“Quit Buggin’ Me” and “Harley Quinn and The Cave.”
Writers: Tini Howard and Gretchen Felker-Martin
Artists: Sweeney Boo and Dani
Color Artists: Sweeney Boo and Trish Mulvihill
Letterers: Steve Wands and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Review by: Kendra Smart
Harley Quinn #41 is an issue of plot points coming together. When last we left her, Harls had found herself and her villain trainees on the receiving end of a double cross from Mr. Freeze himself!
Before we join her, the main cover by Sweeney Boo certainly deserves praise. It features a hilarious moment of Harley battling Robin in the light of the Bat Signal. Given what we’re getting ready to read, it’s almost as heartwarming as it is charming.
Distress, Deviance, Dysfunction, and Danger
Harley may have talked about intrusive thoughts and their identity in the classroom, but she has no problem goading Pulaski while in the interrogation room. It doesn’t take much for GCPD’s finest to lay out her cards and explain her grievance with Harley, but a better understanding isn’t what she is after. Pulaski wants to use Harley to expose who she believes is the real threat to Gotham City… the Bat Family.
Where Was She Hiding The Acme Signs?
There are so many moments in this issue to cite as favorites; from the real Harley talking through Wile E. Coyote signs to a moment that solidified this comic as one that carries a serious achievement for Harley. While Robin’s facing off with her, there’s a moment that, in any other time frame, would’ve made our hearts sink for her.
It’s a full-circle moment for me as a Harley Quinn fan. Tini Howard, Sweeney Boo, and Steve Wands have continuously given readers a plethora of gifts with their Harley Quinn run. The impact of this issue was felt on many different levels, including the multitude of inclusivity notes it hit.
In Every Generation, There’s A Chosen One
Like with our other issues, we get a short story in the form of a dream/nightmare. This one’s called “Harley Quinn and The Cave”, written by Gretchen Felker-Martin, with art by Dani, colors by Trish Mulvihill, and letters by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou. The artwork immediately made me think of Buffy, The Vampire Slayer, particularly when they started releasing the seasons in comic form through Dark Horse. This was an incredibly enjoyable moment of nostalgia.
“The Cave” tells the tale of Harley going through the horror of not only being stalked and attacked by bats, but of dealing with the threat of pain to her lover. Although, to be fair, the ending may not be what Harley was expecting but her expression speaks volumes. The team gave us an impressively short and sweet dreamscape.
Conclusion
Harley Quinn #41 promised quite an action-filled future as the arcs collide and our plots begin to merge. It’s wonderful seeing Harley and Robin banter and honestly see under the mask, so to speak. I genuinely look forward to more issues like this that invoke those kinds of heartwarming moments and relatability… the dedication to the humanity of all.
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment
