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Preview: Harley Quinn Vol. 1 Die Laughing

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Harley Quinn Vol. 1 Die Laughing

Written by: Jimmy Palmiotti, Amanda Conner
Art by: John Timms, Chad Hardin, Various
Cover by: Amanda Conner

Welcome back to Harley Quinn’s crazy world on Coney Island…now get ready to wave goodbye, because everyone there just might get eaten alive! Harley’s gotta protect her neighborhood against an all-out zombie apocalypse! Break out the chainsaws, everybody! Then, Harley must set out on a journey that will take her around the world—and into the clutches of a bizarre robotic enemy! And Harley carves her way through the rock underground of New York City, looking for the criminals who hurt someone she cared about…unfortunately, one of the crooks in question has fallen in love with her. Collects issues #1-7.

DC Weekly Graphic Novel Review: Harley Quinn Vol. 1 Die Laughing

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It’s Wednesday which means new comic book day with new releases hitting shelves, both physical and digital, all across the world. We’ve got one more volume from DC Comics, the Rebirth launch, Harley Quinn!

Harley Quinn Vol. 1 Die Laughing collects issues 1 to 7 by Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti, John Timms, and Chad Hardin.

Find out what the trade has in store and whether you should grab yourself a copy. You can find both in comic stores March 15 and bookstores March 21.

Get your copies now. To find a comic shop near you, visit http://www.comicshoplocator.com or call 1-888-comicbook or digitally and online with the links below.

Harley Quinn Vol. 1 Die Laughing
Amazon/Kindle/comiXology or TFAW

 

 

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with FREE copies for review
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Review : Harley Quinn #15

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harley-cv15_dsThere’s a “flying” squirrel that draws a line between all five of the equally intriguing stories being told in this killer issue of Harley Quinn. As ridiculous as using a squirrel flying through the air as a plot device to show the interconnectivity of a story might sound, the brilliant Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner make it work in such an effortless way that it never comes off as trite, gimmicky or irrelevant.

Palmiotti and Conner have a lot on their plates for this issue, Harley Quinn #15 has a little something for everyone, no matter which part of the story you were hyped up to get back to that week they have you covered. There are five different storylines going on in this action packed Harley tale and every one was essential to the arc. Palmiotti and Conner show that they are masters of telling a good story because with everything going on, not once does the story feel convoluted. I found myself genuinely excited when I would flipped the page and a new story line was waiting for me.

This issue clues us into part of Harley Sinn’s Arkham release deal as she learns more about her target from a seedy motel. Atlee and Harley split up from a battle with Zorcrom so Atlee can get reinforcements, leaving Harley to keep Zor occupied with a trip to Central Park. The mayor’s plan to fix the homeless solution has started to take shape and claims two new victims. And, if that’s not enough the issue starts off 150 years in the future with Devani prepping for what appears to be a government sanctioned cage match for her Batman sponsored quadrant against Harley.

With so many story lines there’s no wonder they went with three different artists to give us a little bit of change between stories. Khari Evans, John Timms, and Joseph Michael Lisner effectively bring the heat with their lines and drawings while Alex Sinclair kills it with his color work. Even Dave Sharpe‘s lettering is on point! Every single element of the visual portrayal of this story is meticulously thought out and executed making it feel like I was watching my new favorite cartoon and not just flipping through pages.

Amazing graphics, superior story and, character distinctive lettering aside, there were some other things I love about this issue that held just as much weight for me. I applauded, in my head, when Atlee went to get back up and she chose another woman! There’s something to be said about having visions of the final showdown with Zom being spearheaded by three strong, bad ass women! I also love that Harley doesn’t use her body to keep Zorcrom busy, she engages him with her intellect, despite the tight, nearly invisible clothes Harley is no sex object, she’s smart and funny and it’s issues like this that showcase it. It was nice to see her shrinking Zor, it was reminiscent of her days at Arkham when she was Dr. Harley.  I also enjoyed that the female villains have their own agency and motivations, none of which are forced by men. The autonomy that Palmiotti and Conner give their female characters is a breath of fresh air and, I’m here for it. This issue is like well-choreographed concert, it engaged me and left me on the edge of my seat, er couch, and I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Story: Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner
Art: Khari Evans, John Timms and John Michael Lisner Color: Alex Sinclair
Story: 9.5 Art: 9.5 Overall:9.5 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Review: Harley Quinn #14

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harley_cv14_dsThis weeks issue of Harley Quinn was full of all the things I love about the way Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner have been taking our favorite maybe sheroes story arcs. There were some growing pains and a sense that they were trying to shove too much into one issue but, not only did it all work itself out but, it has fueled the issues that followed. Palmiotti and Conner are kicking ass at defining who Harley is now, not only have they excelled at giving her agency, purpose, and focus but, they’ve managed to tackle some pretty serious social and relationship issues. They have also managed to serve up a healthy dose of girl power and sisterhood reminding us all that women really do kick ass. Despite her often psychotic and fractured actions, Harley Quinn has returned to being the penultimate “you don’t own me” bad ass boss chick role model that we got a glimpse of before.

Harley Quinn #14 starts off with a glimpse of what Ms. Berkowitz has in mind to help the Mayor solve his homelessness problem and it’s not only shady but, scary. We also discover more about how Harley pays the bills and, runs a crew. There’s something kind of empowering about the way she handles herself and her gang with her own hero for hire and , bad ass for kicks business ventures. If that’s not enough excitement for you there’s also a what’s in the tunnels story arc that’s about to take off. We’re treated to a front row seat as the insects come out of the dark, into the light and set loose their dark lord. Harley in her usual trouble maker with a heart uses some trickery to get this alien arsehole out of her hood to keep her home turf safe. But, she ends up needing help from an unlikely and new source in order to do battle with what promises to be a wrathful return.

The writing is on point as usual. There are multiple storylines going on but, hey are clear lines letting the reader know where the storylines switched over. There are also some killer social commentary quips and undertones that make the story touch on the readers humanity. The writers were even nice and clever enough to take a jab at Sunkist Stalin number 45 himself. I was also impressed that when the shizz hit the fan, Harley thought about all of the female heroes she could call to help out with their alien overlord problem.

Khari Evans and John Timms split the drawing duties for this issue with Alex Sinclair serving up some killer, mood appropriate color. It’s a really pretty comic, full of detail, providing a feeling that the scene is just as important as the words.

Overall this issue of Harley Quinn brings together some A-team level storytelling and artwork. Everything fits together and the words complement the art which aids in the ability of reader to get sucked in and enjoy the ride. This was a solid set up for a new arc and, a good precursor for the arcs that will follow. I appreciated the story and, enjoyed that it had a mildly political subtext with a good, relatable, entertaining tale dominating the forefront. It was a blast to read and I look forward to not only watching this story arc play out but, discovering what other arcs are lurking in the wings waiting for their chance to have a full fledged story arc of their own. Wherever this team decides to go I’m here for it and have full faith in their ability to keep us all wanting more.

Story: Jimmy Palmiotti, Amanda Conner Art: Khari Evans, John Timms, Alex Sinclair
Story: 9.0 Art: 8.8 Overall: 8.9 Recommendation: Buy

DC comics provided Graphic Policy with a free copy for review

Review: Harley Quinn #13

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13 has always been my favorite number and issue #13 of Harley Quinn does that number proud. There’s a whole lot going on in this issue but, it manages to not be too overwhelming. The first few pages knock you off balance a bit and set up an amazing story while the pages that follow are one of the best dream sequences that I’ve seen in a while. Break the myth you’re told early on with something more twisted and poignant than you could ever imagine. This issue gave us not only a great story but, an actual peanut gallery via a Greek chorus. We get to see what we think Harley wants only to have that twisted with a reveal that has us rethink what we’ve read. We got to see how dark and twisted Harley can get and appreciate how much she’s changed, how strong she is and how in control of herself, her needs, and what she is.

This issue takes us on a journey with Harley acting as lead interrogator/torturer of the recently captured and battered “Joker.” It seems fairly therapeutic for her to be able to literally cut the person who wronged her out of her head and life, slice by slice. When she gets to the meat of the Joker’s latest deception, she calls in back up to witness the telling of the story. Her employees and friends get front row seats and popcorn to act as an audience for a truly demented story time. On some levels it felt like having them there allowed Harley to have an actual conscience present to keep her grounded but it also felt like a cross between her own version of aversion therapy to rip the band-aid off of the last little bit of feelings she had for Joker and her allowing the people in her life to witness Faux-kers humiliation the way that Joker humiliated her. There’s so much awesomeness going on in this issue that I would love to share but, I don’t want to give too many spoilers because this really is an issue that you need to pick up and check out on your own. Yes, it is that good!

Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti add an extra layer to the Harley and Joker relationship conundrum. If you thought that what they had was sick, twisted and unhealthy, this issue lets you know that you ain’t seen nothing yet. Surprisingly, Conner and Palmiotti manage to create a rich, multifaceted base that they add layers to in odd to create a more fleshed out, realistic and relatable Harley. The writing duo deserve extra kudos for providing her with agency, autonomy, and depth beyond sexy outfits, a foul mouth and being Joker’s psychotic manic pixie dream girl. This issue might be the definitive turning point in the Harley mythology that gives us the Harley we crave by highlighting the things that made her a singular bad ass without the Joker.

John Timms‘ artwork is beyond on point in this issue. The pained facial expressions, the attention to detail in the lines, that change in style between the dream sequences, flashbacks, and the present day aftermath is pure magic and, I’m here for it. The transitions between each time line is so smooth that you barely see it happening but, you don’t get snatched out of the experience as a whole. It’s an artistic page turner and it’s so well done that you could probably get the story without the words by just turning the pages it would come out as a 7 for story. Luckily these three joined forces and created nothing short of a masterpiece and a nice jump off point for the issues that are to come.

Overall, Harley Quinn #13 gives you a front row seat to one of the most deranged subplots that I’ve seen in a while. The issue subtly tackles domestic violence recovery, the long-term and recurring effects of emotionally abusive relationships, stalking and if all of that wasn’t enough to cram in they add mental illness to the bag. With all of those issues you’d think that the issue would be heavy and bogged down but, Conner & Palmiotti manage to keep things entertaining and page turning without making light of the serious issues that it makes reference to. The issue also manages to work perfectly as a stand-alone issue and serves as the perfect intro to Harley for the uninitiated, it provides a bit of backstory, a lot of who she is now and a glimpse into the danger of her relationship with Joker. We also got to see the absurdity of the dangerous male phenomenon of expecting women to fall for them, through trickery, emotional manipulation, and lies, the dangerous act of falling in love from afar and feeling as if they are owed a relationship as a reward for simply existing and wanting the ” object ” of their obsession. This issue created a realistic caricature of an actual social problem that always plays out dangerously for women and gave some of the power back to the woman, Harley, who finds herself at the whim of an unwanted suitor and she is able to bring him to task and protect herself. This was an impressive, well thought out, and powerful issue of Harley Quinn and I hope to more like it.

Story: Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti Art: John Timms
Story: 9.4 Art:9.2 Overall: 9.3 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a free copy for review

Preview: Harley Quinn #12

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Harley Quinn #12

(W) Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti (A) John Timms (CA) Amanda Conner
RATED T+
In Shops: Jan 18, 2017
SRP: $2.99

“JOKER LOVES HARLEY” part two! Don’t ship Joker and Harley too hard! In this issue, the “reformed” Joker deceives Harley, and when that happens, she goes for his throat!

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Review: Harley Quinn #12

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harley-cv12_dsHarley Quinn #12 brought back a lot of what I liked about the direction that the Rebirth team, Amanda Conner & Jimmy Palmiotti, were taking with Harley. She’s a lot more autonomous and a lot less Joker prop. Last time around I had some issues with the story direction, this issue was way more cohesive and showed a focus and direction that I could get behind. I still want to know what was lurking behind the mystery door on Red Tool and Harley’s adventure but, this issue was filling enough to tide me over until the next one comes out and clever enough to leave me wanting more.

This issue served up everything I love about the latest Harley incarnation, Conner and Palmiotti served up that wise talking bad ass lady boss we all fell in love with. She gives Tool the business for trying to white knight her with the Joker and, the Joker gets treated to what can only be described as Harley pulling a Reservoir Dogs style torture scene with Mr. J. We also get a glimpse of Madison’s master plan as she unleashes what appears to be her version of a supernatural Kraken from a cargo container on the Red Hook docks.

harley_12_5The writing is on point in this issue, there’s a cohesive story with real dialogue. Harley gets back her agency and we get to see her in all of her glory. The story was easy to follow and gave me hope for the issues to come, it also left me with just the right amount of questions to ponder while I wait for the next installment of what is shaping up to be an interesting story arc.

John Timms’ artwork is full of detail and shows off the emotions of the characters perfectly, it looks more like a storyboard for a movie which helped keep me engaged in the story. Chad Hardin provided a nice art assist in a much needed Harley dream sequence that showed her feelings on the reappearance of the Joker. Harding’ ethereal art style portrayed perfectly the thought process following escape from a toxic relationship. I would also like to acknowledge Dave Sharpe, the letterer for this issue who managed to give each character a unique voice. The Jokers’ bubbles managed to convey actual menace in them.

Overall this was a solid issue and a return to what I fell in love with about the Rebirth Harley. It was a strong read as a stand alone issue and a nice bridge to for what is to come.

Story: Amanda Conner & Jimmy Palmiotti
Art: John Timms, Chad Hardin (Dream Sequence)
Story: 8.9 Art: 8.9 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Preview: Harley Quinn #11

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Harley Quinn #11

(W) Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti (A) John Timms (CA) Amanda Conner
RATED T+
In Shops: Jan 04, 2017
SRP: $2.99

“JOKER LOVES HARLEY” part one! For months now, strange reminders of Harley’s time with the Joker have been popping up in the most unexpected places…is this coincidence? Or a message? As our tale begins, Harley is introduced to a newer, kinder Joker…and Red Tool is not happy about it!

harley-cv11_ds

Review: Harley Quinn #11

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harley-quinn-11Harley Quinn #11 is the beginning of the latest DC Universe Rebirth Harley Quinn story arc. There have been hints peppered throughout the last two story arcs, a bar of heart soap here, a sound there but, this time around the moment we’ve all been waiting for (or dreading) is here. The arc is “Joker Loves Harley” and he’s back.

Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti stack a lot of stuff into this issue. We’ve got Mr. J showing up at Harley’s apartment uninvited and letting himself in, there’s Red Tool pulling an overprotective ” boyfriend” and, a mystery side trek to someplace Harley and Tool probably shouldn’t be , where they’ve probably let loose something they shouldn’t have.

This issue started going down a lot of different paths and sometimes it made sense and was fluid, unfortunately at other times it felt a bit messy or out of place. I give the writers kudos for the way that Harley handled the Joker showing up at her place after breaking in. It was honest and I’m glad they didn’t have her falling back into her arms and continuing the cycle of abuse. I was not a fan of Red Tool doing side moves and intervening with Joker on Harley’s behalf without her consent. In general , a woman’s NO should be a NO. A woman’s NO should not have to be amplified or validated by a man stepping up to claim her and I felt like that is what Tools interactions with the Joker was all about. Tool seemed to be putting out all the White Knight vibes and while the Jokers return does warrant reason to worry about Harley, she seems to have things under control and Tools stepping in not only takes away part of Harley’s autonomy and choice but, could make things worse for her.

Outside of the parts of the issue that I found problematic from a feminist perspective, I also was kind of unsure about Harley and Tools little side mission. The exploring to get her mind off of thing I got but, their decisions following discovering what they discovered, didn’t ring true. It seemed unlikely for them to just walk away and , it felt like a cheap trick to propel this arc along or to plant seeds for the next arc.

I also found some of Harley’s dialogue to be a bit silly and not in the fun, cute, clever, savage, sarcastic way she usually talks. There were a few interactions where I felt like she sounded less intelligent than she is. I understand her being rattled by the Joker’s pop up but, there seemed to be little thought placed on her words, which was kind of off putting.

John Timms artwork is beautiful, dark, suggestive and has just the right amount of pop. His style lends itself to the crazy that is Harley’s world and, I love it. Timm’s doesn’t linger on or overlysexualize Harley’s body, in fact we saw more of Tool than of Harley, so kudos for that. His attention to detail and the way he masters the facial expressions that go so well with what Harley is dealing with or feeling in a panel gives depth to the story.

Overall, Issue #11 was just OK and since the first 10 Rebirth issues were so on point and I was loving the direction that Harley was taking, this was kind of a let down. It felt like the writers kind of ran out of steam and went for a place holder style set up issue as opposed to the intro to the arc style they had been using. I’m hoping this arc turns itself around and gives us more of the Harley that we love and a meatier story because, this issue compared to the previous 10, was just meh.

Story: Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti Art: John Timms
Story: 6.5 Art: 8.0 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Preview: Harley Quinn #7

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Harley Quinn #7

Written by: Jimmy Palmiotti, Amanda Conner
Art by: John Timms
Cover by: Amanda Conner
Variant cover by: Bill Sienkiewicz

“EAT TO THIS BEAT” part 3! Harley’s punk-rock epic concludes with her and her bandmates in way too deep on their undercover mission to take down a brutal gang of thieves and murderers!

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