“Harley and Robin: The Dynamic Duo” and “If Books Could Kill”
Writers: Tini Howard and Joanne Starer
Artists: Sweeney Boo and Marciel Toledano Vargas
Letterers: Steve Wands and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Review by: Kendra Smart
Harley Quinn #42 is upon us dear readers. I, for one, was excited to see what comes next for the team up of Harley and Robin, blessedly there was SO much packed into this issue that it will be a really fun breakdown. But with the team of Tini Howard, Sweeney Boo, and Steve Wands…was there really ever a question? I mean to err is human true enough, but this team hasn’t let us down before.
That can be seen from the super fun cover for Harley Quinn #42, provided courtesy of Sweeney Boo! The humorous point of view shows Harley Quinn bearing two ray guns in the forefront of the shot, having seemingly vanquished Mr. Freeze. It is quirky and fun, the attention to detail is stellar. Almost time to drop in for the breakdown of the review, but first, a small message.
Family Matters
I have been a series reviewer for Harley Quinn since September of 2018. It has been a whirlwind of writers, artists, colorists, letterers. I have been honored and privileged to see the character grow and find HER way through Gotham guided by the most talented hands and voices. I have vied for each and every title across the mediums, had some of the best conversations and laughs. All because of one man. Steve J. Ray.
Those of us here at Dark Knight News have been, each of us, in our own way coping with the loss of a great man. Steve was an endearing, easy going but highly passionate, supportive friend and mentor. His work ethic and the way he viewed our work was infectious. Like a conversation with a new friend with each review. I will miss you, so dearly, my friend. I, like the rest of us here at DKN and DCN, Fantastic Universes and beyond, am dedicated to the level of excellence and joy you spread. With that in mind, bless you Steve, and thank you for everything. Truly.
Let’s dive in.
What If I Want The Attention?!
Officer Pulaski really has everything on the line. Even a stern talk at the beginning of Harley Quinn #42 does nothing to sway the cop from what she feels is a righteous path. Meanwhile, Robin grabs up Harmada and Vampire Squid, now free. They meet up with Harley, who is able to explain about her betrayal and they set forth with a plan featuring revenge against Freeze.
There are many confrontations to be had and to be fair Robin and Harley are on the teeter totter of trust themselves. With Pulaski hot to take not only the Bat Family but Harley herself, and having the plan to infiltrate and stop Freeze before more bad can happen…so much can go wrong. And it seems there are players coming out of the shadows ready to pull some strings! Everything seems to be at a freezing point but will there be anyone left to thaw out if Harley and Robin fail?
Things Are About To Get Messy!
Harley Quinn #42 delivers with enough layers to fully satisfy. There is a depth of character to Tini Howard’s writing and I love the emotional depth in the detail that Sweeney Boo creates to emote the scenes. Also Steve Wands does the lettering in a way that enhances the scene and that is just lovely.
Harley and Robin are interacting in a manner fans will be familiar with as there have been many cameos, crossovers, features of other known characters in Universes. The times this trope is used is incalculable as a means to enhance the story. While they do exist in the same city, space, and time, Harley and Robin don’t cross paths as often as all that. It is really nice to see this building of their bond on a genuine level.
“Cut These Words And They Would Bleed; They Are Vascular And Alive.”
The words of Ralph Waldo Emerson suit our dazzling dream bonus story. Written by Joanne Starer, with art by Marciel Toledano Vargas and lettering by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, “If Books Could Kill” is stunning and pulls no punches.
The stunning art mixes with intelligent writing as Harley faces ignorance of a different kind. In a foreign land where everything and one seems to want her death, can Harley save a library from a mob straight from Fahrenheit 451? Certainly enjoyable to find out!
Conclusion
Harley Quinn #42 poses bigger plans afoot than Harley is aware, vendettas gain ammunition, and kinship is deepening as our heroine navigates her way through life. The dream sequence stories are always so inventive and varying, in the best ways, but “If Books Could Kill” is certainly in my top three.
Also, loved the promo drop for Gotham City Sirens. Written by Leah Williams with art by Matteo Lolli and Daniel Hillyard, and covers by Terry Dodson…I mean it literally says 4 weekly issues, 3 fab villains, 2 paranormal bunny girls, 1 homicidal hot tub streamer, and infinite himbo cowboys…SOLD.
Until next time my friends, and Steve, this one is for you my friend, thank you so much for EVERYTHING.
Images Provided Courtesy of DC Entertainment.