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justabean_reads's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Basically a highschool AU wherein Harley moves to Gotham as a teen, ends up falling in with a bunch of drag queens, and trying to save her neighbourhood from the violent advancement the Kane Corporation's gentrification projects. Poison Ivy is the daughter of a couple of community organisers and is trying to save a garden project. The Joker is the worst person in the world. Batman... exists (and fortunately isn't in it very much, though I have questions about his one scene vis a vis the message of the story).
The book is narrated by Harley to an unseen audience, in a teen-rated version of her cock-eyed sarcasm, iconoclasm and sense of unfairness. She felt very young and still working on what she believed and how she fit into the world, with Ivy pulling her one way, and the Joker the other. Her Harlequin costume develops out of a mix of punk, drag and dollarstore, as does her direct action (ie baseball bat and gasoline) approach to problems. It's one of my favourite versions of Harley.
The art is gorgeous, especially the colours (also by Steve Pugh). Most pages tend towards monochrome, not quite grey scale, but very subtly tinted, and explode into colour at key moments, in flashbacks, as the characters come into themselves. Everyone has their own palette, with the Joker acids, Ivy lush greens and browns, and Harley starting to figure out her own. It's just an overall good-looking book.
The book is narrated by Harley to an unseen audience, in a teen-rated version of her cock-eyed sarcasm, iconoclasm and sense of unfairness. She felt very young and still working on what she believed and how she fit into the world, with Ivy pulling her one way, and the Joker the other. Her Harlequin costume develops out of a mix of punk, drag and dollarstore, as does her direct action (ie baseball bat and gasoline) approach to problems. It's one of my favourite versions of Harley.
The art is gorgeous, especially the colours (also by Steve Pugh). Most pages tend towards monochrome, not quite grey scale, but very subtly tinted, and explode into colour at key moments, in flashbacks, as the characters come into themselves. Everyone has their own palette, with the Joker acids, Ivy lush greens and browns, and Harley starting to figure out her own. It's just an overall good-looking book.
estrellasstars's review
4.0
I loved this. I loved it so much. This was a really really good rendition of Harley, I'm happy with the representation of the Drag Queens. Mama is amazing, sorry for the shitty review might come back to this later and fix it.
indeedithappens's review
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, Bullying, Gaslighting, Classism, Fire/Fire injury, Hate crime, Misogyny, Racism, Toxic friendship, Violence, Abandonment, Sexism, Stalking, Alcohol, Confinement, Ableism, Homophobia, and Gun violence
abauer's review
4.0
This is the origin story of Harleen Quinzel. The Beginning: When Harleen's mother ships her off to Gotham to live with her grandmother, little does she know that said grandmother is long dead. Luckily, Mama is there! Mama owns the karaoke cabaret below the apartment and takes care of a group of misfit queens, and together they are a makeshift family. The Conflict: Gentrification is taking over the neighborhood. If the infamous Kane Industries has their way, Mama's will soon be no more. Now Harleen must choose how she will fight - advocating for her home in the light with her friend Ivy or wrecking havoc in the dark with the mysterious Joker.
I started this graphic novel right after watching the Harley Quinn movie, and I could almost hear Margot Robbie's voice as I read the dialogue. Mariko Tamaki does a great job with the writing, incorporating social justices issues into the story. I really enjoyed the artwork by Steve Pugh as well, especially how he makes use of color and uses monochromatic schemes to set the mood. I'd be more than happy to read another installment.
I started this graphic novel right after watching the Harley Quinn movie, and I could almost hear Margot Robbie's voice as I read the dialogue. Mariko Tamaki does a great job with the writing, incorporating social justices issues into the story. I really enjoyed the artwork by Steve Pugh as well, especially how he makes use of color and uses monochromatic schemes to set the mood. I'd be more than happy to read another installment.
elenavarg's review against another edition
2.0
I bet, if this wasn’t a DC story, I might’ve liked it. The characters and the world of DC turned into a teen drama isn’t really my cup of tea I guess, even though I love Marino Tamaki’s work usually and Steve Pugh’s art style is magnificent.
girlstupid's review
5.0
If I had a nickel for every Harley Quinn adaptation with drag queens I’d have two!!
Seriously, this was so sweet and completely recommend. The art style and character design are also perfection. Just wish it was a bit more gay but I’m biased lol
Seriously, this was so sweet and completely recommend. The art style and character design are also perfection. Just wish it was a bit more gay but I’m biased lol