The Good
HARLEY QUINN is quickly moving up the ranks as one of my favorite titles each month. We all enjoy comic book characters deeply immersed in vastly fleshed out comic universes. The downside of that is there are often cases of continuity problems. With HARLEY QUINN, you just don't worry about it. You don't have to worry about what might be going on in other titles. All you need to worry about is accidentally laughing out loud if you're reading in a place that frowns upon that.
Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti are putting the fun into dysfunctional. Harley is an over-the-top character and that allows for the wacky and zany adventures. That isn't to say that it's simply a case of anything goes. Harley decides to rescue and keep a horde of dogs in her loft? No problem. The issue of dealing with the...waste is touched upon here. Harley takes a job on a roller derby team? Yup, trying to fit that into her schedule is here. Harley actually taking a day job and having to appear normal in public? Once again, Conner and Palmiotti show us how she does it.
Is Harley a demented person? Here, it doesn't really matter. She may be bad in some ways, but she generally means well. She has her own brand of justice and she's not afraid to show it.
Stephane Roux handles the art in this issue. Whether it's Roux or Chad Hardin, we've been treated to some great art. Paul Mounts' colors are brilliant. As this is a humorous book, it also requires visuals to complement the script. It all fits together wonderfully.
The Bad
At the end of the day (as this is the last comic I'm reading today), I want a comic that will entertain me and possibly bring a smile to my face. That's exactly what this comic does. It doesn't necessarily take itself seriously and neither should readers, aside from looking for high quality fun.
The Verdict
HARLEY QUINN is an absurdly fun book. Sometimes you just want a comic you can read and enjoy. Too many comics these days can be grim or so immersed in a quagmire of continuity issues, it's refreshing to be able to read a comic and simply be entertained. My wish is for Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti to have an extremely long run on this title. Stephane Roux's art and Paul Mounts' colors complement the script in all the right ways. This comic may not change the fate of the world but it could just change the way you think about comics and reading enjoyment.
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