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

Batman typically stays out of the romantic affairs of his Gotham Rogue’s Gallery. However, in a hilarious and unexpected story, the Dark Knight makes his stance on one couple unmistakably clear. His approval of this villainous pair also highlights just how strongly he disapproved of one rogue’s past relationship with another villain. Let the shipping wars begin.

If Joker and Harley had been the ones in the greenhouse, there’s no doubt Bruce would have suited up as Batman and intervened...

Lex and the City is 2025’s DC Valentine’s special anthology, collecting eight short stories that follow some of DC’s most iconic heroes and villains in their search for love. Among the featured characters are Batman’s Robins, the Titans, Mr. Freeze, Wally West's Flash, Lex Luthor, and more.

However, one of the most notable love stories in the collection is A Valentine’s Day Gift for Poison Ivy by Maggie Tokuda-Hall, Leslie Hung, Rachael Cohen, and Taylor Esposito. This story puts Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy’s relationship at the forefront—and features a moment with Batman that makes it undeniably clear: the Dark Knight does ship it.

Batman Officially Ships Poison Ivy & Harley Quinn

Comic Comes DC’s Lex and the City #1 (2025) – Story: A Valentine's Day Gift for Poison Ivy – Art by Leslie Hung

A Valentine’s Day Gift for Poison Ivy follows Harley Quinn on her quest to find the perfect Valentine’s gift for her girlfriend, leading to some less-than-legal shenanigans and plenty of lighthearted humor. The story culminates in Harley and Ivy meeting up for their Valentine’s date in a greenhouse. However, their venue is anything but conventional—it happens to be the private greenhouse of none other than Bruce Wayne. Upon breaking into the Wayne estate, the Gotham City Sirens unknowingly alert Alfred Pennyworth, who promptly informs Bruce, showing him live security footage of the affectionate couple.

Alfred then asks if he should prepare the Batsuit, assuming Bruce will want to put a stop to Harley and Ivy’s antics, given their status as supervillains. However, Bruce surprises both Alfred and readers by declining, making it clear he has no intention of interrupting their date. His reasoning? As long as they’re enjoying themselves in his greenhouse, Gotham remains safe from their usual chaos. While this is a valid justification, it soon becomes clear that Gotham’s safety isn’t the only reason Bruce chooses to let the couple be.

As Bruce watches the two embrace and express their love, his expression softens—a rare sight for the usually solemn Dark Knight. The comic closes with Bruce saying, “Happy Valentine’s Day, indeed, young ladies. And happy Valentine’s Day, Gotham City.” Hence, his decision to let Harley and Ivy enjoy their rendezvous, coupled with his holiday well-wishes, makes it unmistakably clear that he approves of their relationship. After all, it’s unlikely he would have reacted the same way if it had been Joker and Harley tresing in his greenhouse.

Is Batman Going Soft on Harley Quinn & Poison Ivy in Mainstream Continuity?

Comic Comes DC’s Lex and the City #1 (2025) – Story: A Valentine's Day Gift for Poison Ivy – Art by Leslie Hung

If Joker and Harley had been the ones in the greenhouse, there’s no doubt Bruce would have suited up as Batman and intervened—without resorting to excuses like, “…if they’re [in the greenhouse], then Gotham is safe.” When viewed through this lens, it becomes clear just how flimsy that excuse really is. Bruce’s true reason for staying out of Harley and Ivy’s date isn’t strategic—it’s because he genuinely has a soft spot for the couple and approves of their relationship. This stands in stark contrast to how he has felt about Harley’s past relationship with the Joker.

Furthermore, what makes this short story particularly interesting is how it reflects the tone and direction DC has recently taken regarding Batman’s interactions with Harley and Ivy in mainstream continuity. In the comics, Batman has noticeably mellowed when it comes to the two, often leaving them to their own devices and even giving them the benefit of the doubt. This shift is especially evident in Poison Ivy’s ongoing series, where Batman confronts Ivy about an eco-terrorist bombing—only to actually believe her when she denies involvement, even trusting her to investigate it. Clearly, Batman has developed a soft spot for both Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn.

DC's Lex and the City #1 is available now from DC Comics!