I haven’t reviewed a graphic novel in so long that the idea of writing this review brings me so much joy! This volume came up in 2019 and I totally forgot about it until recently. I was in a huge reading slump and I always find graphic novels to be a nice way to cheer me up. And this one definitely pulled me out of that slump.
An impressive achievement by Mariko Tamaki with the brush stroke of Steve Pugh, the symbiotic of the illustrations and the script is on another level. The story is about Harley Quinn in her teenage life filled with all the diverse characters from Gotham and you clearly see how she spice things up around that city. Mariko Tamaki conveys the plot in the most entertaining and interesting way possible, while making Harley Quinn her own narrator, she also makes place to each individual in the story have a voice of their own. It’s also fast-paced and full of actions, you won’t even have time to get bored that Harley Quinn drags you onto one of her own adventures.
The dynamic Harley Quinn and her entourage in this book is incredible, like how Mama is a Drag Queen who owns the coolest club around town? Yes please for more chaotic neutral! :3 And Poison Ivy is a proud feminist and plant activist all the while being smart and have the sense of leadership? Sign me up! We also get the glimpse of the mysterious Joker 😉
Harley Quinn and Wonder Woman are my two favourite characters from the DC universe and I’ve been following their different storylines very closely. So honestly, this teenager retelling was great and the art of Steve Pugh just made everything better. From the costumes to the details of the markers when the characters put forward their anger and revenge, to the sudden change and revelation of the climax. Everything was blended perfectly with their dialogues.
Thank you Penguin Random House Canada for this copy to review!
RATING: 5/5
Read and reviewed by Trang Tran
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This sounds amazing. Looks like you really enjoyed this. Great review!
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I’ve not followed much in the DC universe so I’m not very familiar with this character, though I’ve heard of her. Glad to see you enjoyed it. I know what you mean about graphic novels being a great read between other genres and styles. And I like the style of artwork in this one, with the watercolor feel to the coloring.
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I love Harley Quinn so much. She’s always been my favourite character, and I fell in love with Mad Love when I first read it. This looks like another great book that focuses on her. Maybe I’ll have to pick it up – though I’m more into Marvel now.
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I’m glad to hear that this one was good!
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Agreed, graphic novels are fantastic for beating a tough reading slump. Glad you enjoyed this one. I liked it too! 🙂
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Yayy!🥰🥰 So happy you liked it too! I feel like the art and the plot just blend super well together? And how amazing was Ivy😂
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Yesss! I loved Ivy in this! ❤
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