Harlequinade

Gotham Girls #3
December 2002

"Harlequinade" is the least interesting issue of the mini-series, but it's still way, way more enjoyable than any other non-animated Batman related title. Paul Storrie makes some shrewd observations regarding the cast. Harley and Ivy are obviously nuts and not just about each other, but not previously considered is the common bonds shared by Catwoman and Batgirl. Mr. Storrie points out in the book that Catwoman and Batgirl while enjoying the freedom of the masks are essentially normal women who react in the same way to the abnormal, in fact, more than human Poison Ivy. Unfortunately for her Babs momentarily forgets that Catwoman while not murderous is still a criminal and misjudges the acceptability of her proposal.Catwoman and Batgirl did according to the animated continuity once join forces. Catwoman in fact wished to take Babs under her paw to be her Robin. Batgirl being duped by Catwoman is therefore plausible. That she's duped without seduction also makes sense and shows Catwoman to be more than just slinky but a true opportunist. Mr. Storrie also takes the time to balance Batgirl's mistakes by giving the character ample opportunity to show off her experience as a kick-ass super-hero and as a strategist: all aspects energetically sketched and embellished. Mr. Storrie also again displays Batgirl's superiority to Batman. She's neither blinded by a love for Catwoman nor affected by Poison Ivy's chemical or natural charms.Harley the supposed star of this chapter is relatively fun as far as villains go, but the character in my opinion loses her humorous appeal when overtly malevolent. The counterpart "Harlequinade" on the animated series showed her mostly to be a figure of Batman's mistrust but who does in fact aid the Caped Crusader and ultimately helps save Gotham City from destruction. "Harley's Holiday" draws the viewer's sympathy. Even Batman is sympathetic when Harley freshly released from Arkham Asylum has a very "bad day." I cannot feel too sorry or too lightly when Harley smacks around Batgirl.Batgirl isn't the only character who gains a series of lumps for this issue, and while I enjoy a good fight in various genres, the fight has to be about something. The vial becomes less and less important as the heroes and villains become essentially Looney Tunes characters who fall down, brush themselves off and get back up again. The violence is presented in a slapstick fashion that just doesn't fit and becomes tiresome.