“The Family Circle,” Part Three
Writers: Jimmy Palmiotti, Amanda Conner, Paul Dini
Artists: John Timms, Bret Blevins, J. Bone
(Minor Spoilers ahead)
Dinner comes with a side of action in this week’s Harley Quinn #24. The story picks up where we left off last issue. Harley and her parents are eating a fancy dinner on a yacht when some B-list (maybe C?) villains spoil the fun. While our title antihero immediately jumps in, she gets some unexpected assistance from her dad. Meanwhile, Red Tool plants some seeds for a future payoff with the futuristic Batgirl, who I honestly forgot was still hanging around. The issue tops off with a heartwarming goodbye to the parents, and a nice tease of what’s to come.
If you’ve been reading my reviews of Harley Quinn, this may be a bit repetitive. The book is a blast. Characters are fun, the action is perfect, and the art blends great scenery and people with a surprising amount of bright colors. In a world where darkness continues to hover over every comic book page, Harley Quinn operates in a lighter world, with dark humor. It’s perfect.
I think what keeps bringing me back to enjoying this book so much is that it’s just so joyously weird. Harley is lovable, despite her history and bad things she’s done (which, oddly enough, is addressed in this issue). She exudes charm, which is odd to say for a character from a comic book. But it’s true! And her supporting cast works well with her too. Who would have thought a man-goat would be a character you’d enjoy reading about twice a month? Clearly, not me.
The backup gives the main story a run for its money as the best part of each issue. Here, Harley has a meltdown over the cost of her puddin’s surprise hideout, and goes after the Carpenter. To pay for the refurbished layer, she has to resort to a new method of “making money” (which is hysterical). Her final scene with the Joker is hilarious.
Conclusion
Overall, another great book from the team of Jimmy Palmiotti, Amanda Conner and Paul Dini. With John Timms, Bret Blevins, and J. Bone covering the art, this is another must buy for DC comics fans. Fun, bright and hilarious, Harley Quinn is now a bankable comic book.
Images courtesy of DC Entertainment