Review by Booklist Review
Harley Quinn is notorious for her allegiance to the Joker, but how did she start on her path to chaotic villainy? That's what this origin story tackles, starting when Harleen Quinzel arrives in Gotham City, where she lives with Mama, a larger-than-life drag queen living in her late-grandmother's building. As Harley settles into her new school, she makes friends with smart, justice-oriented Ivy, and together they lock horns with John Kane, the scion of Gotham's hottest real estate developers, who are swiftly gentrifying neighborhoods like Harley's. Tamaki's take on Harley Quinn is remarkably nuanced. Harley's motivations are largely noble, though her actions are far more volatile than those Ivy chooses, like protest or civil disobedience. That, coupled with Tamaki's exceptional talent for writing snappy dialogue, makes for deeply multifaceted characters. Pugh's beautiful artwork carries that dynamism out, as well: his realistic figures are shaded with plenty of depth and represent a refreshingly realistic array of distinct body shapes and sizes. This appealing entry point to the DC universe presents a captivating, vivid portrait of a so-called villain.--Sarah Hunter Copyright 2019 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Harleen Quinzel pulls into Gotham as a broke teenage drifter in this tale of gentrification and class struggle. After being taken in by a drag queen called Mama, she begins to attend classes at Gotham High. Quickly making friends with ardent intersectional feminist Ivy, carefree Harley finds conflict with John Kane, the misogynistic head of the film club, and with his parents, unscrupulous developers set on gentrifying Harley's new neighborhood. When a mysterious figure, the Joker, enters the scene, his goals and methods seem initially in line with Harley's, but it's unclear whether he is trustworthy. Tamaki (This One Summer) neatly maps DC universe characters--and their wealth, wits, and willingness to get their hands dirty--to high school drama. Harley is a relatively breezy character whose questionable ethics often mirror those closest to her, and pairing her with a found family of drag queens and community organizers directs her chaotic whimsy toward a social justice bent. The diverse cast is depicted in a realistic, frenzied art style by Pugh (Hellblazer), whose dynamic illustrations are particularly suited to the story's stunning costumes and over-the-top dramatics. Ages 13--17. (Sept.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 9 Up--Teenager Harleen Quinzel is from everywhere and nowhere--the type of kid who wanders the world with just five bucks and a knapsack. The story begins when she steps off the bus in Gotham, a city experiencing rapid gentrification led by the ultra-rich Kane family. Harleen is taken in by Mama, a club owner whose cadre of drag queens embrace the teen and her manic enthusiasm for life. While joining new friend Ivy's protest to get the school's film club to screen movies by women and people of color, and hanging out backstage at drag shows, Harleen grows to love dressing up as a clown. When someone calling themselves "the Joker" tries to enlist her on a mission to take down the Kane family, Harleen must choose between joining a rebellion to protect her new community and staying on the right side of the law. Tamaki's reimagining of Harley Quinn's origin as a teenager deeply embedded in countercultural movements is thought provoking. Through Harleen's evolution, readers engage with complex ideas of community action, gentrification, and protest. The author also explores drag culture and identity politics and even makes nuanced references to the AIDS crisis. Tamaki's Harleen is no white savior, nor is she a manic pixie dream girl--she's curious, funny, and deeply original. Pugh brings this unique character to life with moody shadows and wildly expressive eyes; his artwork shines at emotionally heightened moments. VERDICT A modern, funny, and satisfyingly fresh take on the origin of a superhero revolutionary.--Anna Murphy, Berkeley Carroll School, Brooklyn
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