“Complaints and Grievances”
Writer: Elliot Kalan
Artist: Mindy Lee
Colorist: Triona Farrell
Letterer: Lucas Gattoni
Review by: Kendra Smart
Harley Quinn #45 is upon us fellow readers, and with it our first glimpse at what Harley really meant the last issue by Destructive Agency. Harley Quinn #44 most certainly gave us a fresh start with a new direction and a new team. Quinn has sought wisdom in her past yet again but this time there seems to be something different as we walk along Memory Lane with Harley. But, Harley Quinn has a new guise and a new purpose, to be the savior of the old ways of Gotham, the grit and sand of it.
The main cover for Harley Quinn #45 features a one of a kind artwork on display for the caring folk of Gotham signed, sealed, and delivered by Harley. The team of Elizabeth Torque and Dave McCaig bring this vision to life stunningly. Their color choices and the details are what make the imagery so sassy and fun, such a great start to the book. That said, let’s rejoin Harley Quinn and see what adventure she finds herself in.
Commemorates, Not Celebrates.
Harley Quinn #45 may open in a noir fashion but that ambiance is quickly dispensed as Harley Quinn, Agent of Destruction, is introduced to her first client. Sheldon Marcisak is front and center asking Harley to stop the cultural crime that is threatening Throatcutter Hill. Althea Klang has a different version of what the “heart” of NOWEGOSO should look like and it doesn’t include a statue of a fallen mayor.
Harley may have something of a plan but it seems Althea is just as adaptable to situations a Harley has proven to be. It is definitely a mental game for both ladies as they find both hold the stubbornness and the determination for a long game. There are new members added to the list and even some hard lessons Harley may not have been ready for. One thing is for certain, there will be humor along the way.
Gutter Clown
There are many things I love about Harley Quinn #45, chief among them being the first 5 panels readers get. The film noir is such a nice set up to be knocked down. A genuinely great start. Elliot Kalan does humor very well and there are several examples. The dual sided hype session of Harley and Althea where they end on the same quote, for example, is a great showcase of art and word moving in union. Mindy Lee and Triona Farrell have many moments where their artwork shines.
But I will say this, for all the humor and deep well digging we get with Harley and Chicken Fingers, I got to say one thing bugs me with this new launch. Let me preface by saying that I review and read Harley Quinn and quite frequently even the specials throughout the year. But one thing about this new series that is boldly plain is how thirsty Harley suddenly is. Given all of the lead ups both written and film, it is strange to see Harley divert SO hard from Ivy. I know she is “keeping her safe” from danger but still…at this point it is like being beaned with a hammer, and it honestly feels really weird given the hard push of their (Harley and Ivy’s) relationship.
Conclusion
It remains to be seen where the whole fight for Throatcutter Hill is going and what part all the characters will have to play. Whether this will be an ongoing saga or just a passing fad. There were a few good laughs but overall, this wasn’t a favorite issue. Not even the toilet humor, charming though it was, gave more than a chuckle. We will have to wait and see what the future holds and just what’s next for the Harley Quinn Destructive Agency. Til next time friends.
Images Provided Courtesy of DC Entertainment.