“Friends With Detriments”-Part One- The Zoo Story
Writer: Elliot Kalan
Artists: Carlos Olivares
Color Artist: Marissa Louise
Letterer: Lucas Gattoni
Review by Kendra Smart
Harley Quinn #54 is upon us and what a doozy of a ride, if the ride were in the back of a kidnapper’s van during chaos and car crashes! When last we left Harley Quinn, The GunBuddies had pulled out of the contract they held with Klang and went rogue. Their new buyer wants Harley alive but that might be too high an ask to achieve. The cover is an exquisite and firm example of art speaking volumes. The direct and annoyed look from Harley to the sickeningly sweet show of friendship shown by Gunbunny and Mayfly tell all we need to know about the moment.
An astounding main cover by Yanick Paquette and Arif Prianto.
Batman Figures This Kinda Thing Out All The Time
Mrs. Grimaldi is looking for Harley Quinn as Harley Quinn #54 opens. Along with Ritchie and Chicken Fingers, she is putting up “Have You Killed Me?” signs in effort to find their friend. Even Althea Klang is at a loss as to where Harley is, manically so. To be fair, she was betrayed by the professionals she hired so…valid. But if it relieves either of them, they aren’t alone. Harley has no idea where she is either as she wakes up.
It doesn’t take long for Harley and her brain to figure out where they are though. But the breakout takes a few potholes and vicious turns as Harley fights Mayfly and Gunbunny for freedom. While fighting, Harley finds a reason to even the pair even if that doesn’t equate to respect. But all are in for a world of trouble as they crash an opening hosted by Coast City’s own Fire and Ice!
Just Anotha’ Manic Monday
There are a lot of cool moments in Harley Quinn #54, starting with a rehash of Klang’s inability to focus. It seems to be losing her the respect of those she hires and the people she is building this new part of town for. Harley Quinn on the other hand is dealing with being a prime target from both the mercenary and hero side alike. Gal can’t catch a break, and artists Carlos Olivares and Marissa Louise provide artistic proof beautifully.
The only gripe I have is I don’t quite get the full callback of bemoaning friendship. This is something Harley has dealt with many times before and has always been proven that she indeed has friends at her side. I feel like we just learned this with the whole Council protecting their Harley and whatnot…but who am I? Maybe there is a specific aspect she is missing and that is a lead up to Klang filling a hole. Guess we will find out together next issue.
Conclusion
Harley Quinn #54 sets readers up with and expecting really neat features and cameos, and we get to take a trip to Coast City. We will have to return together for the next issue to find out the conclusion of the shenanigans at the Zoo. See you then friends!
Images Provided Courtesy of DC Entertainment.