Review: Harley Quinn #60

by Kendra Smart
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“The Trials of Harley Quinn – Death Trap”

Writer: Sam Humphries
Artist: Sami Basri
Color Artist: Alex Sinclair
Letterer: Dave Sharpe

Review by Kendra Hale

Going Cream Puff

Here we are gang, the big 60 and the next trial is upon us in this issue. The Trials are starting to come quicker, the last being in issue #59. Harley certainly goes through the wringer in this trial, learning more about the trials themselves while also seeing just how in-tune they truly have been moulded to her life and experiences specifically. With quite a bit to discuss, let’s begin.

The Joker, Brooklyn Bat, and Mirand’R Oh My

Let us pause for a moment to take in the exquisiteness that is the variant cover for this issue. I mean, the last few issues variants have been beautiful to behold, but this cover by Frank Cho and Sabine Rich is haunting, and a great way to come into this story. The style is reminiscent of John Tenniel’s beautiful illustrations in Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. This is perfect given what our Harley is going through.

The story opens up with Harley alone and looking scared, making her way through a building, guns at the ready and for good reason. We see that what is chasing her is a swarm of scary looking creatures! In a flashback we get to see how this all came to be. Harley is going back to her roots for the good cause of helping her Mom. Looking to get her hands on “Fancy Cancer Fighting Stuff”, Harley is breaking into S.T.A.R. Labs. There is a really cheeky moment where we have a flashback within a flashback of her Mother telling her to not do the very thing she is doing and it draws a good laugh.

The reason for the swarm? As soon as Harley makes her way into the labs, a containment alarm call goes out, locking the labs down and blocking anything from escaping… including Harley. The Lords of Chaos and Order will not miss an opportunity when it comes to series of events such as these, so Harls is drawn into her next trial for better, or worse.

Pump The Brakes

This issue has sublime art moments in it that show just what a talent level this art team has. One of my favorite moments is one of clarity for Harley later in the issue, and the raw emotion they bring out of each panel is insane. It is indeed the goal of any comic to reach this level of perfection. Between the story flow and the artists working their craft, the spell is indeed cast and you are powerless in their wonder. It is indeed a moving story and, dare I say, that the on art in this issue alone, has been my favorite of the series so far?

I am giving it up to the art team this issue, they give up this beautiful story and, honestly, it hits all the right notes. When they want a wow moment it’s there and while, yes, it does seem I am going a bit overboard, I’m not lying. They are truly outdoing each issue and with ease. Keep it up guys, this fan is here for all of it.

Conclusion

This one is the easiest ten out of ten I have ever given. It earns all of it and begs for brownie points. The growth the creative team consistently shows us with Harley Quinn and the breath taking beauty in the artwork this issue, coupled with the variant cover, make it a must buy. We get what looks like a break next issue, but with the hint of what is coming next for Harley, to say that I’m on pins and needles for the next tale is hardly sufficient wording.

What do you guys think of the Harley series so far? We would love to hear you thoughts? Are you enjoying them as much as I am? What do you think the future holds? Let us know in the comments below.Images Courtesy Of DC Entertainment


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