Warning: Contains spoilers forBatman ‘89: Echoes #4!DC’s “Keatonverse” continues to be fleshed out anddeviate from classic DC Comics lore, with an evolving re-imagined origin forHarley Quinn. Revealed in a new preview, Michelle Pfeiffer’s version ofCatwomanofficially has ties to the Madonna-inspired Dr. Harleen Quinzel, as two of Gotham’s fiercest villains establish their relationship in theBatman ‘89universe, meaning the Tim Burton-inspired world could introduce its own Gotham City Sirens.
The preview forBatman ‘89: Echoes#4 – written by Sam Hamm with art by Joe Quinones – follows up onBruce Wayne’s adventures while infiltrating Arkham undercover. Concurrently, it’s revealed that Dr. Quinzel has been providing therapy for Selina Kyle, and suddenly wants to halt their sessions to focus on her new TV show.
With thisnew take on Harley Quinn lore, Catwoman becomes even more integral to the fabric of this DC Universe, as she returns to theBatman ‘89-verse. Since Selina inspired Harleen’s persona therapy here, she takes the Joker’s place as her first major villain patient.
Batman ‘89 Reveals Nightwing in Batman Beyond-Inspired Official Art
Nightwing will finally be officially canonized into the Batman ‘89 Burtonverse, but with a twist that fuses his signature costume with Batman Beyond.
Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman Joins Madonna’s Harley Quinn In DC’s “Keatonverse”
Batman ‘89: Echoes#4 – Written By Sam Hamm; Art By Joe Quinones, Leonardo Ito, & Carlos M. Mangual
The Keatonverse’s Selina Kyle being established as an important part of Harley’s origin is a well-deserved upgrade for the character, who has been absent for most of theEchoesseries thus far.
Since Jack Nicholson’s version of the Joker dies in Tim Burton’sBatman (1989), the Keatonverse’s Harley Quinn was bound to undergo some changes from her most common origin as initially a love interest for the Clown Prince of Crime. The sequel comic finallycast Madonna as the iconic characterand gives her an all-new story, now linked with a Catwoman based on Michelle Pfeiffer’s legendary portrayal of Selina Kyle.As a therapist turned TV host that specializes in persona therapy relating to the superheroes and villains of the world, this version of Harley had seemingly never met this universe’s Joker.
The Keatonverse’s Selina Kyle being established as an important part of Harley’s origin is a well-deserved upgrade for the character, who has been absent for most of theEchoesseries thus far. Though Harley still takes inspiration from the Jack Napier incarnation of Joker,Selina makes it crystal clear in theBatman ‘89: Echoes #4preview that the idea of this persona-based therapy was inspired by her;sinceHarleen also has ties to the Scarecrow, it seems her corruption into the villainous Harley Quinn will make her a major player with strong connections in this Batman’s growing rogues gallery.
The Keatonverse Version Of DC’s Iconic Gotham City Sirens Could Be Slowly Assembling
Batman ‘89: Echoes#4 – Available June 01, 2025
As a trio that fans love to see unite, it would be fascinating for this universe to have its own incarnation of the Gotham City Sirens.
With Catwoman and Harley linking up in this Keatonverse story, the only thing missing to create a new version of the Gotham City Sirens is their very own Poison Ivy.Pamela Isley is one of Batman’s quintessential villains, and would fit perfectly in the world created by Tim Burton and later fleshed out in theBatman ‘89comics. As a trio that fans love to see unite, it would be fascinating for this universe to have its own incarnation of the Gotham City Sirens, with another acclaimed performer rounding out the group and taking on Keaton’s version of Batman together.
Though Poison Ivy was played by Uma Thurman inBatman & Robin (1997),the only films canon toBatman ‘89are Tim Burton’s films and not the two follow-ups directed by Joel Schumacher. This is proven by their version ofTwo-Face resembling actor Billy Dee Williams, the original film’s Harvey Dent. Since theEchoesfollow-up has seen many of Batman’s villains resembling comedians of the time, perhaps a comedy legend and Burton film alumnus like Catherine O’Hara could appear as the incredible plant-powered supervillain. A depiction of O’Hara would fit beautifully alongside Pfeiffer and Madonna as this universe’s Gotham City Sirens.
Gotham City Sirens Officially Return for a Western Story Fans Didn’t Know They Needed
The Gotham City Sirens return for a new miniseries as Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, and Catwoman finally reunite in a western storyline for the ages.
DC Comics Knows Michelle Pfeiffer’s “Catwoman ‘92” Is Worthy Of Further Expansion
DC Should Continue Expanding The Keatonverse
Though Selina and Harleen seem to be sparring and butting heads in the preview forBatman ‘89: Echoes#4, the members of Batman’s rogues gallery of villains are known to bicker when working together for any reason.
Without question,Pfeiffer’s Selina Kyle is more than deserving of more comic appearances, or even her own spin-off series.She almost got her own movie follow-up after being the true standout inBatman Returns (1992), butthat version of the character never actually returneduntil theBatman ’89comic. Aside from the new development with Harley Quinn raising her status, Catwoman isn’t as heavily featured in the series as she could be, so it would be wonderful for DC Comics to flesh out the Catwoman ‘92 story and develop the Pfeiffer version of the character further.
Though Selina and Harleen seem to be sparring and butting heads in the preview forBatman ‘89: Echoes#4, the members of Batman’s rogues gallery of villains are known to bicker when working together for any reason. The two supervillains could either come together as a dastardly dynamic duo for a common enemy or utterly shake up the Keatonverse as they go to battle with each other. This version of theBatmanuniverse and its lore will never be the same asHarley QuinnandCatwomancollide as enemies or work together as viciously fierce allies.
Batman ‘89: Echoes#4will be available June 09, 2025 from DC Comics.
Batman Returns
Cast
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.
