This is the Harley Quinn special issue that you didn’t know you wanted but, after you read it you know now you needed it. Harley’s Little Black Book #5 is pure unapologetic Harley at her independent, bad ass finest. This issue follows Harley as she fights to save the planet, mostly the cute little animals, but since they’re on the planet she’s going to save the whole thing.

She goes toe to toe with Superman who being the man (of steel) thinks it’s his job to fight the champion of the aliens running the intergalactic fight club. Lucky for us Harley being Harley is having none of his Alpha Super Male ego or suggestions and is ready to go toe to toe with whatever big baddie the aliens have up their sleeves. In the clap back heard around the world Harley let’s Superman and everyone else know that she’s more than just a girl and has the rabbit punch to prove it.

In a story that could have gone downright damsel in distress wrong, writers Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti, remind us of why we love Harley Quinn in her OG form. She’s not a puppet or backup dancer to Mr. J, she’s a boss and she doesn’t need any man to have her back or save her because she can handle it on her own. She’s a walking talking girl power anthem in this issue and I love her for it. The writers keep Harley’s biting wit and no-nonsense attitude and turned it up to 11 and when the big strong men around her were getting their butts handed to them left and right she stood tall, kicked ass and took names.

This issue is a well-written fun romp through the mind and battles of Harley Quinn. Sometimes there was a bit of clunk in the dialogue but, considering the insanity that lives inside of Harley, you could believe the words coming out of her mouth. There’s something wonderful about seeing Harley do what she does best, which is whatever Harley wants!

Neal Adams‘ art work takes us on an acid trip full of bright colors, super realistic people and a dash of bubble gum punk. The big bad aliens look gnarly and just scary enough to let you know they mean business.

Overall this issue is a nice return to form for Harley Quinn and it’s keeping the character on the right path. She’s still kind of underdressed, but I can over look it because she was on the beach when the story started and she might be rocking a bikini top but she’s got combat pants on for the rest of the story. I’m really excited to see more of these stories where Harley is not just the “Property of the Joker,” but her own fully realized person with goals, ideas, and thoughts no matter how deranged or convoluted they are. The story is exactly what it was meant to be, a fun romp through Harley land with a nice change of tone for the character. It’s a fun, quick, chuckle-inducing read with nice tattoo worthy art and I liked it from the first panel to the very end.

Story: Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti Art: Neal Adams
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review