“Friends With Detriments”-Part Two- Escape From Smallcatraz
Writer: Elliot Kalan
Artists: Carlos Olivares
Color Artist: Marissa Louise
Letterer: Frank Cvetkovic
Review by Kendra Smart
Harley Quinn #55 brings the end to the kidnapping fiasco…or does it? Harley always just has the best time with the word closure. There is a treat for readers as we have a new art team with this issue bringing Carlos Olivares, Marissa Louise, and Frank Cvetkovic to the plate. A cover that speaks to the determination and stubbornness as Harley and Ice as they struggle to each be the victor of an arm contest. Yanick Paquette and Arif Prianto gave us a true grit of a main cover.
Print Me Up A Dozen 8×10 And 24 Wallet Sized.
Harley Quinn #55 opens with Dolores and Marcisak discussing just how bad things have gotten in Throatcutter Hill. While they discuss whether it is all due to Harley, a new smooth talking payer enters the game and his aim does not bode well. Harley finds herself in the slammer as Harley Quinn #55 opens, but at least she has the Gunbuddies for company. Coast Cty has some pretty good digs for a prison. Gullible officers, no traps in the ventilation…I mean a vacation in real time for Harls.
Harley has not only doubts about the ability of this prison to hold her but also doubts of friendship in general. Doubts that she shares with Mayfly and Gunbunny and discusses at length with Quinntellect. The digs rile up the Buddies but a situation soon reminds Harley how valuable friendship can be. While Fire and Ice are indeed imposing foes, the one who took the hit on Harley to begin with will be finally making their presence known and Throatcutter Hill may be unrecognizable by the time Harley gets back…
A Strange Wind Is Blowing
Harley Quinn #55 is a bit hard to swallow as once again Harley is questioning her relationships. When reading Harley rile up the GunBuddies about their relentless friendship, I genuinely thought this was her Psychology background coming into play, like reverse psychology or some sort of mind trick. But once she takes to the vent, easily and gracefully, and unloads on Quinntellect, it is very quickly revealed not to be a rouse at all but Harley’s real feelings.
Carlos Olivares, Marissa Louise, and Frank Chetkovic come together to give us some great artwork and plenty of great scenes to be sure. The “having to use the bathroom” gag working was a really enjoyable sequence, and it also displays heavily the differences between Coast City crime and Gotham. As Harley would say, we already knew who was superior. A huge welcome to the new ongoing art team for the series. Looking forward to seeing what’s to come!
Conclusion
There has been so much going on with Harley being absconded off to Coast City, a newcomer sure to bring woe to Throatcutter Hill where Ritchie and Mrs. Grimwaldi are now in the cross-hairs. Looking forward to being done with the kidnapping and having Harley back on the ground to help stop the wickedness infecting her beloved neighborhood. See you next time! Until then, take care my friends.
Images Provided Courtesy of DC Entertainment.
