One of the biggest questions surrounding Harley Quinn's role in the new DCU films may have an answer, if the creatives in charge know which comics they should be looking top for inspiration. With the confirmation of a Clayface film that will be an R-rated horror movie, and Creature Commandos taking a more mature direction, the greatest potential for James Gunn's movie universe may lie in DC Black Label.

For the unfamiliar, this imprint features comics from DC intended for mature audiences, and while there are some original works on its roster, most of the titles still feature established DC characters, like Batman, Wonder Woman, or Harley Quinn. However, these stories are outside the main continuity, giving the creators of the comics a lot more creative freedom. When it comes to Harley Quinn's Black Label series, they are perfect for an R-rated adaptation, and they could be the perfect way to bring Harley Quinn into the new DCU.

Is Harley Quinn Officially Part Of The New DCU?

Harley Quinn's Future Is Still Up In The Air, Despite Her Popularity

Margot Robbie's live-action iteration of Harley Quinn won the hearts of many fans, but she was introduced during the DCEU-era films with Suicide Squad. While Suicide Squad left much to be desired, Harley Quinn was one of the bright spots of the film, eventually getting her own movie with 2020's Birds of Prey, which was better receive,d and gave Robbie her time to shine as the character (alongside many other heroines who've unfortunately yet to be seen again on the big screen). Harley, on the other hand, did come back once more for James Gunn's The Suicide Squad.

While also part of the DCEU, elements, plot points, and characters from that film have bled into the new DCU, as seen in Creature Commandos. Harley's future, though, is still undetermined in the DCU proper. That's not to say Robbie's Harley won't appear, but there is nothing official; although, Harley Quinn's appearance in the DCU got its biggest boost in over a year thanks to Gunn himself:

"I haven’t talked to Margot about Harley for a long time. But I’d love to work with her again as Harley or as someone else. There are no plans at this time for anyone else to play Harley. I mean, other than in [Joker: Folie à Deux] or the animated shows."

If Harley is to return, she could be exactly as she was in the DCEU, which seems to have been the case for other characters who have crossed over so far, like Weasel and Amanda Waller. However, there is always the chance that the DCU could take Harley Quinn in a new direction, especially with the recent confirmation that the Clayface movie will be an R-rated DC villain horror movie. At the moment, Harley Quinn has two Black Label comics that are for mature readers, and both would make interesting adaptations for the big screen.

'Harleen' Reworks Harley Quinn's Origin From Her Perspective, Not Joker's

Harleen Is A Twisting Thriller Between Joker And Harley

If the DCU wants to give Harley Quinn her own new origin story, it needs to look no further than one of Harley Quinn's best comics, Harleen by Stjepan Sejic. Where most DC Black Label series function outside the main continuity, Harleen can still function as an origin story for Harley in and out of continuity because it hits the main beats of her original backstory. Harley Quinn is a psychiatrist and takes a particular interest in the Joker as a patient; however, that interest crosses professional boundaries, thus leading to an infamous, abusive relationship, as well as Harleen's transformation into Harley Quinn.

What makes Harleen stand out, though, is that it is told entirely from Harley Quinn's perspective. As a result, readers can see how someone as smart as Harleen could fall for The Joker. She even acknowledges how he is a dangerous man, as well as how she herself is acting immorally pursuing a relationship with a patient. This comic explores all the nuances of Harleen Quinzel, taking great care to craft a respectful yet haunting story of toxic love and obsession. Along with that, Harleen shows exactly how Harley Quinn -- who originally had a similar outlook to Batman -- becomes a villain. Harley Quinn is a complicated character, as well as an abuse survivor, and this comic understands that.

Harleen treats Harley Quinn with the respect she deserves while also holding her able. It is an excellent sexual thriller as well, especially with Sejic's evocative, sensual artwork. Harleen is a dark fantasy that descends into a twisted nightmare, capturing the titular character's transformation into one of Gotham's most iconic villains. An origin of this nature could not only stand alone as a film, but it would also benefit from an R-rating, and it's not the only Harley Quinn comic that achieves this.

Joker/Harley: Criminal Sanity is Perfect For Fans Of Se7en

This DC Black Label Comic Reworks Harley And Joker's Relationship

Harley Quinn's other DC Black Label series would call for a massive reinvention of the character if this were the direction the DCU took her. In fact, this origin may better suit the Matt Reeve's Batman universe, which is not part of the DCU at the time of this writing. However, if the DCU does want to go a different direction with Harely Quinn, Joker/Harley: Criminal Sanity by Kami Garcia, Michael Mayhew, and Mico Suayan is the way to go. In this Black Label series, it forgoes the romantic relationship between Harley Quinn and Joker in favor of a cat and mouse game between a consultant and the serial killer she has a personal investment in.

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This is a brilliant way to rework this infamous relationship, as it keeps the obsessive qualities of it intact while also giving long-time fans of Harley Quinn something new with it. Joker/Harley: Criminal Sanity is also a phenomenal cat and mouse game that will please fans of the best psychological thrillers, like Se7en, Zodiac and The Silence of the Lambs. The Joker is utterly terrifying as a serial killer in this comic book, one that would be haunting to see brought to life on the big screen. Plus, the artwork delivers some uncanny imagery, as well as some inventive kills that make the skin crawl.

Meanwhile, Harley Quinn takes on the detective role in this deadly game, highlighting how brilliant she is, as well as some of the similarities she shares with Batman. Her expertise is on full display here, as well as her own obsessive nature. This would be a massive departure from Margot Robbie's iteration of the character, which is a beloved iteration -- one that captures the humor and fun of Harley Quinn, as well as some of her more heartbreaking and darker qualities.

With the DCU opening the doors for even more mature and horrifying storytelling, though, taking elements from this Harley Quinn comic or Harleen could add more layers to the already complex character on screen. Meanwhile, if the DCU wants a different Harley Quinn, regardless of who is playing her, both Black Label series could deliver just that -- a Harley Quinn fit for a twisted thriller.