Tag: Harley Quinn

REVIEW: Harley Quinn: Reckoning by Rachael Allen

REVIEW: Harley Quinn: Reckoning by Rachael Allen

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Random House Books for Young Readers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Between Harley’s own experiences of abuse and misogyny and what happens to her friend, Bernice, at a frat party, Harley’s decided she’s not going to take it any more.

Her retaliation against Bernice’s attacker catches some attention, and other girls come forward wanting to punish some of the more egregious examples of sexism and abuse on campus. Together they become The Reckoning.

But when members of The Reckoning are targeted, including Bernice, who has become something more than just a friend, Harley is desperate to find out what is happening to the people who have become like family to her and protect them.

Review

Harley is not a character in the DC Universe I’ve read a lot about. I have mostly a passing familiarity with her. But I have enjoyed this DC Icons series for years, so of course I picked up the latest addition.

The author does an amazing job with teasing out Harley’s darkness while still keeping her endearing. You are rooting for her – to triumph over her family and living situation, to get to pursue her dreams. But at the same time you cringe at revenge (real or imagined) taken too far. I found myself torn between the visceral desire to see the misogynists and abusers brought low and the line between right and wrong in the eyes of the law. There’s a lot said here about what it’s like for women in STEM for readers to consider as well.

All of the things I know about Harley from previous encounters – her brilliance, her fascination with the Joker, her own penchant for violence, her sexuality, her interest in psychology – are all tucked into this story. Again, the author does this in such a natural way while still telling her own story. It’s really well done. My only complaint is that I feel the timeline could have been more clear. The book starts in one place, then jumps back in time, and then jumps a couple more times. Hopefully this will be more clear in the final published version of the story.

I didn’t realize until the end that this is launching a trilogy of books. I have my fingers crossed about the next subject after a teaser in the book. I’m not sure if “trilogy” means they will all focus on Harley, or if it is more of a Sirens trilogy – but I’m here for it no matter what. HQ fans and DC fans should be sure to pick this one up. (Some language, reference to sexual assault/child abuse and neglect/emotional abuse, grief and loss)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read

REVIEW: Batman Overdrive by Shea Fontana

REVIEW: Batman Overdrive by Shea Fontana

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and DC Entertainment in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary

Bruce Wayne is a month away from turning 16. A month away from a driver’s license which means freedom from Alfred, his butler, guardian, and overseer. He’s a teen on the edge – a street vigilante looking for a fight, always pushing to be independent. He’s so close to that freedom he is desperate for.

Part of that freedom is driving his dad’s ’66 Crusader. But the car has seen better days. Bruce meets Mateo at the salvage yard and he says he’ll help Bruce track down the parts he needs. But their plans are interrupted by some masked girls who keep stealing from Mateo’s uncle at the scrap yard. One girl, they notice, dresses like a cat.

Catwoman, Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy and Lady Shiva are stealing luxury cars and then stealing things from the salvage yard to change up the looks of the cars. Bruce and Mateo are on the case, but they have no idea the girls Bruce knows from karate are the car thieves.

Bruce is also investigating his parents’ murders. Carmine Falcone is his primary suspect. And he’s finding clues that could tie Falcone to the car thefts. But is it possible there are also ties between Falcone… and Alfred?

Review

This was fun! So much of the Batman future is in evidence – the secret entrance to the garage, Alfred, the “Batmobile” name, and the villains. Fans of the franchise will see a lot of familiar pieces in this.

The Alfred storyline was my favorite part of this. If you’re looking for it, you can see his presence, always watching out for Bruce. The panels of moments between Alfred and young Bruce are so precious. And anyone who understands grief and loss can see how Bruce is looking for an outlet for his anger. Alfred is the convenient target. Yet he keeps showing up. Just like a parent.

I’m eager to see if this becomes a series and if any other DC characters join this young hero team. I enjoyed the group that Bruce puts together and would eagerly show up for more adventures for them in the future. In this book, the car theft case gets wrapped up and Bruce gets some closure on the murder of his parents. Don’t miss this one!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: DC Super Hero Girls Graphic Novels by Shea Fontana

REVIEW: DC Super Hero Girls Graphic Novels by Shea Fontana

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received an electronic review copy of both of these books from Netgalley and DC Comics in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

DC Super Hero Girls Out of the Bottle – Summary

Wonder Woman, Harley Quinn, Supergirl and Katana are in the art room at Super Hero High working on their comics project. Katana’s is one of the best their teacher has ever seen, but Wonder Woman and Harley Quinn are struggling with theirs. While Wonder Woman checks out Supergirl’s project, Harley decides to try their teacher’s “magic paint” on her own.

When Katana checks on Wonder Woman’s project in order to encourage her friend, one of Harley’s drawings has moved from her project onto Wonder Woman’s. And the comic version of Harley is only interested in causing trouble. Soon she is off the pages all together and hassling the heroes face to face. Then she sets all of their comic characters free, too – and they all become villains.

Review

This is a fun addition to the Super Hero High graphic novel collection. It was the sixth book in the series so far (although in some places it is marked as book 5), after Date with Disaster and before Search for Atlantis. The story for this one is delightfully wacky, which fits the focus on Harley, with more chaos in every chapter, especially when the art teacher gives in to her dark side. The solution to the runaway comic characters is a little cheesy, but I think kids will get a kick out of it (although it may elicit some groans). The story takes a serious turn at the end when the characters talk about anger management, mental health, and therapy. This seems like a great message for the audience – it’s okay to need help and to get help!

These are fun characters, familiar in a lot of ways but still growing up, learning about friendship, and gaining confidence in themselves and their gifts. This particular book had some nice moments celebrating creativity along with the usual friendship and teamwork themes. Fans of this series will gobble up this story.

This is a lighter, sillier version of the characters in Lisa Yee’s middle grade novels. One series or the other (or in my case, both!) will appeal to superhero fans in general as well as fans of these particular heroes.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥

 

DC Super Hero Girls Search for Atlantis – Summary

Mera has arrived from Atlantis to go to Super Hero High. Wonder Woman offers to help her get settled in. The two become friends, leaving Bumblebee feeling left out. Mr. Fox, the weaponomics teacher, leads the heroes on a field trip to Atlantis. But after a battle with a giant squid the group discovers Atlantis has gone missing! It is a lost city once again.

The kids discover Brainiac has shrunken the city and keeps it on his ship. Their elaborate plan to rescue Atlantis requires Miss Martian to impersonate a criminal; the Teen Titans to back her up; and Bumblebee, Wonder Woman, Supergirl, and Mera to shrink down and wait in a fake miniature city until Miss Martian’s team sells it to Brainiac. What could possibly go wrong?!

Review

This series just gets better and better! I loved this story. It’s intricate with lots of suspense and conflict in each chapter. The characters are smart and play off one another in familiar ways (the Teen Titans are a great example). I loved the emphasis on Bumblebee, Raven and Miss Martian in this story. I know Raven from a few episodes of Teen Titans Go! and Miss Martian from Young Justice. I enjoy both of those characters a lot, so I loved seeing them get a lot of focus in this story. The author does a great job with these characters as well as with Bumblebee’s angst and jealousy over Wonder Woman’s friendship with Mera.

In the midst of superhero powers and super villain schemes, there’s a very relate-able friendship crisis that plays out through the larger Atlantis/Brainiac story that’s fantastic! Highly recommend.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥

REVIEW: Catwoman Soul Stealer by Sarah J. Maas

REVIEW: Catwoman Soul Stealer by Sarah J. Maas

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Selina Kyle is willing to do whatever it takes to protect her younger sister, Maggie. At first that means fighting for Carmine Falcone as a Leopard – part of a girl gang. Selina is smart and skilled. She’s undefeated in the fight circuit.

But when Selina is arrested for fighting with the police who come to put her and Maggie into foster homes, she’s in no position to protect anyone anymore. Talia al Ghūl makes her an offer she can’t refuse. Talia will clean up Selina’s arrest record and make sure Maggie gets into a safe situation where her significant medical needs can be addressed, and Selina will join the League of Assassins.

Two years later, Selina is back in Gotham as socialite Holly Vanderhees. No one knows Holly is also the new criminal, Catwoman, who is robbing the Gotham high society folks blind. Not even Holly’s new neighbor, Luke Fox, knows what she does in her free time. But that’s okay. Holly/Selina doesn’t know Luke is Batwing, determined to protect Gotham from any threat – including Catwoman.

Review

This was terrific! This is the third DC Icons book after Wonder Woman Warbringer and Batman Nightwalker. I have enjoyed all three books, and I’m usually not a DC fan.

This one had a different feel to it as Catwoman is not the “hero” so to speak. She hooks up with Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy to rob the city blind and cause plenty of chaos. But Catowman is a likable villain. She contrasts well with the ruthless, bomb trigger-happy Harley Quinn. Selina is more strategic than Harley and she’s as bright as Poison Ivy which makes them great as a pair. Ivy’s unrequited crush on Harley complicates the affinity she has with Catwoman. Her loyalty is always in flux, which made for a fun dynamic.

Poor Batwing can’t catch a break. Batman’s out of town but still manages to keep tabs on Gotham news and call Luke to ask if he’s up to the task of keeping the city safe. Neither man is aware of the world of hurt about to descend on Gotham.

This was a delight to read. Complicated characters, secret identities, and romantic chemistry between “Holly” and Luke as well as Catwoman and Batwing. And then the mystery of Catwoman’s plan for Gotham and all the things that have to happen for her to achieve it. Completely satisfying!

Book four, Superman Dawnbreaker  (spring 2019) goes back to highlighting the heroes. These are standalone stories and can be read in any order (Language)

Rating: ♥♥♥♥