Harley Quinn and the Gotham Girls by Paul D. Storrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

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.



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The Zombie Chronicles: Vol. 1 - Escape by James Melzer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Melzer introduces us to a world where the 'living dead' were somewhat brought under control, but the government maintains tight controls. The world has returned to a new normal.

The nameless narrator is taking part in an experiment where some of his blood is drawn and used for a purpose of which is initially unaware. As he begins to discover some secrets he also discovers that organizations, with different agendas are taking an interest in him. When he learns more he decides that it is time to take sides, no matter the consequences.

There are a lot of characters introduced in the book, and not all of them are what or who they appear. Nameless is never really sure who he can trust, but when he falls in love there is nothing he won't do to protect her and finally get to the bottom of the mysteries.

A lot of action and the major characters are mostly well defined, minor characters seem put in place merely to increase the body count beyond the undead. My one issue with the book, is that the love story seems very, YA. Really not serving a purpose except to put somebody in danger and in need of rescue.


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