Time for the monthly dose of fun and joy that is Harley Quinn. Her team up with Power Girl may be over, but the fun shouldn’t be stopping anytime soon.
The latest issue brings a possible new love interest for Harley to the table. Is it good?
Harley Quinn #14 (DC Comics)
Ever had one of those days where life just seems to be beating you down? Harley is having one of those days. Her hot water goes out, there’s a pair of rampaging robotic legs in her room, and she finds out she has to pull an extra-long shift at the hospital she works for. What’s a gal to do?
Don’t get too overstimulated Harley. The day only just started.
Of all the issues of the series we’ve had up until now, this one came across as the most realistic and most relatable. Sure, it’s still incredibly goofy and insane at points, but honestly, who hasn’t had a day where it felt like everything was going wrong or life was just repeatedly punching you in the face? This issue also had some of the best characterization for Harley as well. Writers Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti nail down the wacky and crazy side of Harley well and at points, shows her darker side (not often, but it does appear when she tries lashing out at a bunch of jerks who rob an older lady). Plus, considering all of the crap that keeps happening to her, Harley remains sympathetic throughout the issue, showing the good person hidden underneath all the layers of silly and insanity. Harley, despite being incredibly violent and vicious at points to people who wronged her or others, still has some loveable tendencies to her, and that’s what makes her such an interesting character. While those elements were there in previous issues, (rescuing and adopting all of those animals back in issue #2, for instance), they felt much more resonant in this issue, especially with Harley stepping in to try to help an old lady or even saving a woman’s life. For those who missed or wanted more of this side to her, this issue is definitely one to grab.
The humor in this issue is solid and most of the jokes hit and find their mark here. The tone may be the only thing off for people this issue, considering how the issue felt more serious and a bit sad in areas given that Harley couldn’t catch a break no matter what happened. However, the humor does lighten the situation significantly, so there shouldn’t be too much of a problem for those who want this to be just funny.
The artwork by Chad Hardin looks great like always. The characters look great and are very expressive as usual, helping sell a lot of the humor and tone in the book. The layouts are solid and the little touches like every panel having an actual background and not just white space are appreciated (the ones that don’t usually just help sell the mood to the character is in with the colors in the back). Everything is easy follow, there are plenty of good gags that are only bolstered by Hardin’s expressive art style and the coloring by Alex Sinclair gives everything a fine polish. Its solid work, the kind you’ve come to expect from this series.
Is It Good?
Harley Quinn #14 is a great issue and start to this new arc. The story is very enjoyable and perfectly captures the discomfort and frustration that come along with a person’s day going wrong in almost every way. Harley is great, the writing is strong, and the artwork is lovely. There’s really not much more to say on this. If you aren’t reading this series and missing out on the fun, it’s time to correct that mistake.
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