Harley Quinn #56 is written by Elliott Kalan and published by DC Comics. Artwork is by Carlos Olivares, colours by Marissa Louise, and letters by Lucas Gattoni. Main cover art (left) is by Yanick Paquette & Arif Prianto.
Harley Quinn #56 is available from today, in comic book stores and on digital platforms where all good comics are sold. Grab your physical copy from Forbidden Planet or digitally from Amazon Comixology UK.
Synopsis
Don’t shoot me, bro! Seriously, if someone tranqs, tases, or shoots me one more time, I’m quitting this whole “main character in her own comic book series” thing! My mandatory road trip with the Gunbuddies comes to an end in a jungle where we’re hunted for sport by a rich jerkwad! Plus, the return of one of my greatest enemies and the birth of an unexpected ally!
Review
Harley Quinn #56 is equal parts bullet-riddled dark comedy and emotional hostage drama — a wild blend that only Harley’s world could pull off.
The past few issues of the Harley series have taken a slight detour from the core story in Throatcutter Hill. It’s been a fun side quest for both the characters and us, the readers. However, I can’t help but feel it’s starting to run its course. While the maniac-infused detours are a thrill, the core story we’ve invested in has taken a back seat. And sure, I’ve been happy to enjoy the chaos for a while, but personally, it feels like the side quest is approaching its endpoint.
That said, this issue is still a fun time, as it splits between Harley’s fight for survival in the most opulent jungle you’ve ever seen and Richie’s creeping psychological drama back in his hometown. While Harley dodges bullets and quips her way through the rich-jerkwad’s deadly game, the Deconspirator pulls emotional strings with Richie and his grandmother, raising the stakes far beyond mere physical danger. The central tension is clear: Can Harley survive the hunt, and can Richie resist the Deconspirator’s insidious influence?
Harley remains the anarchic star — her dialogue snaps with humor, bite, and that strangely reflective self-awareness. She’s chaotic, but she’s also growing, and Kalan doesn’t shy away from giving her unexpectedly sharp emotional beats.
Gunbunny and her father bring a delightfully petty, villainous family drama. We see them embroiled in an evil-villain nepotism spat, which is hilarious to think about — do supervillains have kids, and do those kids climb the villain ladder thanks to family connections? It’s a funny, absurd idea that Kalan leans into perfectly.
While Gunbunny and her father unpack 727 years’ worth of trauma, neglect, and generalised family dysfunction, Harley continues to be a menace to society — though here, it’s Gunbunny’s bestie on the receiving end of Harley’s… well, Harleyisms. Their subplot has moments of clever humor, but it still feels a little surface-level compared to past supporting casts.
By contrast, Richie and his grandmother are the emotional anchor of this issue. Their interactions are warm, lived-in, and full of heart — the kind of grounded, human moments that make the stakes feel real and the story resonate on a deeper level.
Verdict
Harley Quinn #56 is a riotous, unhinged detour brimming with chaos, and while enjoyable for its craziness, its side-quest safari adventure is starting to feel a little drawn out. The lush, kinetic artwork and bold, expressive cover perfectly capture Harley’s manic energy, but the emotional and thematic heart of the issue lies in Throatcutter Hill, where Richie and the Deconspirator deliver haunting, unforgettable drama that lingers long after the bullets stop flying.
⭐⭐⭐
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