Note: We have an interview with Amanda and Jimmy on Harley and this issue right HERE.
The Good
Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti appear to have no shortage of stories when it comes to Harley Quinn. Along with their regular monthly HARLEY QUINN series, we've also been seeing different one-shots. With Valentine's Day just around the corner, we fittingly get a special to celebrate the occasion.
In a story that's perfect for Harley and could only be written by Conner and Palmiotti, Harley's attention shifts to a benefit auction to benefit the Wayne Foundation Animal Shelter. The prize is a date with the dreamy Bruce Wayne. Harley's hormones are revving as she decides she needs to find a way to come up with the winning bid in order to get a date with Wayne. It's silly and goofy but entertaining at the same time.
This isn't just a character going gaga over someone. We do get the typical Harley shenanigans we've come to expect from Conner and Palmiotti. Unlike some one-shots, this story feels like it'd fit in perfectly with the regular series. Her supporting cast is all here. John Timms handles the majority of the art (there are some dream sequences drawn by others). Timms captures the feel we've come to expect now, especially since he's worked on a couple of the regular issues.
The Bad
Maybe it's her hormones but there were a couple times I groaned a little ("Yabba dabba do me!"). The story gets a little absurd but that's why we can enjoy this version of Harley. As long as you know what you're going into, you should have no problem enjoying this special.
The Verdict
Since the start of Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti's HARLEY QUINN series, we've been seeing a slight departure in the New 52 Universe. The writing duo is having a blast writing Harley and it shows when you read their books. You sometimes hear from some people that this isn't the Harley they knew. That's what makes the series fun and different. Having a different tone from other New 52 books lets this book stand apart and breath on its own. With a Valentine's Day theme involving Bruce Wayne, you know it's going to be some big time kooky fun. The art by John Timms is great and we also get some dream sequences with art by Ben Caldwell and Aaron Campbell. This is the sort of book that allows you sit back and simply have a good time while you read it.