Written By: Paul Dini
Artist: Bret Blevins
Lettering by: Dave Sharpe
Cover Art: Amanda Connor
Published By: DC Comics
Harley and Mister J have found a new home but have to cough up a cool $3,000,000 to some criminal builders for all the renovations. However only Harley knows the steep price of the repairs and its proving difficult to come up with the money, as a new villian has joined Gotham’s crime world and is targeting all the best spots in the city. Can a trap draw this new criminal out of the shadows, or will they be able to sniff her out?
Harley Quinn awakes alongside her Puddin’ and pups, content until she realises she has a ginormous bill to pay. This will be the least of her worries, when Harley and Joker set out to trap the newest villainous character to enter Gotham – the Grison. This is only a two-issue run, as it wraps up the ‘Harley Loves Joker’ flashback that happened in the Rebirth series last year.
The Grison is a weasel-human hybrid that is from Harley’s past before she became Joker’s babe. Both Harley and the Grison’s real identity attended the same University work experience placement. They had conflicting ideals back then of how to treat animals. The Grison has previously appeared in last year’s Harley Quinn DC Universe Rebirth. The Penguin also appears in this issue, putting one of his most expensive belongings on show in order to help the Joker draw out the Grison. We also get to see the history of the conflict between Harley and Grison, as well as the Grison’s origin story.
There’s certainly some real rivalry going on between Harley and the Grison! There will be even more so in the second issue after the way this one ended. With Harleys acrobatic skills and the Grison’s new abilities, it is an almost even playing field between the two as they go head to head. It will be interesting to see if Bat’s make an appearance in the next issue.
Paul Dini has a great deal of experience with DC Comics and Harley’s character. Having written Harley & Ivy Meet Betty & Veronica, Gotham City Sirens and Batman: Streets of Gotham, he certainly knows his Batman Universe. This is also reflected in the script. This issue is illustrated by Bret Blevins, who has also worked on Batman: Zero Hour and Harley Quinn Road Trip Special #1. This issue features a Harley design which is beyond iconic, with her jester hat and black eye mask. Her mallet and boxing gloves also make an appearance. She shows her affection for Mister J by finding a solution for their money trouble and planting a peck on his cheek as he sleeps. We even get to see Harley go through a few wardrobe changes as well, as her classic jumpsuit design is also used for a dress. The Grison’s character design is very interesting; she can expel noxious gases, and she is also covered head to toe in fur, after having undergone an experimental procedure.
Issue one will be available on the 2nd of May, and the last issue is coming out on the 16th of May.
Overall: 8/10
