A review by kerameia
Harley Quinn: Wild Card by Liz Marsham
4.0
I wasn't sure how they would handle this story for younger readers, because Harley Quinn has some ... "colourful" history with the Joker. Plus, her outfits :) However, I was pleasantly surprised by the age appropriate tone and content.
Basically, the book weaves together Harley Quinn's life story and provides an overview of the major periods in her life: family life in Brooklyn, achievements in school and as a gymnast, academic development and interests in university and medical school, her time as Dr. Quinzel treating criminals, her friendships with Poison Ivy and the Joker, her relationship with the Joker and her ongoing efforts to prove herself ... etc. until her final release from Arkham when she receives the gift of a 4-story building in Coney Island from an anonymous donor.
Harley's exploits are told in engaging detail but minimal violence (along the lines of "she had no trouble knocking him down" pg. 81), and the story highlights her strong friendships with Poison Ivy and Catwoman. It also handles the twisted psychology well by explaining in an accessible way the motivations behind the transformation into "Harley Quinn". Moreover, the story emphasizes Harley's recognition of her mistakes, specifically concerning the Joker.
Neat features include a timeline of Harley Quinn's life, Harley's scribbled comments throughout the book, mini profiles & backstories of the various characters, and a glossary (to explain words such as "countertransference" and "harlequin").
A possibly objectionable aspect of the book (for younger readers) is its portrayal of female villains, who are drawn with stereotypical voluptuous curves.
Basically, the book weaves together Harley Quinn's life story and provides an overview of the major periods in her life: family life in Brooklyn, achievements in school and as a gymnast, academic development and interests in university and medical school, her time as Dr. Quinzel treating criminals, her friendships with Poison Ivy and the Joker, her relationship with the Joker and her ongoing efforts to prove herself ... etc. until her final release from Arkham when she receives the gift of a 4-story building in Coney Island from an anonymous donor.
Harley's exploits are told in engaging detail but minimal violence (along the lines of "she had no trouble knocking him down" pg. 81), and the story highlights her strong friendships with Poison Ivy and Catwoman. It also handles the twisted psychology well by explaining in an accessible way the motivations behind the transformation into "Harley Quinn". Moreover, the story emphasizes Harley's recognition of her mistakes, specifically concerning the Joker.
Neat features include a timeline of Harley Quinn's life, Harley's scribbled comments throughout the book, mini profiles & backstories of the various characters, and a glossary (to explain words such as "countertransference" and "harlequin").
A possibly objectionable aspect of the book (for younger readers) is its portrayal of female villains, who are drawn with stereotypical voluptuous curves.