The Friend

Batman #609

January 2003

The book opens with Batman lying seemingly helpless as a group of thugs close in, and since Batman was responsible for numerous injuries that these goons have suffered over the years we see they're quite eager to return the favor. However thanks to some automated systems that Batman had incorporated into his costume, he's able to hold them at bay until the Huntress arrives responding to the calling all crime-fighters distress call that Oracle sent out when she realized Batman had gone down. After the Huntress deals with the thugs we see her load Batman into the waiting Batmobile, which transports the gravely injured Batman back to the Batcave. However when Alfred concedes that Bruce needs medical attention that is far beyond his ability to deliver, we see a plan goes into action where one of Bruce's cars is driven off the road, and Bruce is placed within the twisted wreck to make it appear his injures are the result of a car accident. While Bruce manages to pull through the surgery he undergoes, we see that the surgeon who brought Bruce back from the brink is a childhood friend of Bruce, and from the flashback we receive it looks like this childhood friend played a large role in shaping Batman's personality.

The Ransom

Batman #608
December 2002

The first chapter of twelve in the anticipated “Hush” storyline begins with Batman on a rescue mission to save Edward Lamont from capture. Apparently Edward is the heir to the Lamont chemical fortune. While making their escape, Batman and Edward run into Edward’s captor, the Killer Croc. Batman had previously made up his mind that the authorities shouldn’t be cost themselves to paying the ransom so he goes in alone and tries to rescue Edward. A dramatic fight scene ensues between the Batman and Killer Croc and with some clever tactics Batman manages to restrain Killer Croc. The FBI finally catches up to the pair, safeguarding Edward. During the fight Catwoman takes off with Killer Croc’s briefcase. Inside is the ransom money. Batman follows but is overpowered by Catwoman while swinging through the city. Catwoman gets away with the money and meets up with Poison Ivy and so the issue ends.

The Hunt, Part Three

Detective Comics #775
December 2002
Second Story


The Tracker hunts Bishop down to Arkham Asylum and finally extracts the wherabouts of the diamonds he stole - he can choose either to give the location up or be eaten alive by Killer Croc. The police find Bishop with the diamonds, Tracker is congratulated on his work, and Batman hears the rumours of this new, scary vigilante.

Bat Attitude

Gotham Girls #5
February 2003

A satisfying conclusion to Gotham Girls shifts the focus back on Batgirl. Babs as the star gets all the good scenes and all the good lines. Her experience allows for the teamwork between she and Renee Montoya. Her intelligence and experience prepares her for Catwoman's death defying gymnastics, and her skill as a fighting artist makes her a match for all three villains.The action in this final chapter is much more believable than the overly slapstick antics in Harley's chapter. Yes, I know. What else can you expect from Harley Quinn? However, the Batman stories and therefore the Batgirl stories take place in a world where physics exerts force. It's not the Looney Tunes cosmos where the laws of nature only occasionally pay a visit.When Batgirl strikes, Harley is shown to go down and clutch at her stomach. Likewise, Catwoman's kicks injure Batgirl. You know she is going to be bruised tomorrow. The characters do not snap back to their feet. Taken in consideration with the slapstick issue, you can also see the consequences that are being displayed as an example of the fatigue felt by everybody, except maybe Ivy, during this crazy night.Layouts by Rich Burchett somebody who has Dark Deco corpuscles swimming along in his bloodstream make a slight difference but does not really change the attitude or continuity of the artwork. The artwork in this final chapter is a little less frenetic and a little subtler, but that's really the only difference I can see.Jennifer Graves has done a fine job with the series as has Paul Storrie, and it could not have been easy to a) find a means to bring all the women of Batman's animated world together as well as b) make the story coherent as well as more meaningful than one may expect. Much has been implied and inferred in Harley's and Ivy's relationship both in the series and the comic book spin-offs. Ivy's betrayal of Harley here while making perfect sense still is hurtful, but it's this type of character-driven moment that takes you by surprise and makes the book different than the empty dross in the so called original Universe. Batgirl also comes out of the series a little more haggard than usual. She's been beaten up, run ragged and forced to question, without angst thank Rao, why she puts on a mask to fight crime every night. She sees her similarities and differences to the much meaner Selina Kyle. These little nuggets of thought are simply unexpected but welcome. It's the kind of writing that used to be so easy to find but now is a rare treat.

I Carry a Badge

Gotham Girls #4
January 2003

This issue of Gotham Girls is much stronger than the last. It avoids unbelievable slapstick and instead depends more on drama derived from the character dynamics. Renee Montoya kicks off her feature by making a pair of believable mistakes that she realizes far too late. Not exactly an auspicious debut, and it's surprising once again that Harley is the one who tricked her into making one of them. However, the usual reason for those mistakes--sexism, lack of intelligence--does not apply. Rather, Mr. Storrie suggests she's the character whom you are more likely to actually meet on the street. Whereas Batgirl like Batman is the ideal of the detective, Renee is the realistic detective.Montoya's portrayal and her narration allow for some very sensible reasoning behind an old chestnut. The exposition is for the reader but done so in a clever way. The art team also reinforces the necessity of the explanation by showing Ivy becoming more peeved and impressed by the panel. These scenes misdirect the reader from seeing that little laser flash that frees Montoya's hands and foreshadows Batgirl's involvement.Batgirl as I said is the extraordinary to Renee's normal. Her actions by comparison are larger than life but no less enjoyable. Indeed, I was grinning immensely when reading about this intelligent female hero. Mr. Storrie generates overall drama which climaxes at a tense standoff whose release comes in the form of Catwoman: her arrival beautifully choreagraphed by Ms. Graves. The author creates a strong friction between Batgirl and Montoya without betraying the characterization or insulting the reader. Their working together never was in question, and Mr. Storrie does not foolishly draw out the inevitable. There's no "Get out of my city." It's more of a give and take between the two. Concluding with a good fight and a compelling chase, this issue of Gotham Girls fulfills the promise of the premiere. Furthermore, the heroes look to be in real danger when Harley tells her final joke.

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.

Ivy League

Gotham Girls #2
November 2002

The story so far: Catwoman stole a vial of unknown contents and discovered her employer was Poison Ivy who paid Selina with a Harley-Hammer blow. Selina has a tough noggin, or more likely, her suit is more than just slinky but also functional. Batgirl last issue whacked her with a superbly thrown batarang, and she as well got up from that abuse. Suffice to say, this is not Catwoman's proudest moment, and it gets worse.Some of the characterization may seem to ring falsely to some animated series fans, but actually all of Paul Storrie's opinions fit as snugly as a Miss Fury suit--look that reference up, you'll be glad you did. Catwoman really doesn't have to be trustworthy nor even nice this issue since she has no feelings but animosity toward the opposition. She doesn't like Harley or Ivy. She sees them as unworthy rivals. Batgirl in her eyes is pest and even more annoyance because the girl's got skills. Ivy and Harley whose relationship on the series as well as the comic books based on the series is loaded with subtext really seem more like an independent using a codependent for her dirty deeds. It's not out of the question that Ivy uses Harley as her henchwench since Ivy is a madwoman, and her feelings are likely to be altered by the level of madness at which she attains. Thus, a mellower Ivy can recognize and appreciate Harley's rehabilitation. Out of love she thwarts the Joker in a superb Ty Templeton Batman: Gotham Adventures while in this book brutally hurt Harley's feelings. Given the overall female quotient in the book, it was probably a good idea he downplayed these elements.The character most like her persona on the series and the books is Batgirl. I've been a Batgirl fan since Yvonne Craig gave me a helluva better reason to watch Batman. When I discovered her comic book adventures, I was delighted that she was as intelligent if not more and effective on the television series. In the pre-Crisis of the bronze age, she became even better. After surviving an assassination and working past the trauma associated with the crime, she actually saves Batman's life. When she was shot and crippled by the Joker in Killing Joke I gave it little notice. It was an imaginary story. Needless to say, I was shocked when Batgirl was crippled in what DC laughingly called a continuity. Then, Batman: The Animated Series came along and returned Batgirl to her glory. Paul Storrie continues that tradition. Batgirl tracks Catwoman to the meeting. She doesn't even catch a breath before smacking around Harley and bops Catwoman on the head yet again with a well-aimed batarang. Snatching the vial, she beats a hasty exit and lets the villains fight amongst themselves. It's more important in her opinion to get the vial back in safe hands. This scene interested me because Batman usually doesn't behave in such a manner. He would beat the snot out of the villains--well, not the ladies--and then return the vial to safety, but Batgirl isn't obsessed with fighting crime, and Paul Storrie by showing her actually allowing the criminals their freedom and having her more concerned with the mcguffin displays his comfort with this character and the overall characterization of Gotham. He also never forgets who trained her. Watch as Babs uses an understanding of psychology to plant Ivy in a bad place.

Cat's Paw

Gotham Girls #1
October 2002

Opening with a classic Catwoman theft, "Cat's Paw" soon dissolves into the majority of scenes where a determined Batgirl chases Catwoman through Gotham. The differences of Mr. Storrie's attitude can be found in Batgirl's efficacy. She is even more a threat to Catwoman's plans than Batman. The dialogue hints at the reason.Batman and Catwoman share a mutual attraction, and because of this attraction, the Dark Knight subconsciously allows her to slip through his fingers. Likewise, Catwoman will ignore the perfect score if it saves Batman. Readers recently saw this occur in Batman: Gotham Adventures.Batgirl has no such psychological impediments. Even Catwoman becomes surprised and in order to escape, though with her tail tucked firmly between her legs, she must cheat and resort to underhanded villainy. Her karmic payback thus especially satisfies as does Batgirl's tight-fisted promise of "Round two."

Green Mind

Batman:Gotham Adventures #53
October 2002

The story in Batman Gotham Adventures isn't another perfect issue. The plot bears too close a resemblance to a classic Brave and Bold in which Batman teams with Swamp Thing to remove a giant weed that has strangled Gotham City, yet the team's skill in characterization and the depiction of movement as well as Batman lore far exceeds any other title allegedly focusing on the Bat.Right from the opening, Mr. Leavins portrays Batman unusually: full costume but with his cowl down. The scene hearkens to Denny O'Neil and Neal Adams choosing to have Batman bare-chested but wearing tights and cowl duel Ras Al Ghul. Batman and Bruce Wayne are not split but entwined. It is not the costume who cares about Alfred's plight. It's the man whom Alfred helped raised, but the man is more when wearing the costume.Batman's rage at Alfred's victimization is savage. With his hands clad only in his gauntlets, he literally tears the plant apart until it releases the last of his original family. This scene leads to an exciting pitfall and a clever Dark Knight escape.As the proceedings settle, Batman and Alfred share a genuine moment of dry humor, and afterward in the cave, we see how Batman is the consummate detective. He doesn't immediately assume Poison Ivy is the culprit. He simply lists her as the prime suspect. The burden of proof at Arkham removes any doubt.At this point, Scott Peterson and Tim Leavins display their usual sensitivity to all the characters of the Bat-Cast. That sensitivity has made this comic book the consistently best produced. The plant does not touch Harley; it vents its anger on the Joker--a thorn in the Harley/Ivy relationship, and Mr. Leavins beautifully captures the sadness in Harley's demeanor. She misses Ivy. The irony is that Batman who is considered the most emotionally stunted hero in the DCU here exhibits an insightful ability to read emotions. Actually, that's not irony. That's how Batman should be portrayed.Night colors by Lee Louridge mute Batman's movement through Arkham until a fiery moment foreshadowed with Kevin Conroy's terse, gravely delivery courtesy of Albert T. DeGuzzeman arranger of words. After extricating the staff of Arkham offscreen--because you need only do the math with the added power of "He's Batman" to see the transition, The Darknight Detective leaves the city for the jungle. The natural dangers show off his speed and reflexes, and Terry Beatty's inks emphasize his flexing muscle without shedding the streamlined style of the animated series.The meeting between Batman and Ivy is memorable, not only for Ivy's fetching new dress of leaves, but because of the characteristic dialogue, and her amorality. The duel between them is not one of brawn, but a psychological war based upon Batman's reputation and Ivy's obsession.

In Wolf's Clothing

Justice League Adventures #6
June 2002

Oh! Sweet! Justice League Adventures is so clever I never saw the final twist speeding like a bullet at me. Unfortunately, I can't really say a word without giving up all the lovely surprises big and small. So, this review will be vague.To be fully appreciated, the jokes and characterization require that you understand the blissful comic book age of multiple earths. Fortunately I grew up during that time. However, even if you are oblivious to the glory of vibrational planes and a Huntress who was Batman's daughter, the plot is cunning enough and amusing enough to still bring a grin to your face.You may recall my complaining about only recognizing a handful of women depicted in a recent two page Wonder Woman spread, Justice League Adventures also revels in a two page tapestry of individuals, but this time I recognized each and every one of them even when stylized by the simplified art deco of Min S. Ku. This is what's missing from DC's new cosmology--group knowledge: the idea that you could meet anyone who reads comic books and discuss the latest Batman/Aquaman team-up. DC has alienated its core readers, and sadly, I stand among them out in the cold. Fortunately, there are these superb Cartoon Network Presents books. Cheaper but more meaningful than any year long storyarc depicting the degradation of Batman.If you wish to see the heroes act like the heroes they were, the only place you can consistently find their former behavior is in Batman: Gotham Adventures and this latest association Justice League Adventures. Here, Batman is a genius and a master of as many skills as he once possessed in the original DC universe. Here Superman is the most powerful individual on the planet. Here Wonder Woman is second only to Superman in power and unparalleled in graceful gymnastics. Justice League Adventures is the last stand for super-powered groups fighting for the very cause in its name.

batman Harley

Batman: Harley Quinn #1
1999

The only comic collection currently in print here in the UK, the rather slim Batman Harley Quinn, is a bit of let down after the cartoon series. It has to fit in with the continuity of the series which at the time had Gotham in a semi-ruin post an earthquake. The character has been revved up by Poison Ivy's potions to make her a more of a super-villain with super-speed and dexterity and we don't get the bonkers weapons she used in the cartoon like the giant mallet and her gun (modelled off the marotte or mock-sceptre court jesters would employ). It does not capture the playful fun of the original character being to big and bouncy to fit in with the brooding nature of the current incarnation of Batman

Running the Asylum

Batman:Gotham Adventures #45
February 2002

Somebody has kidnaped Arkham's top shrink.A decisive fight against Killer Croc, a funny and adaptive method of rendering unconscious an Arkham inmate and a fun scene where Batman creeps out a neophyte psychiatrist gives Gotham Adventures it's meat.

The Witch and the Warrior, Part 2: Girl Frenzy

WONDER WOMAN Vol. 2 #175

December 2001

With the male heroes of the DCU having been turned into animals by Circe, the female heroes must work to save their male counterparts from the villains that Circe has set loose. As we see the entire female hero/villain population of the DCU running around in this issue, we look in on Wonder Woman, who discovers she has an even bigger threat to face, as she finds herself up against Superman, who has been turned into a raging brute thanks to Circe's spell. As these two big guns of the DCU duke it out, we see the battle is hampered by the fact that Diana is continually trying to reason with Superman, and as such she is leaving herself open to attack far too often. Meanwhile, Lex Luthor is busy proving himself to be a bad captive, as he is able to turn the tables on Circe, by taking Lyta captive, and threatens to kill his young hostage if Circe does make him human again. Back with the Superman/Wonder Woman battle, we see it's brought to an end when Diana gets Superman inside her magic lasso, and the rest of the crisis is resolved with an exceptional ease.

Villains: Circe, Axis, Azure (an alleged incarnation of Huitzilopochtli), Body Doubles, Breathtaker, Chain Lightning, Cheetah III, Cheshire (next in Titans #34), Cybercat, Dervish, Death-Doll, Demolitia, Double Dare, Elemental Woman, Gemeni, Giganta, Godiva II, Gorgeous Gilly, Harpi, Hazard, Hope, Mercy, Hyena, Jewelee, Jinx, Killer Frost II, Knockout, Lady Shiva, Lady Vic, Magpie, Magenta, Mongal, Ms. Mesmer, Mustang Sally, New-Wave, Nightfall, Nox, Penny Dreadful, Poison Ivy, Rosie, Scirocco, Shiv, Sickle, Silver Banshee, Silver Swan II, Strangle-Hold Sylph, Tao Jones, Ten, Tigress II, Touch' N' Go, Trinity, Twister, Velvet Tiger, Vicki Grant, Vicious & Pistolera (as the Ravens), White Rabbit, Bolt, Doctor Light III, Joker, Lex Luthr, Mirror Master, Ocean Master

Far from the Tree

Gotham Knights #15

May 2001

While Tim Drake wonders about his relationship to Batman in light of some files discovered on the Batcave's computers, his parents attend an ecological charity event. This event is crashed by a newly-escaped Poison Ivy, who entwines all the women in vines and puts the men under her control - Tim switches to his Robin identity and joins Batman out there. Although Tim's dad and step-mother are under Ivy's control, Batman elects to free the hostages himself while sending Robin after Ivy. Robin negotiates with Ivy, saying that he'll give in to her demands about the ethics of some of the businessmen, but qon't allow them to be killed. He then holds the grass hostage with the threat of fire and explains his own demands. Ivy will agree to release the hostages, but not to return to Arkham. She makes to leave, allowing Robin to live, but is knocked out by a batarang from Batman. Batman tells Robin that he sent him after Ivy because he trusted him, not because he didn't think he'd handle seeing his dad in danger, and Robin realises his relationship with Batman is more secure than he thought.

Taking Over the Asylum

Justice Leagues:Justice League of Arkham #1
March 2001

The prime chapters belong to the Justice Leagues formed by Batman and the Martian Manhunter. Paul Grist writes superb Batman. He accepts that the JLA is a vital part of Batman and who he has become. He doesn't give in to the darker philosophy: the group to Batman is vestigial. He understands Batman's reasoning. The Dark Knight is not teaming up with the villains. He instead uses them and implements his understanding of his nemeses psychology. Thus, Batman knows which buttons to break in order for Arkham's inmates and Blackgate's cons to unite for the good of the city.In no way does any villain overshadow the Batman. Mr. Grist makes Justice League of Arkham all about Batman. He narrates. Nightwing's loyalty to his mentor--not, I repeat, not unrequited lover (imbeciles)--affects the direction of the plot. Batman not only almost pieces together the meaning behind the multiple Justice Leagues. He also anticipates the inevitable double-cross through his role as a scientist in the analysis of an unknown chemical compound. Yow!Coy Turnbull isn't what I would call a definitive Batman artist. There are no great artistic Batman moments. His villains are his strongest characters. The Riddler and Joker steal much of the aesthetic spotlight. His interpretation of Scarface is horrific, and perhaps better suited for a story of that type. His Poison Ivy and Catwoman however raise no hackles. Sex appeal is the duo's greatest weapon, but Mr. Turnbull can't seem to create sensuality with his style. Mr. Turnbull's work is undeniably compelling. He experiments with multiple angles to produce a wholly unique work that still crates a flow beneficial to the story. Not once does the visual narrative waver. We watch Batman set an objective. We watch he and his team carry out that objective. End of story.

Going Out With A Bang!"

Harley Quinn #19
June 2002

The book opens with Harley Quinn getting zapped by the Bizarro making device, but when nothing materializes in the chamber, we see Harley decides she got off lucky, and she blasts off into the wild blue yonder with her jet-pack. However, she quickly crosses paths with Superman & finds herself being brought back to S.T.A.R. Labs, where she tricks Bizarro into attacking Superman. As she slips away once again, we see her efforts to kill Jimmy Olson are foiled by Superman, and she can do little more than try & fool him with some fake kryptonite. Meanwhile, the Bizarro machine has spit out a Bizarro Harley, but Bizarro soon discovers that this version of Harley would make a horrible bride, as she's nagging, uptight, and completely domineering. However, the real Harley is able to make her double explode, when she attempts to make it admit it's having a good time. We then see Harley endangers Jimmy long enough to attempt an escape, but her jet-pack explodes, and Harley is seemingly vaporized in the explosion.

The Bride of Bizarro

Harley Quinn #18
May 2002

The book opens with Jimmy Olson making the discovery that Holly Chance is really Harley Quinn, and as he attempts to escape from her apartment, we see that in classic Jimmy Olson fashion all he manages to do is unearth every single super-villain that is in the place. After Jimmy passed out from sheer fright, we see Harley decides that now would be a pretty good time to visit Lexcorp, as not only is it host to a ton of technological marvels that she could put to good use, but there's also a Bizarrotron device that could be used to make Bizarro the bride that he longs for. As Harley & Bizarro drag Jimmy along to Lexcorp we see Bizarro's eagerness to make his bride allows Jimmy to slip away. We then see Harley has hooked up with a willing scientist who will operate the Bizarrotron, but Harley ends up being the only choice on hand for the machine to duplicate. Meanwhile, Jimmy has been busy building a device that sends out a distress signal for Superman, and the issue ends with the Man of Steel speeding to the scene.

"#1 Am the Loneliest Number

Harley Quinn #17
April 2002

The book opens with Harley Quinn trying to figure out how she can best remove herself from the clingy Bizarro, who has come seeking her advice on how he can find the love of his life. After a few miscues we see Harley is able to figure out how to deal with the backwards thinking Bizarro, and when she sees that he's not going to let her get away until she solves his problem, she decides to make the most of the situation by making Bizarro part of her supporting cast. We then see Harley arrive back at her apartment, where she & Poison Ivy engage in a question/answer session with their hostage Thorn, before Bizarro arrives to spoil their fun. We then see Jimmy Olson with his uncanny talent to stumble into the most dangerous situations on the planet, decides he's going to pay a visit to Harley's apartment. As Jimmy walks into an apartment full of super-villains, we look in on Clark Kent, as he discovers that Harley & Bizarro have joined forces, and the issue ends with Superman deciding this is a situation that requires his attention.

Both Sides Now

Harley Quinn #16
March 2002

As the book opens we see Jimmy Olson & Harley Quinn, in her civilian identity, have emerged from S.T.A.R. Labs with conflicting stories about what went on inside. If you believe Jimmy's tale, the place was under attack by the murderous duo of Harley Quinn & Poison Ivy, whose bid to make off with an experimental jet-pack was foiled by the timely arrival of Thorn. If you believe Harley's tale, what we had was two fun-loving women who were playing a big gag on the staff of S.T.A.R. Labs, until they were assaulted by a crazed woman named Thorn. After they've told their stories to the police that have surrounded the building, we see Harley sneak back inside where she manages to get her hands on the jet-pack, and as she is testing out her new toy to get away from the police, Harley finds herself snatched away by a man in red & blue tights. What's more this familiar face is looking for a cure to his crushing loneliness, and as luck would have it Harley is just the type of companion he was seeking, or rather wasn't seeking.

Metropolis Mailbag

Harley Quinn #15
February 2002

As the book opens we see Harley Quinn is making herself at home in Metropolis, as after helping Poison Ivy steal fertilizer from a greenhouse, she settles into her day-job, as the romance/advice columnist for the Daily Planet. We also see her take time out to freak Jimmy Olson out, as he's convinced Harley came to Metropolis gunning for him. As time moves on we see Harley's column has become quite a hit, but as her advice to readers becomes more twisted & reflects her true personality, we see Perry White orders her to tone it down. Deciding to play it cool, Harley follows Perry's request, but we see her start to set letters aside, as Harley has decided to give personal attention to these letters. The first letter involves a woman who is trying to convince herself that her cheating husband is really Superman. Deciding that she needs to correct this misconception right away, this couple is paid a visit by Harley Quinn, where the husband proves himself to be anything but super. As the issue ends we see that Harley is soon going to have a run in with a man in blue tights, and a red cape.

Bright Lights, Big City part 1: Welcome to Metropolis

Harley Quinn #14
January 2002

This issue opens with Harley Quinn & Poison Ivy having a run-in with the police squad of Metropolis, that has been specially designed to bring in super-powered baddies. However, they didn't count on Harley being insane enough to escape by driving her bike off a hundred-foot drop. The book then jumps back to earlier in the day where we see the two wandering villains have decided to set up shop in Metropolis. After a brief tussle with Thorn, who the two quickly subdue & place in a public/embarrassing situation, we see them rejoin the opening scene, where they survive their fall, thanks to Ivy's plant controlling ability. The two villains then get themselves a penthouse suite, as they are lucky enough to arrive when the owner kills herself, thus allowing them free reign of the place. We then follow Harley as she has a chance meeting with Jimmy Olson, who allows Harley to get a job as the new love/advice columnist for the Daily Planet. Let the mayhem begin

Night and Day

Harley Quinn #13
December 2001

As the book opens we are introduced to a couple who thanks to being exposed to a dose of unknown radiation, turn into a pair of murderous, highly evil creatures when the sun goes down. We then see that they are freed from captivity by the Joker, who after exposing them to a dose of his joker-gas, sends them on a mission to kill Harley Quinn. Meanwhile, Harley is trying to convince a reluctant Poison Ivy to join her on her road trip, but her attention is diverted when she is attacked by the duo the Joker sent her way. Seeing that these two are have been exposed to Mister J's gas, Harley sets about coming up with an antidote, but we soon see that the cure that Harley comes up with has an unforeseen side-effect, that further complicates the lives of these two. However, while she made their problem worse, Harley did manage to get these two off her back, and she's also able to convince Ivy to join her, as she leaves Gotham City.

Quintessence

Harley Quinn #12
November 2001

As all of the players from this book's opening year descend upon Harley Quinn's secret hideout, we see chaos ensues. We have Harley playing the role of matchmaker, as she tries to get two of the hired guns sent to capture her to realize their feelings for each other. We have Harley's band of henchmen making a power grab by trying to knock off their somewhat flighty boss. We have Batman on hand trying to bring Harley to justice. Yes, this issue has it all, from a showdown between the traitorous Nix & Harley, to a fairly amusing battle between Harley & Batman. All of these elements bandy back & forth in this issue, and when all the smoke clears we see Harley has succeeded at her goal, and managed to make her escape, while Batman is forced to leave empty-handed. We then see that Harley has decided to clear out of Gotham, and that joining her on this tour of the DCU will be a reluctant Poison Ivy.

Larger Than Life

Harley Quinn #5
April 2001

It was nice to go over Harley's origins. I would like to know what was in that strange brew that Poison Ivy gave her. What were the ingredients that caused her to have abnormal strength and agility? The cliffhanger was a wham, bam attention getter as she plans to break into the Stately Wayne Manor for a payload of cash.

Welcome to the Party

Harley Quinn #3
February 2001

We continue ever onwards with this bizarre little anomaly on the corner of the Bat family. Not the lingerie-fest we were led to believe last issue (cheated!) but still if you get your kicks from lovingly rendered pictures of virtually nude, extremely nubile and most definitely horny females (and let’s face it who doesn't...apart from some completely straight females who don't even see the aesthetic beauty of it) there is still plenty here for you.

A Heart Broken in Two

Harley Quinn #2
January 2001


We gave dualism jokes all the way through courtesy of Two Face and his henchmen and Ivy bounces around the place in a sexy body suit. There are twists, turns and action without the sexual undertones from last time (shame, still next issue is going to be an all girl slumber party and if that oh so sexy final picture is anything to go by I'll be there).

the roller coaster of love

Harley Quinn #1
Cover Date: December 2000

Poison Ivy Appearances

Faith

Wonder Woman #167
April 2001

4th a nd final part of Gods of gotham

Fear

Wonder Woman #166
March 2001

There is some attempt at character exploration, with various heroes confronting personal fears (the god who inhabits the Scarecrow is, not surprisingly, a god of fear) and there is some intriguing philosophizing about religion and faith here and there. But a lot of it's heavy handed. The characters state ideas more than demonstrate them. And the character-human emotion stuff is a little shallow anyway. The best stuff is the always very "real" interaction between Teen Titans buddies, Nightwing and Troia. So much so that one half wished the story could've been just about them. There's also an amusing exchange between Batman and Nightwing when they first hook up. But the main marketing point, the teaming up of all the heroes, is part of the problem. With too many heroes, few get enough space to simply be people.

Avatars

Wonder Woman 165
February 2001


As for the plot: the story hits the ground running, which might almost be a part of the problem. Sure, it means it starts fast...but there's little build up, little chance for us to be drawn into the story. Tthe Gods have assembled a cult, headed by another Batman foe, Maxie Zeus, and most of the story takes place in a kind of inter-dimensional limbo located inside an old church. Structurally, it probably works better as a collected story because it doesn't really feel like something that should've been serialized. There aren't a lot of twists or turns, nor does it shoot off on unexpected sub-plots. It's basically an 88 page action sequenc that takes place in and around this church/dimensional rift. Even a couple of the cliff-hangers that break up the issues/chapters are kind of pointless, with a character declaring something we already knew but acting as if it's a shocking revelation that hooks us for the breathless "To Be Continued" notice at the bottom of the page that then leads to the next chapter. And the climax is a little too Deus ex machina.