HARLEY & IVY MEET BETTY & VERONICA #3 by Marc Andreyko, Paul Dini, and Laura Braga Plot Characterization Art Summary This hilarious instance of body-switching highlights what makes the featured characters fun by putting them in a different context. This hilarious instance of body-switching highlights what makes the featured characters fun by putting them in a different context. 87 % Delightfully Silly in Every Way User Rating 0 Be the first one !

Crossovers are always a tricky subject. On the one hand, readers often see it as a corporate cash-grab to profit off fans of two different series. On the other, this particular crossover is so over-the-top with its silliness that much of it can pass for the sheer spectacle of seeing these character in these outrageous situations. HARLEY & IVY MEET BETTY & VERONICA #3 shows readers how fun colliding two opposing worlds can be. Written by Marc Andreyko and Paul Dini, with art by Laura Braga; this silly little story will continue to delight even the most jaded of comic book fans.

HARLEY & IVY MEET BETTY & VERONICA #3, Or: Changing Your Mind

The story starts with our two titular pairs waking up in their new bodies. Harley and Ivy find themselves forced to navigate the intricate social hierarchies of high school, with varying results. Meanwhile, Betty and Veronica are forced into a life of crime while in Harley and Ivy’s bodies. Although, they do have the added benefit of the Gotham girl’s powers and skills.

All in all, this issue was bananas. Seeing Harley and Ivy still act like their normal selves in Betty and Veronica’s bodies is just a hoot. The two behave much friendlier with each other than the students are used to seeing B and V when they interact. It’s also hilarious watching the classic good girl and rich girl attempt to pass for the extreme personalities of Harley and Ivy. The two just can’t seem to escape trouble in Gotham City, even when they’re not actively attempting to commit a crime.

Like Comics of Yore

Ultimately, you need to take this story for what it is. There’s a villain with a peach for a head for goodness’ sake! HARLEY & IVY MEET BETTY & VERONICA #3 is just sheer ridiculousness. Yet honestly, that’s what makes me like it so much. With all the dark, brooding stories that comic book writers seem to enjoy giving readers these days; this feels like a breath of fresh air. Though, my only real complaint is how easily the plot for why Harley and Ivy even went to Riverdale seemed to drop. It’s mentioned briefly that, since they’re in the younger girls’ bodies, they can infiltrate Hiram’s operation easier. Yet it’s easily brushed aside in favor of all the other over-the-top silliness that the issue is much more interested in on focusing on.

Aside from this minor gripe, the story is a knockout. It’s fun, endearing, it’s everything comic book stories should be. It reminded me of early golden age comics. Something like BATMAN AND ROBIN, before Batman decided tights were so last year and dark and brooding was all the rage. It’s a nice return to form that feels unbelievably refreshing.

Gotham City Style

I really liked Laura Braga’s more realistic touch to the characters. It’s fun seeing these individuals act so silly while looking so serious. She even manages to imbue the girls with quite a bit of expressiveness. They’re not just there to stand still and look pretty. These ladies make distinct faces to show when they think too hard on a subject or when they’re just excited about their situation.

Overall, HARLEY & IVY MEETS BETTY & VERONICA #3 never fails to amuse. It shows exactly why audiences love these girls and how much fun they are when working off one another. It’s nothing deep or groundbreaking, but it’s not trying to be. So just relax, pull up a chair, and let the over-the-top quirkiness of the characters take you on a wild ride.