Harley Quinn Black + White + Red (2020-) #10
Written by Dani
Pencils Dani
Inks Dani
Colored by Dani
Lettered by Aditya Bidikar
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“Sunshine Getaway”
Harley was trying to take a nice and quiet post-breakup vacation into the SLAUGHTER SWAMP, but disaster strikes when a bunch of creeps kidnap her beloved hyenas Bud and Lou. Time for her to put a very particular set of skills to use and kick some ass!
DC Comics‘ DC Digital First series Harley Quinn: Black + White + Red have been delivering something new and exciting with each new Friday release. The anthology series has a who’s who group of creators each putting their own spin on Harley Quinn. The stories and the art shift with each release. It keeps readers on their toes and it’s always fun to see the new and different take on the character.
Harley Quinn: Black + White + Red Chapter Ten, “Sunshine Getaway,” has Harley on the rampage to get her beloved hyenas Bud and Lou back. They’ve been kidnapped while Harley is on vacation in Slaughter Swamp and she wants them back. Dani‘s story and art have a very “Tank Girl” punk rock aesthetic about it. While the plot itself is the Harley we know, the attitude and look is something that really stands out.
Visually, the comic is far different than the other releases, which have all varied. Dani’s style is Tank Girl meets Frank Miller and Victor Santos. Images burst out of non-existent panels on a page. There’s a grit to it that brings Harley into an almost “indie punk” world of small press comics. It’s a style and look not expected from DC and diverges so much from what’s already been released in the anthology it’s hard to not take notice.
There’s also a rather “mature” spin to the comic. While the series hasn’t exactly been kid-friendly, this entry delivers a bit more punch with someone being shot and some torture. This isn’t the “comedic” Harley but a character that is on the warpath to get her friends back. At its heart, the digital entry is an 80s action film where the hero needs to defeat the bad guys to get their kidnapped friend back.
Aditya Bidikar‘s lettering ups the action with emphasis that really boosts the emotional and action hits. But, the lettering is even more key in that it matches Dani’s “rough” styling. The lettering matches the art style in presentation.
Harley Quinn: Black + White + Red Chapter Ten does reference Harley’s relationship with the Joker. Far too many chapters have. But it’s someone else she’s in pursuit of delivering something a little bit different. There’s a grittiness in the art and story that’s a bit different than the releases so far. It again shows off how many different spins you can give to a character and it’s been entertaining to see what each creator delivers. Harley Quinn: Black + White + Red Chapter Ten is another solid entry in an anthology series that is a stand out digital release of the year.
Story: Dani Art: Dani Lettering: Aditya Bidikar
Story: 8.15 Art: 8.95 Overall: 8.45 Recommendation: Buy
DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: comiXology
ComiXology has three new comic releases for you today. DC delivers a new chapter of Harley Quinn: Black + White + Red while Harlequin has two romance manga for you! Check out all three now or the individual issues below!
The Bachelor Prince
Written by Debbie Macomber
Art by Misao Hoshiai
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With his noble features and toned body, Stefano is the perfect prince whom every woman wants. The prince of San Lorenzo is known as the world’s most attractive bachelor, but to Hope, he’s simply someone unattainable. She’s too busy with her coffee shop to care about romance, anyway. But even so, she ends up on a date with the prince! While getting to be Cinderella for a night, she finds love in his arms. It’s like they’re under a romantic spell… Does their love story really need to end?
Harley Quinn Black + White + Red (2020-) #10
Written by Dani Strips
Pencils Dani Strips
Inks Dani Strips
Colored by Dani Strips
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“Sunshine Getaway”
Harley was trying to take a nice and quiet post-breakup vacation into the SLAUGHTER SWAMP, but disaster strikes when a bunch of creeps kidnap her beloved hyenas Bud and Lou. Time for her to put a very particular set of skills to use and kick some ass!
The Honeymoon Contract Vol. 3: Kings of Australia
Written by Emma Darcy
Art by Yoshimi Natsu
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Historian Nicole accepts the job to write a book on the history of the colorful King family. At the behest of her client, Isabella King, Nicole heads over to the family’s fruit orchard. However, what awaits her there is a terrifyingly charming man named Matt King. He immediately assumes that she’s been sent by his grandmother to be his potential bride. His eyes are full of suspicion as he tells Nicole that he won’t be playing along!
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Harley Quinn: Black + White + Red Chapter Nine
Written by Joe Quinones
Pencils Joe Quinones
Inks Joe Quinones
Lettering Clayton Cowles
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“Indiana Quinn!”
Harley Quinn finds herself kicked to the curb when she botches Poison Ivy’s best-laid plans to acquire a treasure of myth and legend! Determined to prove her worth, Harley sets off to capture the prize for them both, but not before drawing in Batman and Batgirl in a thrilling and dangerous adventure across the globe!
Harley Quinn: Black + White + Red has been an interesting digital series. Each chapter has allowed a new creative team to show what they can do with Harley Quinn. While every chapter in the digital anthology has been different, nine chapters in, many of them share themes, plots, or small details. One thing that has been a thread through so many is Harley’s relationship with Ivy. Harley Quinn: Black + White + Red Chapter Nine takes that common aspect of the character mixed with Indiana Jones in a vibe that’s very much Batman: The Animated Series.
“Indiana Quinn” is by Joe Quinones who handles story and art duties with Clayton Cowles on lettering. The story has Harley messing up Ivy’s latest heist. Ivy wants to steal a document that’ll lead her to the Fountain of Youth. Unfortunately, Harley complicates that in many ways leading to some tension between the two and Harley wanting to make up for it.
What’s interesting about the chapter is Quinones channeling Batman: The Animated Series in the pacing and the overall feel of the comic. The chapter’s look would fit well in that world though Quinones’ style is a bit different. Quinones’ style is simple in some ways like the heralded animated series. But, the layout on each page is very complex with some pages featuring a layering of images that create virtual panels though none exist. The layouts too break from the normal four and three-panel grids playing with size and positioning. That helps create a flow and pacing of the comic that feels quick but entertaining. That entertainment is helped by the innocence of Harley who just wants to help but acts as a stumbling block for Ivy in numerous ways.
Harley Quinn: Black + White + Red Chapter Nine is a fun entry in the DC Digital First anthology. While not the strongest released it’s still a fun read that’s well worth the 99 cents. What stands out is how it evokes Harley’s origin in Batman: The Animated Series while still doing its own thing. It’s an example of what the anthology series seems to be about. It allows creators to deliver their own spin and honor an iconic character.
Story: Joe Quinones Art: Joe Quinones
Ink: Joe Quinones Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Story: 7.5 Art: 8.4 Overall: 7.65 Recommendation: Buy
DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: comiXology
ComiXology has four new digital comics for you today including the latest Harley Quinn: Black + White + Red! Check out all of the comics here or the individual issues below!
Goblin Slayer Side Story: Year One #43.5
Written by Kumo Kagyu
Art by Shingo Adachi, Noboru Kannatuki, Kento Sakaeda
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This series is rated Adults OnlyDISCLAIMER: graphic sexuality goreGoblin Slayer and Cow Girl return to the farm—a perfectly ordinary walk home, seen in an all new light… Read the next chapter of Goblin Slayer Side Story: Year One the same day as Japan!
At The Count’s Bidding
Written by Caitlin Crews
Art by Rikako Tsuji
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Nicola is a struggling dancer who was raised in an abusive household. For her, the two months she had been in a relationship with Giancarlo, the son of an Italian count, were the happiest days of her life—until her mother sold her relationship to a gossip magazine. Ten years later, Nicola is reunited with Giancarlo as his mother’s personal assistant. He blames her for the past and accuses her of scheming to steal from his mother. She pleads her innocence and confesses that she still loves him. Refusing to listen, he makes the cruelest demands…
Harley Quinn Black + White + Red (2020-) #9
Written by Joe Quinones
Pencils Joe Quinones
Inks Joe Quinones
Purchase
“Indiana Quinn!”
Harley Quinn finds herself kicked to the curb when she botches Poison Ivy’s best-laid plans to acquire a treasure of myth and legend! Determined to prove her worth, Harley sets off to capture the prize for them both, but not before drawing in Batman and Batgirl in a thrilling and dangerous adventure across the globe!
Taming The Wolf #2
Written by Deborah Simmons
Art by Nanao Hidaka
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The morning after spending a passionate night with Dunstan, Lady Marion is faced with a new evil. Her uncle’s men have found her, and they take her away. Dunstan learns that she is in danger a moment too late and hurries to save her. Meanwhile, Marion worries about Dunstan, who says he doesn’t believe in love…
This site contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we’ll receive a percentage of the sale. Graphic Policy does purchase items from these sites. Making purchases through these links helps support the site.
Harley Quinn: Black + White + Red Chapter Eight
Written by Daniel Kibblesmith
Pencils Marguerite Sauvage
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“End Of The Line”
When Harley dozes off on a Coney Island-bound subway, she finds herself in a corner of the city she never imagined… the X Train, a pirate-filled locomotive sailing the troubled waters of New York’s underground!
It’s Harley Quinn meets The Warriors and Snowpiercer in Harley Quinn: Black + White + Red Chapter Eight. Harley dozes off on a Coney Island-bound subway and finds herself in a corner of the city she never imagined…the X Train, a pirate-filled locomotive sailing the troubled waters of New York’s underground!
Writer Daniel Kibblesmith takes us on a wild train ride that riffs off of and spoofs so much. Part of the fun of the comic is the pithy riffs and rips on pop culture. Harley delivers a punch or two dozen making her way to the front of the train car in a checklist of references.
Kibblesmith puts together a story that’s pretty straightforward and wears its heart and ideas on its sleeve. Harley Quinn: Black + White + Red Chapter Eight at its heart is a side-scroller brawler video game. Each car representing a new level and challenge. With that, Kibblesmith takes advantage with each car also being a wink and nod to pulp culture with numerous references to The Warriors, video games, DC Comics, Snowpiercer, and more. The comic is a digital “spot the pop culture reference.” And it works.
Part of why it works is the kinetic energy of the art delivered by Marguerite Sauvage. Harley is focused in on in red while her adversaries deliver the black and white. We get to see the flow of motion as she beats her way to the front of the train. There’s a motion to the art that reminds me of my metro rides in DC. To see Harley dance and beat her way to the front is a bit of visual poetry in the positioning and flow. Sauvage also does something a bit interesting with panel transitions as well. While not all of them line up, there’s more than enough motion between them where a swing might begin at the end of one panel and end at the beginning of the next. We fill in the gap of her movements.
I read my copy through a simple reader but there’s a chance through something like comiXology’s Guided View, the transition may be enhanced even more. The lettering by AndWorld Design too stands out as keywords are emphasized adding an extra punch to the jokes and at times making them entirely.
It’s not surprising that I enjoyed Harley Quinn: Black + White + Red Chapter Eight. Not knowing the specific story, just the creative team, I knew I was going into something I’d like. But, what Kibblesmith and Sauvage deliver is an homage to so much of the pop culture I consumer and hold dear. It’s a connect the dots of things I enjoy. It’s another winner for DC and their DC Digital First program. Not only is it a fun comic but it’s yet another stand-alone comic anyone can pick up and enjoy. It’s also yet another example of what you’re able to do creatively with Harley Quinn.
Story: Daniel Kibblesmith Art: Marguerite Sauvage Letterer: AndWorld Design
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy
DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: comiXology – Kindle
There’s three new digital comics for you today from comiXology. Harlequin delivers two new romance manga while DC Comics has a new DC Digital First in Harley Quinn: Black + White + Red. Check out all three right here or the individual issues below!
Harley Quinn Black + White + Red (2020-) #8
Written by Daniel Kibblesmith
Pencils Marguerite Sauvage
Purchase
“End Of The Line”
When Harley dozes off on a Coney Island-bound subway, she finds herself in a corner of the city she never imagined… the X Train, a pirate-filled locomotive sailing the troubled waters of New York’s underground!
Reunited By A Shock Pregnancy
Written by Chantelle Shaw
Art by Motoko Mori
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Eight years after ending her mismatched marriage with an Italian tycoon, Sienna has finally established a cosmetics company and gained great success. But after reading about her ex-husband getting remarried in the newspaper, she decides to head to their spot to confirm that she no longer has feelings for him. There, she hears a familiar voice calling out to her. It’s her ex-husband, Niko! The newspaper was mistaken, and the one who got married was Niko’s brother. Unable to resist this reunion with Niko, Sienna spends a night of passion with him. Little did she know that she would become pregnant…and face Niko’s rejection once again?
Valentine Vendetta
Written by Sharon Kendrick
Art by Miho Tomoi
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When her best friend comes to her begging for help, Fran Fisher can’t find it in her heart to say no. Her friend wants to use Fran’s job as a party coordinator to get revenge against Sam Lockhart, the man who took her virginity and then dumped her…and who happens to be hosting a charity event. Hoping the plan will help heal her friend’s broken heart, Fran goes to Cambridge to win herself the role of Sam’s party coordinator. But when she arrives at his house, she is shocked by his good looks and endearing personality. He is nothing like what she expected. Is he really a heartless and predatory womanizer like she was told?
This site contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links and make a purchase, we’ll receive a percentage of the sale. Graphic Policy does purchase items from these sites. Making purchases through these links helps support the site.
DC Comics has upped its digital game with DC Digital Firsts. The digital comics have allowed the publisher to try new formats and take risks. So far, it’s been a success for readers. A crown jewel in the line is Harley Quinn: Black + White + Red. The digital anthology series features a new creative team each issue delivering a new self-contained experience. Harley Quinn: Black + White + Red Chapter Seven has Erica Henderson showing us what she’d do with the character in a very cute story fit for an animated short.
Harley is done with Mr. J. She wants to show her independence by burning up the gifts he’s given her. But, Ivy has other things to focus on, like the latest caper with Harley. The comic is just a spiraling of issues as Harley’s new focus on doing good for herself lands them both into trouble.
Henderson uses Harley’s toxic relationship with the Joker to drive the humor of the story. This isn’t an examination of their twisted romance or a look at Harley’s abuse. Instead, it’s a means to get us to the action and get us some laughs. Harley Quinn: Black + White + Red Chapter Seven is interesting compared to many of the previous chapters. The rest have dived a little more into Harley’s trauma. Here, it’s a plot point whose greater purpose is to create some friction between Harley and Ivy. It’s another example of not just how the same character but even the same character aspect can be used in such a different way by creators.
It’d be easy to go down a serious road and a dour take on Harley when it comes to the Joker. It’s not a healthy relationship and the Joker has abused her psychologically. Henderson doesn’t ignore that but more so that’s not the focus of the comic. Some of their issues are danced around but the comic is more about a woman burning her memories to move on, then causing a fire by accident while doing so. There’s also that nice addition as to Harley’s choices being wide open without the Joker to hold her down.
Part of the success of this comic is Henderson’s art. There’s a lot said in body language and facial expressions and they drive so much of the back and forth between the characters. Ivy delivers Harley a look that says everything she’s thinking when Harley declares she wants to try crime-fighting to see what that’s like. It really shows the power of the comic medium and how much it differs from prose novels. The lettering by Gabriela Downie too is key. It adds such emotion to some of Henderson’s dialogue and really sets a panel and scene.
Harley Quinn: Black + White + Red Chapter Seven is the great build-up to the joke that gets you to laugh when it’s all over. I fully expected to hear a rim shot at the end as the “sketch” ended along with some audience laughter. And, it got me to actually laugh. It’s really cute and another solid addition to the digital series. Again, it’s a prime example as to how flexible the character is and awesome to see what another creator brings to the character.
Story: Erica Henderson Art: Erica Henderson Letterer: Gabriella Downie
Story: 8.0 Art: 8.0 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy
Purchase: comiXology
