“Vote For Harley”, Part One
Writers: Jimmy Palmiotti, Amanda Conner
Artist: John Timms
(Minor spoilers ahead)
Mayor Harley Quinn. It doesn’t sound half bad.
On this wacky, wonderful journey in the most recent pages of Harley Quinn, we’ve been teased that the title antihero would soon be running for office. In this week’s issue #28, the announcement is made. While the real mayor is busy trying to cover the birthday shootout from a few issues back, the birthday girl is stuffed in the trunk of a car with Poison Ivy and Harlem Harley, waiting to jump out and give a surprise ass-kicking to a bunch of lowlifes. Turns out the bust is on the biggest auto theft operation in the history of New York, and the press just happens to be there. Meanwhile, the real mayor and his right-hand woman Madison are tying up loose ends from the birthday shootout a few issues back. In doing so, they set us up for the next issue. One word: Scarecrow.
What a blast, yet again. Writers Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner continue to transcend the character into one of pop culture’s most charming figures. Harley Quinn is definitely the star of her own book, not getting bogged down by overcomplicated plots or taking a backseat to a plethora of supporting characters. No, the writers understand her and are weaving some intricate plots around her. When we’re not setting up those connections, we’re getting great character work from Harley and her allies. In each panel here, we see her wit on full display with Ivy, Harley Harley, her Derby Girls and everyone. The dialogue is quick, witty and snappy. If you’ve been reading Harley Quinn for a while now, you know what to expect yet won’t be disappointed.
The art covered in this week’s issue is the work of John Timms. His work fits in perfectly with the title thus far. Each page has plenty of color, detail and mood but never takes itself so seriously. A strength in Harley Quinn is that it’s never taken itself too seriously, and embraces itself as a comic book. Timms also keeps his characters detailed and intricate (if that makes any sense). In other words, the stellar art continues.
Conclusion
Harley Quinn #28 is another knockout issue from a knockout team. Palmiotti and Conner show us why we fell in love with Harley Quinn 25 years ago, and how she’ll be just as popular 25 years from now. Vibrant, tough and fun, Harley Quinn is easily one of DC’s bright spots.
Images courtesy of DC Entertainment
