“Girl In A Crisis” – Part Two, and “Hyena Anxiety”
Writers: Tini Howard and Adam Warren
Artists: Sweeney Boo and Adam Warren
Color Artists: Sweeney Boo and Alejandro Sanchez
Letterers: Steve Wands and Hassen Otsmane-Elhaou
Review by Kendra Hale
Harley Quinn #29 is out, and it’s a must buy if you’re a fan of the Series.
With a shift in not only story and art, we see Harley trying her best to figure everything out as she makes her way through a multiversal tear. With a King and Queen paying attention, can Harley counter the threat they pose?
This month, we get treated to a main cover by Sweeney Boo and variants by Jenny Frison, Meghan Hetrick, and Matias Bergara. Each of these covers, from my favorite featuring the Sorceress Supreme Zatanna, to the different views of Harley Quinn, are all fantastic. Any one of them would make a great addition to a collection or as a solo display piece.
Frosting Scented Reality Cancer
On Earth-48 at the Tower Gloriosa, Lady Quark has returned home to her family. After a greeting from her daughter Liana, Quark discusses with her husband Lord Volt the problem at hand and its resolution. This leads us to Harley, who’s dealing with Bud and Lou as she bemoans her current crisis. She googles for help and an ad for Zatanna comes up, which leads us to our favorite sorceress’ doorway. Zatanna offers a ward after listening to Harley’s half truth of the situation, but warns that it comes with a cost, a sacrifice of something that Harley loves!
Zatanna gives Harley time to think about it, and think on it she does. She does so at school, as she fights her “Dark Side” to find the right sacrifice. She even has a chat with good ‘ole bats. When all seems darkest she finds hope where she least expects it, from those who know her the best.
Edih Ym Pukooh
Harley Quinn #29 was a story that didn’t have the patience for! I’m already biased by my love for the Mistress of Magic, in any and every iteration. However, when I saw the artwork by Sweeney Boo… sheer perfection. There’s so much love in this artwork, it’s literally visible in every stroke and vibrant color.
This version of Zatanna is more mature and there’s a moment between her and John Constantine that’s so fun and charming. This story and artwork have my full attention and each page is just another pleasure. Naughty Bunny.
We also get a side story “Hyena Anxiety”, written and drawn by Adam Warren, with colors by Alejandro Sanchez, and letters by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou. This tale is an acid trip of a nightmare, narrated and led by Bud and Lou, as Harley has a true Heart to Heart with her beloved pets. As the story rolls forward, we get dark twists and turns with Bud and Lou taking on both eerie and hilarious roles as the nightmare plays out. The “Who’s on First” moment in homage to Abbott & Costello (the original Bud & Lou!) was a really nice touch.
Conclusion
Harley Quinn #29 has succeeded in bringing both amazing artwork and great story development. This arc’s proving to be a must read for all Harley fans, or even those wanting to meet her again.
Images Courtesy Of DC Entertainment
