Harley Quinn #39 is written by by Tini Howard and published by DC. Artwork is by Natacha Bustos, colours by Nick Filardi and letters by Steve Wands. The backup story is written and drawn by Erica Henderson with letters by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou.
Harley Quinn #39 is available from today, in print and on digital platforms where all good comic books are sold. Grab your digital copy from Amazon Comixology UK right here.
Synopsis
Hey, Puddin’! Meet the new and improved Harley Quinn SUPER-VILLAIN FOR HIRE. THAT’S RIGHT, YOU JABRONIS I’M BACK AND I’M BUSTIN’ HEADS. Okay, just between you and me though, this is all part of a secret plan I got going to study some of Gotham’s worst, up close and personally. Think of it as an anthropologic study and don’t get your brain all flustered. Plus: Zip! Pow! Xoinko! Feast your eyes on my interstellar delights as yer girl takes a trip into outer space to hang with star babes and slay some serious outer space stinkers brought to you by my great-grousemother Erica Henderson!
Review
Attention all puddin’s! If you’re a die-hard DC aficionado, an unwavering devotee of the incomparable Harley Quinn, or simply in pursuit of a riveting read that will leave you on the edge of your seat, then you cannot afford to miss the latest instalment in the Harley Quinn series.
The issue dives headfirst into the chaotic, exhilarating world of everyone’s favourite mallet-wielding, hyena-loving, wildly unpredictable gymnast: Harley Freakin’ Quinn. Freshly released from Arkham and balancing on the precarious tightrope of parole, Harley finds herself in a chilling confrontation with Mr. Freeze. Dismissed by him as merely a washed-up sidekick, Harley is sparked into action, determined to prove him egregiously wrong. This confrontation sets the stage for an issue that is nothing short of explosive.
Fueled by a potent blend of rage and a burning desire to prove herself, Harley taps into her psychology expertise honed during her Arkham Asylum days and finds a new patient. She embarks on a mission to effect positive change, but in classic Harley fashion, her unconventional methods and a shaky grasp on reality lead her into a series of uproarious situations. The result? A barrage of snappy one-liners that will leave you chuckling. Tini Howard’s razor-sharp, witty writing captures and amplifies Harley’s chaotic, well-meaning, and downright hilarious essence.
As mentioned, one of the series’ most compelling aspects is its masterful writing, which brilliantly threads other iconic characters from the DC universe into the narrative fabric. The clever integration of cameos and references throughout the issue enriches the storyline. It engagingly broadens the world, and a particularly mesmerising example of this intricate world-building is the beautifully nuanced portrayal of the relationship between Harley and Poison Ivy.
The depiction of Harley’s relationship with her wife, Poison Ivy, truly shines as a standout moment in the issue, thanks to Howard’s masterful storytelling. Their dynamic is brought to life with a vibrancy that captures their essence perfectly – a mix of humour, love, and a touch of disorder. Howard’s skilful writing and stunning illustrations elevate Harley and Poison Ivy’s partnership, making them one of the most enthralling couples to grace the pages. A touching scene that deepens the bond between Harley and Ivy is when Harley prepares pancakes while Ivy relaxes in her dressing gown. This scene offers a glimpse into their daily life as Harley makes pancakes following her encounter with Mr. Freeze, while Ivy enjoys her coffee and offers advice and support. This sweet moment adds a human touch to their relationship, making it more relatable and heartwarming. It is not only charming but also reveals the genuine and sweet moments they share, which further strengthens their bond.
The extraordinary artwork by Natacha Bustos and Sweeney Boo plays a pivotal role in bringing this scene, and the entire issue, vibrantly to life. Their ability to convey emotions and narrative through visual art is as impactful and expressive as Howard’s prose, propelling the storytelling to unparalleled heights. Consequently, the portrayal of Harley and Ivy’s relationship becomes a dazzling highlight of the series.
Verdict
This issue of Harley Quinn stands as a powerful testament to the character’s lasting allure, weaving together humour, heart, and a touch of madness to craft an enthralling and delightful story. This issue masterfully captures the chaos and charm of Gotham’s favourite mallet-wielding clown, promising a journey as unforgettable and unpredictable as Harley herself. It offers a delightful peek into Quinn’s life, entertaining in its own right, yet it’s the buildup to something even more monumental that ensnares you. Quinn and Mr. Freeze are on a collision course, and this issue skillfully begins laying the groundwork for what promises to be an epic showdown.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
