“Weapons of Self Destruction”
Writer: Elliot Kalan
Artist: Mirka Andolfo
Colorist: Triona Farrell
Letterer: Lucas Gattoni
Review by: Kendra Smart
Harley Quinn #50 is upon us friends, and with it a bit of nostalgia for your reviewer. If you will give me but a moment of indulgence before we dive into our review. You see this will be my 100th review for the Harley Quinn ongoing series. I have been honored to do reviews for Harley Quinn for Dark Knight News since 2018, with Harley Quinn #50.
I held love for Harley Quinn in my heart from the Batman: The Animated Series introduction but reading her serial comics had not been something I had set to pull for my file at the local shop. Not until Steve J. Ray asked me to write the reviews because the gent writing them wanted to step away. I said yes. What a ride it has been since. I have had the joy of getting to see Harley discover herself and teach me lessons along the way. It has been such a great journey, with so many new friends and memories along the way. I am so grateful.
Now. Let’s dive in!
Your Body Is A Temple
The cover for Harley Quinn #50 is great in not only the premise but execution. “Heavy is the head …With the Giant Brain.” is showcased by Elizabeth Torque and Dave McCaig. Fighting with yourself is something that Harley is all too familiar with but a dead-weighting brain is something new entirely. Another fun note, the “April Fools” variant from David Nakayama is hilarious too. Always a hoot seeing Harley and Joker square off.
The Bonds We Make
Oh Harley Quinn #50 starts off with a chance interaction that leads Harley into a war…with herself. Struggling to do anything to make herself feel justified in who she is becoming. Going back to the beginning seems to have only made things worse as now we have a new enemy very invested in Harley’s destruction and her own mind over being ignored.
Harley finds the phrase “being her own worst enemy” does in fact have roots…and cages. “Quinntelect” as her mind has dubbed itself has moved the Superego into the driver’s seat. Who quickly overdoes it and takes every assignment the Block Party Committee has to offer. Problem is Althea is still out to get Harley, and two new assassins have arrived. The Gunbuddies are taking aim. Just who will be the responsible party for the death of Harley Quinn? Bets are on, bidding closed!
We’re Not Gonna Take It
The story is really nice this issue as Harley is forced to see herself from three points of view. Mirka Andolfo presents some amazing scenes, detail and intricate places. Triona gives punches of colors. There is softness and rugh. The way Harley is so clearly defined, embodied in these manic states is honestly impressive.
There were many good movements forward for Harley this issue. Her brain calls her out on her aimless destructive path that keeps putting herself on. All the dangers and pitfalls that were preventable. For what? Love the interactions, including the scenes where her neighbors notice the issues and SEE her. Grimaldi most of all, causing others to look at Harley in concern, they truly are in their character. The Gunbuddies are quite the pair, they bring a good sense of comedic relief to readers, although probably not so much the person who hired them, Althea.
Conclusion
Who will be the one to take out Harley Quinn? Will it be the Neighborhood Block Party Association? Louis and Budworth? Will Quinntellect go forward with keeping Harley in a cage? Will it be the GunBuddies? Easiest hit ever, she’s already out cold.
Find out with me next time in Harley Quinn #51!
Images Provided Courtesy Of DC Entertainment.
