Harley Quinn is again in Gotham for good! No, actually, she’s leaving the Joker and her previous life behind and attempting to do good.
“Trying” being the operative phrase.
Her ongoing solo sequence relaunched in 2021 after the occasions of “The Joker War,” which left Gotham City feeling extra unstable than ever. Can Harley Quinn assist repair the town when her previous buddies had been those who shattered it?
The first quantity of Harley Quinn from Stephanie Phillips and Riley Rossmo is a colorfully chaotic assortment of Harley’s efforts to show over a new leaf. And contemplating that the amount concludes with a one-issue journey with Catwoman that shouldn’t be missed, I’d say that Harley Quinn Vol. 1: No Good Deed is the purr-fect weekend binge. (That’s the one pun in right here, I promise.)
The Premise:
Gotham City is in shambles after the Joker, Punchline and their legion of loyal clowns ran rampant within the streets in the course of the Joker’s conflict on Batman. They left solely destruction of their wake. The Joker was in the end defeated, however Batman can nonetheless use all the assistance he can get to maintain the peace—even when meaning teaming up with one Dr. Harleen Quinzel. Well, she thinks they’re teaming up. He’s principally simply tolerating her.
When Dr. Hugo Strange is appointed by the mayor to go up Gotham’s rehabilitation efforts, Harley is aware of there’s one thing shady occurring. But can a former baddie ever be trusted to be one of many good guys?
Let’s Talk Talent:
Stephanie Phillips has written Harley Quinn tie-ins and one-shots alongside Harley’s solo sequence and penned two sensational problems with Sensational Wonder Woman that led to a longer Wonder Woman miniseries, Wonder Woman: Evolution. Her creative cohort in crime, Riley Rossmo, re-designed Harley Quinn’s costume for this sequence with a well-balanced mix of her traditional and cinematic appears. His riotous type, which appears to defy the legal guidelines of gravity (and presumably the legal guidelines of Gotham), lends itself completely to Harley Quinn as a character. Rossmo, a veteran artist for DC, is presently engaged on the brand new Tim Drake: Robin solo sequence.
A bonus comedian within the assortment, “New Roots” from Batman: Urban Legends #1, is a story from Stephanie Phillips and Laura Braga that takes place previous to the primary story. Braga, who additionally stepped in because the artist for concern #6, illustrated the Maid of Mischief in DC Comics Bombshells and Harley & Ivy Meet Betty & Veronica.
A Few Reasons to Read:
- Kevin. Just every little thing about Kevin. Once a member of the clowns inflicting chaos within the Joker’s identify, this common
JoeKevin can be attempting to make amends. But with a tattoo of the Joker emblazoned on his face, escaping his previous received’t be straightforward. Harley is there to assist him by it. While it’s tough to deem Kevin “innocent,” his expertise illuminates why a seemingly regular man would select to comply with somebody as irrational because the Joker.
- Harley’s internal dialogue. Harley Quinn has an uncanny notion in the case of individuals—together with herself. With a PhD in psychology, she’s fiercely clever and she or he is aware of it. When Harley turns her focus inward, she has no illusions about who she is and what she’s achieved. It’s a good use of the character that results in insights you won’t have thought of in any other case.
- A pep discuss from Solomon Grundy. Seriously, that occurs. Not solely is Harley unbothered by the hulking zombie who calls the sewers house, she’s snug sufficient to speak to him about her issues. (You know you’re having a unhealthy day whenever you go to Solomon Grundy for recommendation.) Mr. Born on a Monday presents some surprisingly helpful counsel.
Why It’s Worth Your Time:
Harley Quinn is fearless, however by no means heartless. Her good intentions could be felt in each panel. Ms. Quinn is her greatest self when she’s freed from the Joker and this primary quantity of her solo sequence highlights it. The bonus tales as a substitute staff her up with Poison Ivy (swoon!) and Catwoman, and Harley thrives with each.
While Harley will in all probability by no means attain the rank of “superhero,” it’s as a result of she chooses to be her personal sort of hero as a substitute—an unpredictable, impulsive and risky hero, certain, however a hero nonetheless. If you’re trying to liven issues up, a weekend binge with Harley Quinn is a assured strategy to do it, particularly with this month marking the character’s 30th Anniversary.
Harley Quinn: No Good Deed by Stephanie Phillips, Riley Rossmo, Ivan Plascencia and Deron Bennett is on the market in bookstores, comedian retailers, libraries and on DC UNIVERSE INFINITE.
Kelly Knox writes about all-ages comics and animation for DCComics.com and her writing can be seen on IGN, Nerdist and extra. Follow her on Twitter at @kelly_knox to speak superheroes, comics and popular culture.
NOTE: The views and opinions expressed on this characteristic are solely these of Kelly Knox and don’t essentially mirror these of DC Entertainment or Warner Bros.
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