Throwback Review: Convergence: Harley Quinn #1 (2015) Review

Off the Meds

Written by: Steve Pugh
Art by: Phil Winslade, John Dell and Chris Chuckry
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: April 8, 2015

As Convergence got closer and closer, I kept hearing about this book.  Dan DiDio and Jeff King both mentioned Harley and Captain Carrot as one of the biggest draws of the whole Event.  I'll be honest, I couldn't wait to see them either.  Harley is just crazy, sexy, cool and Captain Carrot is...well, Captain Carrot.  With all this talk of fighting and destruction, this book just screams fun.  I love fun.  Where the screams accurate?  Let's find out...

This issue starts off in pre-dome Gotham City.  Harley is up to her usual antics and I was struck by a revelation.  Harley is Harley.  I know it's not rocket surgery, but it's true.  While the Pre-Flashpoint Harley had a different outfit, she is still the Harley fans know and love.  I am one of those fans.

In the middle of one of her patented heists went hilariously wrong, the dome goes up and wango-tango, holey-moley...Harley becomes normal.  No, it's not that easy or black and white, but the confines of the dome do Harley a world of good.  She appears to be the most well-adjusted gal in all of Gotham and even helps others deal with their problems.  Plus, she's got a boyfriend...and he's a cop.  What gives?!?

I'll tell you right now, I want to thank Steve Pugh personally for this part of his story.  As a Harley fan, I love seeing her all crazy, but deep down, I want my favorite girl to be happy.  This is the happiest I've ever seen her.  That's when the Dome goes down and things get back to crazy.

As Telos lowers the Dome and makes his grand statement, the citizens of Gotham are given a fight card to rival any Rumble in the Jungle.  It's going to be Captain Carrot vs Harley Quinn for the fate of Gotham City.  That's all fine and good, but Harley isn't the rock-em sock-em Harley anymore and Captain Carrot looks pretty juiced up.  Enter a couple of great guest stars.

Catwoman and Poison Ivy head off to get Harley into fighting shape, much to the chagrin of her boyfriend.  The issue ends with good old Harley back and ready for action.  It actually made me sad, but I cannot wait until the next issue.

Steve Pugh has me very intrigued.  Of the couple of Convergence issues I've read, this is the first where Telos calls out specific combatants and while I'm unsure if I like it, it solves the problem of wondering why others aren't getting involved.  I'm not fully convinced they won't and would love to see Catwoman kick ass next issue.

Phil Winslade's art was great.  I loved his Harley and while his Poison Ivy looked a bit like a certain Hulk that's a She, everything else looked outstanding.  I can't wait to see Captain Carrot's next issue.

Bits and Pieces:

I think this will be the only Convergence book where I wish that the Dome would stay up.  Harley was so happy and her life was finally back to normal (or as normal as Harley could ever get) and Telos messed it up.  He better pay, but first in line is Captain Carrot.  I can't wait!

9.3/10