Harley Quinn & Poison Ivy #2: Curiouser and Curiouser

The surprisingly fun new series featuring the dynamic duo of Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy continues in it’s second issue with a story that seems to only get curiouser and curiouser, bringing the infamous Mad Hatter into the fray.

First and foremost, the chemistry between Harley and Pamela is the driving force of this series and will ultimately be what brings you back for the next issue. The interplay between the two is humorous, full of drama and even emotional. There is a weight to their interaction that shows these characters have a history, and despite all the wacky fights they find themselves in, it’s their ongoing relationship that gives this book so much heart.

Without that heartfelt foundation, this would simply be another easily forgotten series brought up in passing by hardcore fans of the titular characters. But this creative team ensures that there is something more happening here. We follow up on the events of the divisive event Heroes in Crisis with a story that is centered around Poison Ivy’s process of healing, and who better to help her through it than Harley? This issue has plenty of action, funny quips and even a few surprises that ensues, delivering a truly entertaining book to keep the series going strong.

Adriana Melo and Mark Morales with Hi-Fi on colors is without a doubt a winning combination for visuals. The artwork in this issue is packed with thrilling panels and one particularly memorable full page splash, all accentuated with wildly vivid colors that feel right at home with these characters. Gabriela Downie gives some really strong letters as well, but I would love to see Harley’s letters receive embellishments similar to those of Poison Ivy. Outside of that minor personal complaint, this really is a spectacular book visually.

I did notice Harley and Poison Ivy both appear much more ripped in this series than they do elsewhere in DC Comics, and I have to say, I love it. These are badass women who are literally beating up on both good and bad guys and their strong physique is something that is lost all too often these days, so I was really excited to see the creative team utilize this approach.

Overall, Harley Quinn & Poison Ivy #2 is another incredibly fun and even heartfelt issue that shows this series really does have something to offer fans both new and old. It isn’t reinventing the wheel by any means, but not every book has to. This is just a great time!