The latest instalment of the Harley Quinn series features everyone’s favourite mallet-swinging clown returning for some high-octane chaos. By Tini Howard (Author), Joanne Starer (Author), Sweeney Boo (Cover Art, Penciller, Inker, Colorist), Marcial Toledano Vargas (Penciller, Inker, Colorist)
Harley Quinn #42 is available from today, digitally and in print where all good comic books are sold. Grab your digital copy from Amazon Comixology UK right here.
Synopsis
Let’s be honest; I ain’t always the easiest ta get along with. Hey, don’t agree so fast! You ain’t exactly the bee’s knees yerself! Okay, where was I—oh yeah, ON THE RUN! My scientific study on villainous villains has gone all KINDS of wrong, and I’ve made myself a whole lotta enemies in a real short time: Mistah Freeze! Robin! And worst of all, this new cop Pulaski, who’s got a target aimed smack dab at my head. Don’t shoot my head, Pulaski! I LOVE my head! And assumin’ Pulaski doesn’t shoot my lovely head, step inside it for a lovely story about the power of readin’ books and why burnin’ em is no good (TERRIBLY inefficient as a fuel source)—as brought to you by the librarians who keep kickin’ me out of the video section— Joanne Starer and Marcial Toledano Vargas!
Review
In issue #42 of Harley Quinn, we find our beloved mallet-swinging mental health advocate working alongside the Bat-family (Robin) as they prepare to take down Mr Freeze and his goons. The issue begins with Officer Donna Pulaski, the police officer who has been relentless in pursuing Harley throughout the series, engaging in a tense discussion with her superior. Amidst her complaints about Harley potentially violating her probation, it’s revealed that Donna’s obsessive behaviour is tipping her over the edge. Additionally, there are hints of Donna harbouring a mysterious grudge against both the Bat Family and Harley, though the details remain ambiguous.
Harley and Robin are the focus of this issue, as it spawns some fantastic conversations and zingers. Naturally, Harley has some quips and jabs that make you chuckle, but what I loved is the more complex elements. I enjoy watching Harley interact with the Bat-family because it highlights their moral complexity. We are accustomed to seeing Batman and Co. portrayed as morally complex heroes, but their interactions with Harley and Robin show that the morals and intentions of the Bat-family are more nuanced, which is really interesting and enjoyable. Let’s face it: no character that is purely good or bad is fun; we like a little complexity in our stories, and this comic does a good job of walking that line and finding a way to have fun with the grey zone.
Above all, what I loved the most about this issue was the commentary on bisexuality. Harley is famously bisexual, and I loved how honest, open, and proud she is of her sexuality. As she is prone to do, she goes on a big rant, and from that rant comes an amazing piece of writing that has so much depth and relatability to the queer experience. Harley goes on to say that sometimes “support” means “just be normal”; what a lovely piece of writing and an excellent way to look at being an ally to a queer person. While the context in which this quote is used has a somewhat sad undertone, the message of being supportive is “just be normal” really struck a chord with me. Kudos to the team, because the writing in this issue alone was nothing short of exceptional.
Issue #42 ends on a chilling (pardon the pun) cliffhanger, promising a big setup and leaving some questions unanswered. While previous issues have been a joy to read, this issue was a delight. The writing was next level, both from a comedy and from an emotional perspective, the story progressed nicely, and a lot of elements were being juggled very successfully for me.
Verdict
Overall, it is a great read in a great series. Harley’s proud and open expression of her queer identity, coupled with the nuanced portrayal of heroes and villains, provides a rich, layered experience. This isn’t just a comic; it’s an exceptional piece of writing that juggles comedy, emotional depth, and genuine societal issues. Read it!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
