Harley and Ivy: Life and Crimes #1 Comic Book Review

In this review of Harley and Ivy: Life and Crimes #1, the question of how Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy became “Harley & Ivy” is officially answered, (and it is one of the strangest meet-cutes, even for Gotham City).

HARLEY AND IVY: LIFE AND CRIMES #1
Written by ERICA HENDERSON
Art and Main Cover: ERICA HENDERSON
Variant Covers: MARK BROOKS, NATHAN SZERDY, LEIRIX
Page Count: 32 pages | Variant $4.99 US (card stock) | Variant $6.99 US (foil)
Release Date: 11/5/25

This review contains spoilers 

Harley and Ivy: Life and Crimes #1 begins with a quick happy montage of Harley and Ivy, while the question is posed as to how the pair became a couple. The story cuts to Poison Ivy’s hideout, where the activist/supervillain prepares for her mission to destroy the Ace Chemicals factory, (also known as the “birthplace” of both Harley Quinn and The Joker, and is currently  the demented duo’s current hideout).

Soon after, at Ace Chemicals, Harley Quinn sits alone loudly commiserating about her toxic relationship with Joker, when Poison Ivy warns her to leave before she destroys the building with modified plant bulbs (don’t ask). Harley freaks out and attacks Ivy, Harley’s concerns over her future now at odds with her codependent attachment to both Joker and Ace Chemicals. A frustrated Ivy drops her guard, attempting to defuse the situation, but Harley gets in a solid kick.

Ivy loses her balance and the mutated plant bulb cracks open on impact, unleashing a rapidly expanding tangle of vines that tear through the factory wall. As police sirens wail in the distance, the pair continue to argue while freeing themselves from the vines, and are confronted by the Joker wearing a purple zoot suit and hat, (and looking more hideous than normal).

Harley greets Mister J, and gets her head slammed into a pipe for her effort. Joker goes on a tirade and accuses Ivy of scheming to take Harley away, referring to her as “property”. Ivy bristles at the Clown Prince of Crime’s brutality and megalomania and decides to act.

Harley and Ivy: Life and Crimes #1 ends with Ivy rescuing the concussed Harley, leaping off the catwalk and using the tangle of vines to slow their descent. Meanwhile, Joker looks down at the pair from above and notices another one of Ivy’s explosive plant bulbs nearby.

Analysis 

Harley and Ivy: Life and Crimes #1 is an absorbing read, mixing in the fun and mayhem from Joker and Harley’s antics in the classic 1990s “Batman: The Animated Series” with darker elements that could only be hinted at at the time. Writer/artist Erica Henderson (Unbeatable Squirrel Girl) weaves in crucial elements from BTAS as well as certain 1990s Batman comic book stories (including Harley’s official first appearance in the DCU from 1999).

Henderson builds on the story framework and art style established by BTAS cocreators Bruce Timm and Paul Dini that showcased Harley and Ivy as a supervillain sister act, with just the vaguest hint of romance. In Harley and Ivy: Life and Crimes #1, Harley and Ivy are both at a crossroads as they finally attempt to make a huge leap (literally) and achieve a sense of agency over their own lives.

The characterizations are spot on: Harley is conflicted, reactionary, frightened and codependent, Ivy is cool, methodical and driven while Joker is at his most unhinged and dangerous. Henderson’s more minimalist style complements the story’s animated series roots, but with her own flourishes. While both Harley and Ivy wear their classic BTAS outfits, Joker rocks a purple zoot suit, large hat and bowtie. Also, his damaged face is covered by a mask that provides an even more menacing look than usual.

Henderson’s storytelling is able to push beyond the limitations of BTAS, especially in regards to Joker’s ghastly appearance, his volatility and especially his violent behavior. Joker’s brutal attack on Harley is a shocking and sobering look at their abusive relationship, but is also the impetus for Ivy’s actions in caring for Harley and ultimately rescuing her from her tormentor who views Harley as only a possession.

Final Thoughts 

Harley and Ivy: Life and Crimes #1 is an engrossing and tragic opening act about three broken people, a nod to the classic animated series where the enduring bond between the title characters began, as well as the sinister presence of an unrepentant and manipulative killer.

Adam Koppel

Who strikes fear into the darkest of hearts in Gotham City? Not me, I'm too busy reading comics and writing reviews.