Harley Quinn Vol. 2: Joker Loves Harley by Jimmy Palmiotti, Amanda Conner and John Timms (graphic novel review).
These latest adventures of Harley Quinn, taken from her own title, # 8-13 from 2016-17, has gotten ever more surreal. Would the old Harley go on holiday…sorry, vacation, let alone save Santa Claus in the last story in this second volume of ‘DC Universe Rebirth’?
The real gist of these six stories comes from having the Joker come back into her life as witnessed by the cover. However, these actions are total spoiler as things aren’t quite what they seem and no one observes that real super-villains don’t tend to lose their teeth and don’t wear gum-shields. Come to that, neither do the super-heroes.
Outside of the occasion reference to a certain dark knight and her ex-paramour, only the presence of Poison Ivy in the opening story confirms any connection to the DC Universe. Not that I want wall-to-wall guest-stars, this is set in the waterfront of Gotham City and you should see more connections. Still, its probably early days and volume 3 is advertised.
The one thing in its favour is the art, led by John Timms and a listed 8 artists is detailed and expressive. What Harley really needs is something to really try her patience. Come to think of it, she doesn’t have much in that department.
GF Willmetts
October 2020
(pub: DC Comics, 2020. Page graphic novel softcover. Price: I pulled my copy for £ (UK). ISBN: 978-1-40127-095-7)
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