“Girl In A Crisis” – Part One
Writer: Tini Howard
Artist: Sweeney Boo
Letterer: Steve Wands
Review by Kendra Hale
Harley Quinn #28 comes to us this week and with it a lot of new treats to behold. With the closing of the arc of “Who Killed Harley Quinn?”, we also get a passing of the torch with a whole new creative team. For our writer, we have Tini Howard taking the helm, for all our art needs and delights Sweeney Boo lends her talents, and Steve Wands gives us lettering expertise. As the “Dawn of DC ” is upon us let’s take a look at this wonderful issue.
Before we get into the story, let’s take a moment to appreciate the selection of covers on offer. With talents like Jenny Frison and Ryan Sook, Dan Mora, and Paulina Gnucheau… how can you go wrong? My personal favorite is the Little Nemo in Slumberland-styled scene with Harley riding a magic bed and spreading her brand of chaos. It brought back personal memories of a dear friend, Jeremy Dale, who has sadly passed but whose art always made me smile. What a way to start a series by already getting that sense of connection and impact that art can bring.
Hail To The Quinn, Baby
We open the issue with a scene of Kevin and Harley having a conversation about their wants and goals. Kevin’s thinking about taking the next steps and becoming a chef through schooling at Gotham City Community College. As for Harley… well she’s distracted by her fight with Two-Face, an ongoing ordeal for her. Kevin’s worried she is going a bit off the rails with Ivy gone and out of town. He’s right to worry.
A misunderstanding lands Harley before a judge where she finds herself with everything to lose and ends up as a teacher for Gotham City Community College. Harley doesn’t even get a break in front of a classroom between the students and Two-Face making an entrance but… pulling a fish out of thin air? What has Harley gotten herself into? The better question may be, will Earth survive this one?
Bonuses A Plenty
Along with the new team, readers also get treated to a bonus strip, “Lovely Angel Harley Quinn”, created by Erica Henderson with letters by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou. An adorable and hilarious magic girl anime-style story complete with transformations. Harley, Ivy, and Selina win the day with the power of friendship!
Back to the main meat of this book. Tini Howard’s writing is fluid and the artwork by Sweeney Boo is absolutely a switch from what we have seen in the series recently. I say that in awe of the work. I was reminded of Jem and the Holograms, because of the color palette and the joy that exudes from each panel. Welcome to the next chapter of Harley Quinn!
Conclusion
If Harley Quinn #28 is just a taste of what’s to come, then we’re in for a stellar ride. With Harley in a teacher’s role as well as once again holding the fate of the universe in her hands, it sure will be a journey. This opening chapter gives an excellent opportunity to join in as Harley starts down a new adventure. Not only is this issue accessible to new fans, but regular readers will sink into a warm pool of spoiled wonder.
Images courtesy of DC Entertainment
