Comics / Comic Reviews / DC Comics

Review: Old Lady Harley #1-5

By Philip Schweier
March 15, 2019 - 09:22

”It’s a post-apocalyptic world nuclear winter, see the ash come a-tumblin’ down…”

Okay, maybe not, but there’s no place like Dystopia, as an aging Harley wanders the bad lands, framed for a crime she didn’t commit, until learning there’s a slight possibility the Joker may still be alive. This notion sends Harley on a journey through the Batcave, Arkham, Bludhaven, et al, as she catches up with old friends – and a few enemies – in her quest to determine the fate of Mr. J.

Hot on her trail is a gang of Alex-from-Clockwork-Oranges, in the employ of NON-SPOILER ALERT. Could it be the Joker? Well, reports of his demise are appropriately murky, so all I will say is, “Yes, it isn’t.”

As a DC fan, I find it disappointing that rather than being an innovator in comic book publishing, DC’s current strategy seems to be mining the House of Ideas for, well, ideas. So many of it’s newest properties owe some inspiration to something Marvel has already done. And in MCU fashion there’s even a stinger scene (shwarma) at the end. Sigh.

BUT…not having read Marvel’s Old Man Logan series, to which this series is a rip-off homage, I am unable to compare them. The benefit is that I can only judge this series on its own merit, without unfair comparisons. It’s got that Harley Quinn level of insanity for which we love her, and it’s good to know age will not slow her down any.

Rating: 8/10

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12