Creative Team – Erica Henderson, Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Published by DC Comics
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This comic is reviewed by both Megan from the Vigilante Vibes Podcast and Matt from the Hops “Geek” News podcast!
The Story
Matt – There is an oddly beautiful love story buried deep beneath trauma in this opening issue from two beloved villains turned lovers. I have always been a sucker for the relationship Harley and Ivy have had as they share a soft understanding and affection together. Erica peels back layers; however, with this as she delves into Harley’s trauma associated with the Joker. Throughout the issue, there are callbacks to moments such as in Mad Love and other more recent stories. Ivy wishes to destroy the plant that caused so much harm to them and Gotham, but Harley cannot let go.
As the story reaches a climactic cliffhanger, we see Joker return terrifyingly, as it’s the Joker when he stapled his face back on. I love all of the nods and easter eggs to the rich history of all of these characters, and we are finally getting to see an origin story of how these two grew together and found each other through even the darkest times.
Megan – We all love to see Harley Quinn and Ivy together, but where did it all start? In this story written by the very talented Erica Henderson, we get to see exactly that, the beginning. Harley and Ivy take us through the origin story of their love, and it is exactly what you’d want it to be. It’s exciting, impactful, and finally paints The Joker in the light he deserves when it comes to Harley. Harley is in her ‘safe space’, the factory where she jumped into the toxic sludge that made her who she is.
What the Joker refers to as their “love nest”, Ivy sees it for what it is, a place that adds to the destroying of the planet with its toxicity. Harley cannot let that happen as this place is apart of her, so she fights for it. Ivy is no slouch, so she gives it right back. That is until their joined by The Joker himself, who puts love for Harley on full display. This is when Ivy sees her new mission, to protect Harley.
Erica Henderson brings a story we’ve all been asking for, the love story of Harley and Ivy, but she starts all the way at the beginning. We get to see the two lovebirds before they fall madly in love, when they were nothing more than perfect strangers. I love how she put The Joker’s toxicity on full display, making Ivy react by impulse. This was an extremely strong start to this series, and I am anxiously waiting to see what’s next.
The Art
Matt – Erica does an excellent job crafting the artwork to be very reminiscent of the 90’s animated Batman series in this issue. Harley is in her outfit from when we first met her, and the colors have a delightful softness to them in this rather troubling origin. The way she creates reflections of iconic scenes in the sludge and uses the objects around them to play a part in this story was magnificently done. There is a lot of power in the details of the scenery and the characters that make this stand out.
Megan – As well as write the story, Erica Henderson also handles the artwork of the comic, accompanied by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou who handles the lettering. The artwork itself is bubbly, vibrant, and impactful. Erica goes out of her way to guarantee you’ll feel the emotion of the characters through the art, and that is very obvious on each page. Hassan handles the letters beautifully, giving each sentence so much power. Together, they both created a gorgeous comic that feels very on brand for the characters.
Final Thoughts
Matt -10/10. I love a good love story. This could be made for Hallmark, even. There is a lot of emotion and callbacks throughout that bring this story together wonderfully.
Megan – 10/10. The emotions high, the story was strong, and the characters were perfect. Erica Henderson outdid herself!
Overall Grade –
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