“Where Do We Go From Here?”
Artist: Jon Mikel
Color Artist: Andrew Dalhouse
Letterer: Taylor Esposito
Review by Kendra Hale
Harley Quinn: The Animated Series – Legion of Bats #6, the final issue of this short series is upon us. The culmination of the Harley Quinn animated series in book format is here and it’s time for the truth to come to light.
Now we get luscious covers from astounding talents like Yoshi Yoshitani, Dan Hipp, and Dominike “Domo” Stanton, and they’re wonders to behold. Whether your eyes are caught by Harley and Ivy embracing as their respective teams battle behind them, you’re caught up in a scene of old Ivy and Harley just enjoying each others company, feeding the birds, or maybe even a scene of Harley juggling her two worlds grabs you. Whatever the case, each cover brings something different with such unique art styles.
Can we get to the meat of this issue? Because Harley Quinn: The Animated Series – Legion of Bats #6 gives the closing of this saga, we now have to wait (internal sadness mode activated) until the next season of Harley Quinn: The Animated Series. Let’s just get into the fact that Ivy and Harley are now learning the other’s secrets…
Not The Ear Hustle
Now normally I would really just dive in, but as Harley and Ivy are discussing the reveal of both sides having some explaining to do, Black Mask has the MOMENT of this series by trying to ear hustle everything being said by the ladies. To be fair, who can blame him? The girls are throwing pot shots at each other as they each deal with the truth. Harley coming clean about being a part of the Bat clan and Ivy coming clean about Bella. All the while their teams are battling behind them.
Things get very serious when Livewire comes for Harley and Ivy loses herself thinking all is lost… but Nightfall steps in. Seems Harley and Ivy’s fight isn’t just affecting them but rippling out and touching each aspect of their lives, for better or for worse. The title for this issue matches the theme of where do we go from here perfectly, and this can be felt in many ways. What comes next for our favorite gang members, and for Harley and Ivy, is up in the air…
Woman Woman Pep Talk
There are so many things that make this series of comics spectacular. I don’t know if I even have the words to explain how good this series has been. Tee Franklin, Jon Mikel, Andrew Dalhouse, and Taylor Esposito have given fans a comic that envelopes all that makes the Harley Quinn animated series so damn perfect. What gives joy and sadness, the relatability, the real life situations, with real life solutions, and even real change, in some cases.
For example, when Livewire attacks Harley, there’s an ulterior motive. As Nightfall steps in though, the issue isn’t discussed there. Nor are Harley and Ivy put in any kind of spotlight for their own issues affecting Nightfall and Livewire. Nightfall simply states that, while there’s love for both Harley and Ivy, they need distance from our girls until things are rightly sorted. Mature, adult communication boundaries. This is only one instance of the amazing story crafting that’s happening here, but one thing can be said. This series embodies the core values of the show and keeps them close.
Conclusion
Read this series. Do yourself a favor and give into the whimsy and the chaotic good that is Harley Quinn: The Animated Series – Legion of Bats #6. There are so many setups that I know we will see conclusions for but as a six part series with THAT good of a final bow. Read this book.
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment