[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Writer: Collin Kelly & Jackson Lanzing
Artist: Aneke
Colors: Kelly Fitzpatrick
Summary
Dr. Harleen Quinzel was once the architect of Governor Luthor’s mind-controlling ridealong project; now, as Harley Quinn—with her sidekick JØker in tow—she’s returned to the Garden to see her good work burn. The Bat and Batgirl have never forgotten the trouble she’s caused, and her return to the city is their chance for revenge!
Positives
This was quite an issue. We got to see how Dr. Harleen Quinzel turned into Harley Quinn in this crazy, post-apocalyptic world, and how one of her patients, Lloyd, became the JØker. The juxtaposition of the past and present was great to see. I love that it was Harley that helped Lex to perfect the ridealongs. And seeing her and Lloyd go a bit crazy after she attempted to wipe their implants’ data, turning them into their current identities, was fascinating.
We also finally meet Jim Gordon’s other daughter, Barbara, who is working with Batman. It’s weird to view them as the bad guys, while thinking of Harley and JØker as the good guys. It’s a crazy, backwards world that puts you off kilter as a long time reader of DC Comics.
One of the things about this issue that really stood out to me was the art. It’s fantastic! Aneke created some beautiful images, particularly the full splash pages of Harley and JØker taking on Batman and Oracle.
Negatives
I honestly found nothing negative while reading this issue.
Verdict
This is another great issue for this series, and has continued to keep me hooked for the next chapter. Who is trying to frame Kara for the death of Jim? Is it Batman? Is it Lex? Or is there someone else? I guess we’ll just have to wait to find out.
