Retro Review: Harley Quinn #3!

HARLEY QUINN #3 - WELCOME TO THE PARTY!

COVER DATE: February, 2001

WRITER: Karl Kesel 

PENCILER(s): Terry Dodson 

INKER(s): Rachel Dodson 

COLORS: Alex Sinclair 

LETTERS: Ken Lopez 

EDITOR(s): Matt Idelson 

COVER: Rachel Dodson; Terry Dodson 

Onto issue three - which begins with Catwoman's perspective?

She's entering a bowling alley, and trapped in an elevator - going up to see what the deal is. She's suspicious and not at all expecting... 

A slumber party hosted by Harley Quinn! Their last meeting (another of my favourite Harley comics!) didn't end so well but Harley is glad Catwoman has received her invite and decided to attend. She shows her around to meet some of the guests. 

There are the hit  women known as the Body Doubles - Bonnie and Carmen who snark on bustier superheroes and don't make a positive impression on Catwoman. Next up is Hope and Mercy - otherwise known as Lex Luther's capable lackeys. Also present - Poison Ivy and Jewelee - another diamond themed villain with a comical partner. 

This part reflects most parties I go to - long winded discussions about giant death dolls that usually end in myself begging for an excuse to leave. There's always that one person who gets too drunk, there's also always someone who talks themselves up etc.... 

Meanwhile... has anyone seen Catwoman? 

A villain named Pagan - new in town an unfamiliar to Harley - introduces herself to the group but is cut off by Hope and Mercy.

Meanwhile, the security guards - Surley and Bo - are trying to talk to the Cartwrights to try to get a lead on chasing Harley down but aren't having as much getting in as Dr. Carrie Chispazo, a former FBI profiler who as it turns out, was hired by Jack Happi to help find Harley. 

Back at the party, the group are playing a game with their unwilling pizza delivery participant until Pagan reveals herself as Thorn - a local superhero with a twisted side - cuts him down and escapes. 

The group admire Thorn's attitude, and come to realised they like being a group. Poison Ivy isn't keen on being in another group now she's out of the Suicide Squad but Harley stop's her leaving and commands their attention. 

Harley tells them all about how she's never struck out on her own and doesn't want to team up with anyone there at the party, which causes initial offence until she explains that she doesn't want to join a group until she's done enough in her own right. Poison Ivy looks on proudly as Harley declares she'll never be a flunky again which looks like the right note to end the issue on until a boom tube brings forth the arrival of the Female Furies from Apokolips - come to join the party. 

Another issue with character development for Harley. A villainous slumber party sounds like something a fanboy would dream up but someone like Harley - who isn't naturally malicious, mistrusting or reclusive like many villains - could possibly be the only villain in Gotham who could pull this party off and actually have guests attend. It's nice seeing a little behind the scenes of villains, and having the 'hero' be not only another female (no males allowed at this party, Bats!) but someone who's a little different than your average superhero. 

Harley's gotten over being alone or being a lackey and has found a direction for her life of crime.