Comic Review: Batman: White Knight Presents: Harley Quinn #1

Batman: White Knight Presents: Harley Quinn #1

DC Comics

Writer: Katana Collins

Artists: Matteo Scalera

Batman: White Knight has had a strong storyline throughout its series, and Harley Quinn is already showing the potential of being just as good. Harley Quinn has been a compelling character since the start of this story, and now she is just as interesting as ever. I was not expecting her to get her own series in this universe, but it is absolutely deserved, and I’m excited to see where this is heading.

This series takes place a few years after the events of Curse of the White Knight. The Joker is dead, Batman’s in jail, and Gotham is quiet. Harley Quinn is still coping with the loss of The Joker, who she had to kill in the previous series. She is left with her and the Joker’s two children, who she now raises by herself. Harley lives a quiet life until the Gotham City Police Department knock on her door. A murderer has appeared in Gotham, and Harley’s criminal investigation expertise would help them out. Harley’s reluctant, but soon she realizes that the case is personal.

Sean Murphy has established a great universe with the White Knight storyline. For this series, Katana Collins takes up the writer position, and the new chapter is introduced perfectly. Harley is still suffering, but by the end of this issue, she is ready for her next adventure. Her relationship with Bruce is re-established, though only briefly so that it can develop throughout the series. The re-introduction of a plotline from many issues ago makes for a pleasant twist that gives the story the real jumpstart that it needs. By the end of this issue, all the pieces have slid into place to kick off a new, exciting tale featuring the rich characters established from Murphy’s previous work.

The art style of this series is different than the other White Knight stories due to a different artist coming in. That being said, the art contains the same look and feel like the other issues. The only major difference I noticed was that the lines are thinner than they used to be, and the colors appear slightly flatter. It’s on par in my opinion, and I don’t think these differences are entirely negative. The art stands out the most in this issue when Harley is experiencing flashbacks. The colors become warm when reminiscing on happy memories, and harsh when remembering trauma.

The premise feels entirely natural in the overall storyline. Harley has a lot to deal with following the events of the previous series, and the story even picks up a plotline from the very first series. At first, I was a little skeptical about the bold move of focusing away from Batman and The Joker. Reading this issue, however, I now see how much potential this series has. Harley has been a fantastic character in this storyline, and I’m excited to see what’s in store for her.

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