[Editor’s note: This review may contain spoilers.]
Writer: Amanda Conner & Jimmy Palmiotti
Artists: John Timms & Chad Hardin
In our last tense issue Red Tool and then Harley herself dealt with her newest stalker, The Joker! After a blood filled street traffic beat down, the pale prince of crime had been beaten, bloodied, and broken, with Harley saving herself just a little bit for this issue.
We often reminisce about the past and what could have been, especially in times of pain or frustration. Images about what could have been with a past lover are often the most vivid and powerful, while also the most digging. The same is true for Harley with everything she has experienced lately. This issue opens with her dream of what could have been, or might have been possible.
Reality is often much different and even if everything worked out properly, reality would never be as we dreamed. Harley’s reality couldn’t be further from that dream as she torchers The Joker to find out what he wants with her now.
Positives
Due to the contrasts between the wonderful and happy dream opening against the stark and insane reality of the story, there is a strong and chilling feeling throughout this issue. As the events swirl deeper and deeper into insanity it becomes clear just how powerful and crazy Joker is.
Harley creates some very interesting ways of torturing people as well as using some straight-to-the-point methods to deal with her captor.
The art in this issue is spectacular and the edgy and distinct style of Timm’s works extremely well with the sharp content in this issue. The way that Harley is depicted is wonderful and her posture is very stark and perfectly reflects how she feels and readers will feel it too.
Conner and Palmiotti are also owed much respect for how dark and complex this issue is. The ending is truly something special and will remind readers just how powerful and villainous Harley can be.
Verdict
Everything about this issue is wonderful and perfectly dark. Harley Quinn is a villain, at least her roots are as such and this issue may be the start of a truly evil streak in Harley.
