[Editor’s note: This review may contain spoilers.]
Writer: Jimmy Palmiotti & Amanda Conner
Artists: Moritat, Joseph Michael Linsner, Bret Blevinss, & Inaki Miranda
“Egg Noggin” is the perfect title for this issue, though you won’t know why until you’ve finished it! At first it simply made me want a glass of delicious Nog which I happily poured for myself as I began this tale of good old Saint Nick. This very special Christmas issue sees Harley and Red Tool venturing their way into a local shopping mall to see the big-bellied Bringer o’ Baubles and Beguilement.
From there, complete insanity ensues. Let’s just say that someone with the playful, child-like mentality of Harley Quinn plus actually impatient children equals a not so great time.
Positives
The art in this issue is awesome! Even with four artists working on it, the issue is coherent and feels visually smooth. I really enjoyed the lightness to the characters in this issue and how they resembled classic pin-up drawing. The eyes set wide apart really made that look come through.
Another choice that was very present in this comic which parallels many art forms was the idea of high detail in situations of stress or bewilderment. Such cartoons as Ren & Stimpy or even SpongeBob SquarePants use this tool and it works well.
Negatives
While definitely exciting and crazy, this issue is very slow. It’s most likely very slow because of how wordy it can be. It also is a little confusing to start but as with its title, that gets cleared up once it’s finished.
Verdict
This was a crazy fun issue with some great art and amazing story starring both Harley and Santa. If I’m not mistaken Harley even managed to get herself on the very naughty list just in the last panel of the issue.
