift exchange that unfolds, the setting definitely deserves a mention—the couple’s rendezvous takes place in Bruce Wayne’s greenhouse, adding an exhilarating twist as Bruce casually permits their celebration without intervention.

This narrative is a joyful return to simpler pleasures, showcasing Harley and Ivy enjoying a romantic evening together—something that has been sporadic in their recent comic appearances. It perfectly illustrates the heart of their relationship: a delightful blend of chaos, deep affection, and an occasional brush with the law. To me, this exemplifies the spirit of Harley and Ivy: a drama-free love story emanating from friendship blossoming into romance. If you’re seeking a delightful, heartwarming Harlivy read, this story should not be missed.

The Disappointment of Mainstream Continuity for Harlivy Fans

Cover B Card Stock Variant by Saowee for DC’s Lex and the City #1 (2025)

Cover B Saowee Card Stock Variant Lex and the City #1 poison ivy and harley quinn variant

A Valentine’s Day Gift for Poison Ivy stands as a refreshing narrative spotlight on the Harlivy romance, especially in the context of how their relationship has been characterized in mainstream comic continuity. While I embrace the inspirational arcs present in their individual storylines, I have found their coupling in the current comics to oscillate between extreme drama and outright absence. The need for narrative variety is understandable, yet the instances that genuinely delve into their romance have often felt incomplete—largely due to the introduction of Jane from HR.

While I respect fans of Janet’s storyline within Poison Ivy’s arc, I’m less appreciative of the love triangle that has emerged among Ivy, Janet, and Harley. This development has brought unnecessary tension that detracts from the more compelling Harlivy narrative. In fact, Ivy and Janet have appeared prominently in recent issues, overshadowing Harley and Ivy’s bond. My last interaction with the ongoing narrative frustrated me to the point of stepping back, particularly with Janet’s unexpected involvement with Killer Croc. Hence, the clarity and focus on Harlivy in A Valentine’s Day Gift for Poison Ivy was a welcome refreshment.

A Call for DC to Reprioritize Harley & Ivy Over Janet from HR

Bartel Special Foil Variant for DC Pride 2023 #1

DC Pride 2023 1 Bartel Special Foil Variant Featuring Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn Embracing on a Floral Swing

Admittedly, my expectations for Harlivy content have grown considerably, largely because of HBO’s animated adaptation, which has finely tuned the portrayal of their relationship. Even with these heightened standards, it doesn’t seem unreasonable to expect DC to sharpen its focus back on the romance between Harley and Ivy. While I don’t propose that their narratives revolve solely around love, romantic elements should highlight their genuine friendship and affection for each other—without complicating matters with extraneous characters. Here’s hoping that DC will take cues from the engaging themes established in their Valentine’s special and apply a similar emphasis on Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn in their mainstream narratives.

DC’s Lex and the City #1 is currently available from DC Comics!

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