Harley Quinn and the Gotham Girls

Gotham Girls #1-5

by Paul D. Storrie, Jennifer Graves, J. Bone

Unable to resist a golden opportunity to fund her beloved lion preserve, Catwoman heists a vial of a mysterious formula for a shady company—only to discover she's actually working for Poison Ivy and mallet-wielding sidekick Harley Quinn! This action-packed five-issue miniseries is collected here in its entirety, featuring the fan-favorite girls of Gotham, including Catwoman, Harley Quinn, Poson Ivy, Renee Montoya, and Batgirl!

Detective Renee Montoya, investigating the theft of a mysterious chemical compound, follows the deadly trail of Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn, while Ivy tries to convince Catwoman and Batgirl that they should cooperate with her.

Then, Harley Quinn gets control of the chemical formula everyone wants, which means that nothing goes as planned—not even for her best pal, Poison Ivy! But when Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn think they've succeeded in stealing Ivy's plant formula back from the chemical company that stole it first, it becomes good girls versus bad girls as Detective Renee Montoya finally catches up with everyone!

Don't miss this miniseries from Paul Storrie and artist Jennifer Graves, as they take the Gotham Girls on unforgettable adventures in their home city!

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Dc Comics, Graphic Novels Comics, Young Adult, Crime, Action

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Paul D. Storrie was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. He started writing professionally in 1998 with the comic book ROBYN OF SHERWOOD about Robin Hood's daughter.

Since then, he has written comics and graphic novels for Moonstone Books, DC Comics, Marvel Comics, IDW Publishing, Devil's Due Publishing, Bluewater Productions, and Lerner Books' Graphic Universe division. He has also written short stories for the prose anthologies WEREWOLVES: DEAD MOON RISING and THE GREEN HORNET CASEFILES.

He currently lives in the Detroit suburbs.

Reviews

[Molly™☺ · Rating 3 out of 5]

One long running game of cat and mouse, it features a lot of familiar female faces, each of which have their own perspective to tell. Based on the stylistic choices of Batman: The Animated Series, it's a more cartoon-like approach to Gotham, with colours that pop off the page and recognisable character designs. Whilst Harley Quinn holds the title, each of the characters gets an equal amount of time to shine, and their differing views serve to create an interestingly diverse experience. A very enjoyable read despite being nothing overly challenging or special.

[exorcismemily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick & cute graphic novel! I always love seeing characters with their Batman: The Animated Series-style designs, so that was fun. I wasn't a huge fan of how Ivy treated Harley, but overall, it was a nice lighthearted read.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well wasn't it fun hanging out with Gotham Girls! I really enjoyed reading this and actually seeing the characters as their trueselves for a change. (Yes, my children knows Batgirl, Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn as schoolmates from Super Hero High... I loved the illustration in this one!

[Artemis Crescent · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a step back in time!

'Harley Quinn and the Gotham Girls' is a five issue miniseries based on 'Batman: The Animated Series' from the nineties, about Catwoman, Batgirl, Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn, and Renee Montoya. Despite the title of this specific trade collection, Harley is not the primary star and lead - that's done to cash in on the 2020 'Birds of Prey' movie. These comic issues are from the early 2000s, and they are very retro, very all-ages cartoony, and they bring Harley back to her original roots.

How I missed seeing her in her actual harlequin clown costume! How fun it is to see these DC women in action! They serve no man and they need no help from man.

I love all the Gotham girls - each with their own style, skill set, and pizzazz! Each are competent at what they do; in their own unique fields.

Batgirl is young, confident, quirky, jokey, clever, and never gives up. Renee is a Latina Gotham police detective making her mark in an all-white, all-male force. Police brutality against people of colour is an issue that's touched on - fantastic to see in a children's comic from 2002-2003. Despite idiotic, patronising men and the glass ceiling, Renee never gives up, either, and is fiercely determined, both to do good (undeterred by not being a caped superhero) and to prove herself to her family and colleagues. And while not stated, she is canonically a lesbian.

Renee and Batgirl/Barbara Gordon working together on a case is a brilliant idea. In spite of their disagreements, they work off of and reflect (plus compliment) each other in a way that's suitable and inevitable. They both wish to prove themselves and their independence in a frustrating man's world.

Harley perhaps suffers the most in terms of characterisation in this story. She is a fun and entertaining comic relief villain, but that's the most of what she is here. She is a ditz who slept and cheated her way into getting a psychology degree for fame and fortune, she is still in love with the Joker (not present, thankfully), and is Ivy's hapless lackey. There are hints of a caring partnership between the two, but it is abusive; which is acknowledged in the narrative, when Harley compares Ivy to the Joker, but it doesn't really go anywhere.

Maybe in light of Harley Quinn's recent and more serious and three dimensional development ('Harleen' by Stjepan Šejić comes to mind - a polar whiplash in contrast to this kiddie comic), this earlier portrayal threw me a bit. I can't not be relieved to see that costume again after so many years, however. I also missed seeing Harley and Ivy working together in any capacity.

Additionally, out of all the Gotham Girls, Poison Ivy is the only one with metahuman powers. They are all human, regardless - another thing they share in commonality.

'Harley Quinn and the Gotham Girls' - the title of this collection is misleading, but the Gotham Girls part is truthful. Reading it is like being a kid watching Saturday morning cartoons again. The plot is a stolen plant formula hunt, going back and forth, a silly caper in Gotham: and that's okay. The women are at the center, they drive the action, they are the action. That is glorious.

In the end, the criminal and crime fighting women of Gotham don't need to prove anything to anyone. They are themselves, individual and awesome.

Final Score: 4/5

[A Fan of Comics · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mix of Batman the animated series and Darwyn Cooke.

Classic and cute with lots of bold colors! This had some really great one liners and puns! You can totally hear the characters voice in the dialogue, which shows how well they know these girls. It seems to be the early in Harley and Ivy’s relationship, and seeing them so “young” made me realize just how much they’ve grown together. I also liked Montoya’s story and how much of a pain the “masks”. Definitely safe for teens and kids. Family friendly but sassy as heck!

[Cristina (bibliotecadepueblo) · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5/5⭐

La historia no es gran cosa pero sí lo suficientemente entretenida, para ser una lectura rápida. Y siempre es una gozada volver al estilo de dibujo de la serie animada de Batman.

[Belfry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating: 4.5 stars

It's about time you collected this, DC!

Gotham Girls is a 5-issue miniseries that came out in 2003 and takes place in the DC Animated Universe canon. It's a fun story about Catwoman, Poison Ivy, and Harley Quinn fighting for ownership of a vial of chemicals while Batgirl and Renee Montoya work to capture them. The art is suitably cartoon-y and matches the tone of both the book and animated series. The characterization is spot-on and really captures the goals and desires of each of the featured women. Definitely one to check out for both old and new fans of these characters.

[Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is one of those books that has a fantastic art style but the story is not very good. Is was just kinda boring, no character development, made each character kinda annoying. Harley was not even the main focus of this book. The parts with Harley were fun, but it made her character annoying at times. Poison Ivy was the main character and even then she was not well written. They tried to give each character a time in the sun but it wasnt very well written.

[Jessie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was like reading a script for a long lost episode of the animated Batman series that was cut because it featured no leading men within. It was silly and fun. Very lighthearted and enjoyable. I do wish it was an episode too though.

[Jenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining and silly. It reminds me of watching the animated series, but without Batman hogging all the screen time. Fun dynamic between the group and lots of chaotic capers.

[Yuiko · Rating 2 out of 5]

Was a little bored with this one

[J.R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gosh I miss this version of Harley.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been wanting to read this for years, but it's been out of print for so long. I was a little underwhelmed by the story in all honesty, but I did like the art. Solid read *3 and a half stars*

[Penny Best · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tonnes of fun with the Gotham Girls! Good, sharp writing. Great art, it truly felt animated in parts. I love all of these characters: Harley and Ivy's "special friendship", outrageous Catwoman, heroic Batgirl (I have a soft spot in my heart for her), and it's so good to see Detective Montoya getting a bit of spotlight.

I give two ratings to each book I read. (Three for comic books). A score out of 5 for the quality of the writing and a score out of 5 for how much I enjoyed reading it.
Writing 4/5
Enjoyment  5/5
Art style 5/5
I recommend you read it!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I die via Ivy's poisoned lipstick, it's a good way to die

[Beth Toye · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was cute

[R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a cute little introduction to the female heroes and villains of Gotham.

[Gua Ortiz · Rating 3 out of 5]

está bueno, un poco repetitivo pero bueno.
“not like from ivy” my shayla.
que dolor de huevos batgirl insoportable

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5
A little campy, but that’s what it is; I grinned when ‘sproing’ was used as Catwoman launched herself out of a tight spot. I didn’t care for the idea of Harlem Quinnzel setting out to extort patients and selling phony self-help books let alone cheating in school and using “creative” means to get good grades :/
Art seems similar to Paul Dini’s/the Animated Batman which I love.

[tony dillard jr · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally published as Gotham Girls #1-5. This miniseries is based on the web series of the same name. I'm not sure why DC decided that they had to add Harley Quinn's name to the collection. I would have read this without touting her. But I guess the publisher felt that the only way to sell this trade paperback was to add Harley's name to it. I think that is a sad testament to how much trust DC Comics has in it's female lead properties.

The premise involves Catwoman stealing a vial of something from a chemical lab. It's revealed that inside the container is a powerful fertilizer that will increase yield a thousand. Unfortunately, this stuff will also cause weeds and invasive plants to thrive uncontrollably. Poison Ivy realizes the harmful potential of this stuff on the Earth and will do anything to keep it out of the wrong hands. With help from Harley Quinn, it's two against one vs. Catwoman.

Added to the mix is Batgirl ,who is investigating the break-in. Sometimes she's assisted by Catwoman. Sometimes, Catwoman plays opportunist and turns Poison Ivy and Harley against Batgirl. Don't feel bad! Helping Batgirl while conducting official business for the Gotham City PD is Rene Montoya! A little out of her element but not to be underestimated!

I absolutely hated the dynamic between Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy. Ivy is so manipulative of Harley in this story. If you ask me, that makes Ivy worse than the Joker because Harley came to the Guardian of Gardens for refuge. Instead, Harley is being used, mocked and mistreated by Poison Ivy.

That relationship also doesn't seem canon to both Batman: The Animated Series as well as the web series. Sure, Harley Quinn can annoy the heck out of Poison Ivy. That, I don't blame one bit. But in animated form. I never got the impression that Poison Ivy was anything but a friend to Harley. Lover? Perhaps. But I never felt like Ivy wasn't truly a friend to the Joker's ex-girlfriend.

Aside from writer Paul D. Storrie (Graphic Myth & Legends) getting Harley and Poison Ivy's relationship completely wrong, this was an enjoyable read. Though, I did feel that the 5th issue fell a little flat. Issues 1-4 provide backstory to Catwoman, Harley, Ivy and Montoya. Issue 5 neglects to dive, albeit even briefly, into Batgirl's personal history. That omission really interrupts the story flow.

The artwork was very good. Jennifer Graves (Robin) draws everyone in the hybrid TAS/Gotham Girls style that is both retro and art deco. The covers by Shane Giles were amazing! They screamed the outstanding work of the late Darwyn Cooke! (In other words, I loved it!)

This work was enjoyable. It was far from perfect as a couple of characters just weren't portrayed as accurately as intended. But for someone who loves Batman: The Animated Series and it's various incarnations, this miniseries, I was entertained. Just next time, treat my girl Harley Quinn a lot bit better!

[Steve Chaput · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full disclosure, I've known Paul Storrie for over twenty years and consider him a friend. I'm also glad to say that he's a heck of a writer and successfully captures the spirit of the five main characters in this series. Originally published as a five-issue miniseries back in 2002, DC has wisely collected it as a TPB taking advantage of Harley's current popularity.

Catwoman is hired to steal a plant growth formula that Ivy created prior to her turning to crime. When Ivy learns of this she and BFF Harley decide to steal it back, before it can do the harm that Ivy knows will happen if the formula is used. With this threesome wrecking havoc, it's not long before Batgirl and GCPD's Detective Renee Montoya find themselves trying to get the formula as well.

There are currently so many interpretations of Harley Q, in comics, animation and live-action that it can be confusing. Storrie, along with artists Jennifer Graves (pencils) & J. Bone (inks) bring us one closer to her initial persona from the Batman Animated series. She closely resembles (in attitude and costume) the original Paul Dini/Bruce Timm creation.

All the characters are nicely written, with cameo appearances of several other DC characters along the way. I would say the book would be fine for YA readers and adults. It really is a lot of fun.

[Niche · Rating 4 out of 5]

PG Gotham City Sirens cartoon comedy

The cast and story felt like Gotham City Sirens but with the risque bits taken out and more of a focus on a lightly humorous vibe. The story follows Catwoman, Poison Ivy, and Harley Quinn stealing a chemical vial with Batgirl and Montoya chasing after them. Despite headlining, HQ seems to have roughly the same prominence as the other characters with each chapter introducing the POV character to the reader. The story has a light comedic element, though I derived a fair bit of amusement over how it felt like it was knowingly winking at how easily it could have been a male gaze story (YMMV). 4/5 since it was enjoyable, but felt a bit shallow for its length with the vial essentially being fumbled from character to character for most of the work in a way that felt drawn out. Maybe I would have liked it more with a tighter character focus?

[James Lawner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun little read, and it reminded me of the comics I used to read when I was younger. I like that the story was different from the Gotham Girls webseries, but it was pretty basic, even if it was almost non-stop action throughout, and the best thing about this was that it was one continuous story told through its 5 issues. The artwork was nice, it definitely captured the look and feel of The New Batman Adventures.

Overall, it was fine for what it was, and I’d say this is perfect for young readers and fans of the DCAU. It would’ve been better if each issue was narrated by the character that was featured on the cover, because only the Renee Montoya issue had her narrating.

[Read as single issues]

[Telthor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, with energetic art that's a pure joy to look at, and some fun little characters. I don't read a ton of comics, so I'm not going to be able to speak on how accurate it is, but it feels like a fun enough sort of romp. It gets a mite repetitive with the constant grab punch run grab punch run just another warehouse just another roof--man, this vial is made of indestructible glass, and I'm not...fully enamored with Harley getting the blame for *everything* but maybe she really is just that ditzy, couldn't say for sure.

[Colin Murtagh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The collection of a 5 issue mini series from back when Harley wasn't quite what she is now. Based on the batman animated series, this sees Catwoman stealing from.a chemical company. Batgirl tries to stop her and along the way Harley, Poison Ivy and Renee Montoya get involved. The
Each.of the five characters get their own chapters, giving a backstory as to how they got where they are now. It's a fun read

[Theory4brains · Rating 4 out of 5]

a fun and excellently drawn 5 issue chase sequence between Catwoman, Batwoman, Detective Montoya, Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn

the plot is irrelevant, they're all chasing each other for a mcguffin and it requires them to out smart, out fight and team up with each other all at diff points

dunno why the trade paperback gets branded as a Harley Quinn book, as her story is literally only 1/5 of all of it

just solid fun, and honestly one of the best looking comics I've read recently

[kit · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Harley and the Gotham girls” is a 2020 release based off the 2002 cartoon. We have 5 issues for each character. Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn, Batgirl, Catwoman and Detective Renee Montoya. It is witty, funny and a really great book that highlights some of the best female characters in Gotham. I really enjoyed the read and it sort of wraps up all the characters stand for in a neat little bow in this graphic. Highly recommend!

[Dony Grayman · Rating 3 out of 5]

TP que recopila los cinco issues de Gotham Girls, ingeniosamente rebautizado con un Harley Quinn and the en el título, ya que el personaje es mucho más rentable ahora que cuando salió la miniserie en el 2002. Punto en contra por no traer ni una mísera introducción pero sí cuatro páginas de chivo.

[Jacob · Rating 2 out of 5]

Public library copy.

This was an all ages type of read that continuously played the comicbook-y gimmick of a plot twist character reveal. Anyone expecting something dark or edgy in Batman TAS will want to look elsewhere. The art was fine and on model, but the Looney Tunes story style or spirit did not offer anything to write home about.

[Ronald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Throwback story to the age of Batman the Animated series, it even used the art style of the animated series (though somehow manages to highlight the rear ends of all the ladies). The story was good and flows well. Good stuff.