Harley Quinn and the Gotham Girls

Originally published as Gotham Girls #1-5. This miniseries is based on the web series of the same name. I'm not sure why DC decided that they had to add Harley Quinn's name to the collection. I would have read this without touting her. But I guess the publisher felt that the only way to sell this trade paperback was to add Harley's name to it. I think that is a sad testament to how much trust DC Comics has in it's female lead properties. 

The premise involves Catwoman stealing a vial of something from a chemical lab. It's revealed that inside the container is a powerful fertilizer that will increase yield a thousand. Unfortunately, this stuff will also cause weeds and invasive plants to thrive uncontrollably. Poison Ivy realizes the harmful potential of this stuff on the Earth and will do anything to keep it out of the wrong hands. With help from Harley Quinn, it's two against one vs. Catwoman. 

Added to the mix is Batgirl ,who is investigating the break-in. Sometimes she's assisted by Catwoman. Sometimes, Catwoman plays opportunist and turns Poison Ivy and Harley against Batgirl. Don't feel bad! Helping Batgirl while conducting official business for the Gotham City PD is Rene Montoya! A little out of her element but not to be underestimated!

I absolutely hated the dynamic between Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy. Ivy is so manipulative of Harley in this story. If you ask me, that makes Ivy worse than the Joker because Harley came to the Guardian of Gardens for refuge. Instead, Harley is being used, mocked and mistreated by Poison Ivy.

That relationship also doesn't seem canon to both Batman: The Animated Series as well as the web series. Sure, Harley Quinn can annoy the heck out of Poison Ivy. That, I don't blame one bit. But in animated form. I never got the impression that Poison Ivy was anything but a friend to Harley. Lover? Perhaps. But I never felt like Ivy wasn't truly a friend to the Joker's ex-girlfriend. 

Aside from writer Paul D. Storrie (Graphic Myth & Legends) getting Harley and Poison Ivy's relationship completely wrong, this was an enjoyable read. Though, I did feel that the 5th issue fell a little flat. Issues 1-4 provide backstory to Catwoman, Harley, Ivy and Montoya. Issue 5 neglects to dive, albeit even briefly, into Batgirl's personal history. That omission really interrupts the story flow. 

The artwork was very good. Jennifer Graves (Robin) draws everyone in the hybrid TAS/Gotham Girls style that is both retro and art deco. The covers by Shane Giles were amazing! They screamed the outstanding work of the late Darwyn Cooke! (In other words, I loved it!)

This work was enjoyable. It was far from perfect as a couple of characters just weren't portrayed as accurately as intended. But for someone who loves Batman: The Animated Series and it's various incarnations, this miniseries, I was entertained. Just next time, treat my girl Harley Quinn a lot bit better!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.