“It’s Almost Over” and “Harley the Barbarian in Oh Kraken! My Kraken!”
Writers: Tini Howard and Alexis Quasarano
Artists: Sweeney Boo pages 3-12, 17-22, Natacha Bustos pages 1-2, 13-16, and Riccardo Federici
Colorists: Sweeney Boo pages 3-12, 17-22, and Natacha Bustos pages 1-2, 13-16, and Arif Prianto
Letterers: Steve Wands and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Review by: Kendra Smart
A small break but Harley Quinn #43 comes in fully swinging on a star. These dreams that have been plaguing Harley the last few months are being pulled into the spotlight. Front and center as the saying goes. When last we left Harley the world of Gotham City had developed an area of cold front. While there had been a plan in place, Robin had been made into a boy wonder ice cube. There is a war waging, under the surface and Harley Quinn #43 brings a lot of that war to light.
Playtime’s Over
Harley Quinn #43 starts out with Harley talking about her dreams. The dreams that have plagued at times, and delighted at others. Dreams that follow her in the waking hours, haunting like bad choices. Speaking of bad choices, Harley is still dealing with a Robin sized popsicle thanks to Freeze. But talking serves to use against Freeze, he endeavors to stay with his faux Nora. Even getting Robin to safety and eating a new bond and level of friendship doesn’t hamper the newest battle now that Pulanski has Vandal Savage on her side.
But Harley has a plan, and a secret witness that throws the case Pulanski has built on shaky ground. But even if all goes the best way possible…what’s around the next bend? What is the big game Vandal is hunting for, and why is Harley Quinn a target?
These Dreams
Harley Quinn #43 gives a closure to the Mr. Freeze part of this story, in an admirable way. Robin has gained a new perspective of who Harley Quinn is becoming, and just how much distance she has put to her past. Another thing, while it would have been a victory for sure for Harls to talk some sense into Freeze and help him move on, I am glad it didn’t play out that way. But maybe her words echoed with him.
We also get a revisit to a dream we have walked through with Harley once before. Harley The Barbarian returns in “Harley the Barbarian in Oh Kraken! My Kraken!”. Written by Alexis Quasarano with art by Riccardo Federici, colors by Arif Prianto, and letters by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, it is a “Kraken” good time! …That was terrible, forgive me. But the dream plays out like a Harley Quinn signing up for the Black Pearl escapade. Hilarious dialogue and stunning art make for an enjoyable high seas adventure!
Conclusion
Harley Quinn #43 is a fun adventure with depth and heart. One not frozen, I might add. Tini Howard, Sweeney Boo, Natacha, Bustos, and Steve Wands give us a great time while staying true to form. I cannot wait to see where all this build up leads and just what the stakes will be now that Harley seems to have some harmony.
Until next time, friends.
Images Provided Courtesy of DC Entertainment.
