I love it when a story becomes self-aware, and self-deprecating becomes the icing on the cake. As Harley continues her own brand of hijinks, separate from the rest of the DC Universe, Lex Luthor comes calling with his “offer.” You know, the one that’s been in every title currently being published. She defies his manufactured crossover event, even as the story pokes fun at the DCU in general, and all its glorious nonsense.

It’s a story within a story, as Harley sits by her mother’s death bed, reading the latest edition of her own comic book. Yes, I know Harley would be reaping the licensing fees, but such details within the comic book world are fluid at best. Meanwhile in-comic Harley seeks refuge in other DC titles, such as the Leviathan event –

Really? Two events in one summer? Isn’t that a bit much, even for DC?

– and DC’s self-reference crossover with other properties.

As for artwork, this is an instance where the illustration match the tone of the story so well as to appear unnoticeable. Part of the story has that Bruce Timm animated DCU style, while other parts are a little more distinctly Harley in a charming retro sort of way.

But what with the temptation of Lex’s offer, the story suggests a return to Harley’s life of crime. I’m not sure I like the notion, but as DC’s favorite anti-hero, she seems to straddle a line. I might appreciate her falling completely in one direction or another. Just not sure the dark side is what I want.