By: Bintou Secka
WATCH OUT! There are spoilers nearby.
Synopsis
At this point, it has been five years since the events of The Joker War, Harley Quinn has been locked up. She has been captured and taken prisoner, along with many of the other masked villains and vigilantes. The Magistrate, Gotham’s new high-authority, has the city in a vice-grip. They have decided there is no room for heroes or villains, only The Magistrate, and civilians. Those who go against The Magistrate are handled with extreme prejudice.
Even as a prisoner, Quinn’s life is still valued. She is the only mastermind that can help The Magistrate capture Gotham city’s biggest criminal. Black Mask is one of the last remaining villains in Gotham. The Magistrate decides to use Harley, and the reformed Scarecrow to capture Black Mask and bring him to ‘justice’.
Harley is as rebellious as ever. Though little information is given about her personal agenda, readers can tell Harley has her own plans in mind. She is no one’s lackey and orange is definitely not her color.
Her rebellious body language and confidence make us believe that she has something up her sleeves. If there is anyone that can escape The Magistrate, it’s Harley.
Harley Quinn deserves to be applauded for her acting skills in this issue. She is clearly using her knowledge of psychology against Scarecrow. Doctor Crane behaves like he has the upper hand in the situation, however, everyone reading and the characters in the scene know this is not the case.
We are all aware of what Quinn is capable of; we know she could really escape if she wanted to. There is even a sense that even Doctor Crane is aware of this too. Everyone’s favorite DC female anti-hero seems to be going along for the ride. She knows better than to trust Crane or The Magistrate but is quite sly herself. The minute she sees her opening, the former queen of crime will be back and better than ever.
Review
This issue started the series off slow. We are reintroduced to some familiar faces and caught up with their lives in the future. Having The Magistrate acknowledge Harley’s potential is a nice touch. The art is amazing. It is enough to make readers want another issue but I am curious as to the bigger picture for Harley. Can she single-handedly take on The Magistrate? Will she recruit some old friends? Much has changed but one thing remains the same: Harley will not go down without a fight.
Grade
4/5 Straightjackets.
