Young Harleen Quinzel moves to Gotham City and is taken in by Mama, the local drag queen. Harlee finally feels like she belongs, until a large corporation threatens to take away Mama’s home and a new figure calling himself the Joker enters her life.
This has to be my favourite of the recent DC novels I’ve read. Harley Quinn is absolutely iconic and so fun to read about, plus it features my favourite DC character: Poison Ivy.
Harley Quinn: Breaking Novel is a Harley origin story all about found family and friendships, rebellion and difficult decisions.
I loved Harlee’s character. She’s a little strange, of course, but she’s wild and brave and kind. The comic really captured her rebellious personality and a unique voice, telling the story in a way that was so wonderfully Harlee. The drawing style is amazing! It perfectly reflects both the storyline and Harlee’s vibrant personality and made the book come to life in the perfect way. This comic just had so much personality that it didn’t really matter what the plot was, and the fact that the plot was great too is such a bonus!
The storyline really focuses on Harlee’s development and personal problems rather than having an evil supervillain, which I loved. Harlee is carefree, but as the plot progresses and the people she cares for are put at risk we can see her becoming more determined and focused, which was really interesting. Though she does have her own way of fighting back, I loved seeing her become more morally aware and caring for others.
I loved the relationship between Ivy and Harlee. Despite them being so different, they really were there for each other and I think that Ivy had a big impact on Harlee’s character development. I’ve always been #1 IvyQuinn shipper so even though in this novel their relationship is purely platonic, I just adored every scene they were in together.
Overall, Harley Quinn: Breaking Glass was a thoroughly enjoyable and moving origin story for one of my favourite DC characters that I can’t wait to see continued.
Sasha and Amber Read 