Harley Quinn: Breaking Glass

Author: Mariko Tamaki

Illustrator:Pugh, Steve, 1966

Publisher: Burbank: DC Ink 2019

A graphic novel origin story of DC character Harley Quinn. It is a compelling reimagining of the journey of young Harley after she leaves home when her parents divorce. As a fifteen year old high school student, arrives in Gotham city with nothing more than only $5 and a knapsack. She soon becomes involved in activism and counter-culture movements. The novel paints an authentic, strong and enthusiastic character. 

The story provokes thought about the line between noble motivations and volatile actions in social justice whilst exploring LGBTQIA diverse themes. Harley is taken in by a drag Queen called Mama and her cadre of Queens who embrace her quirks. Queen culture and identity politics are explored as Harley becomes comfortable backstage at drag shows and grows a liking for a joker costume. She protests alongside her new school friend to get the school's film club to screen films by women and people of colour. Harley is later enlisted in a mission alongside the Joker to take down the city's rich and powerful real estate developer, John Kane who is buying residents out of the housing market. The minimally coloured illustrations convey the action without taking away from well-crafted dialogue.

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