Review: Harley Quinn #74
[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Writer:Â Sam Humphries
Artist:Â Sami Barsi
Colors:Â Hi-Fi
Letterer:Â Dave Sharpe
Reviewer:Â Tony FarinaÂ
Summary
Harley Quinn’s sojourn in L.A. has been full of tragedy and heartbreak, from the death of her friend to uncovering a deep web of moral compromise that’d make even the most sadistic Batman villain’s stomach churn. In the epic finale to our story, Harley will come face to face with the person pulling the strings and learn who’s out to see her fail!
Positives
Harley Quinn #74 cements Harley in the good guy camp. Firmly in the good guy camp. Going toe to toe, blow to blow, fist to fist with Granny Goodness. Honestly, Granny is not a B-lister and it is smart to put her against Harley. There is a risk (more on that below), but I think she is underused in the DCU in general, so why not put her here? She has the best idea of how to make female warriors. Calling Harley a failed fury was really clever. Bravo Mr. Humphries.
Sami Barsi really knows how to capture the mental issues that Harley faces, but it is always done with such grace. We know what is going on with Harley, that is well documented, but she is not Tank Girl. She is not Bugs Bunny. She has a psychosis that is rooted in something real and Barsi taps right into that with the facial reactions and body language. It is fantastic.
Negatives
Harley Quinn is not a meta. Granted, she gets her ass handed to her by Granny Goodness, but she manages to get her licks in too. While that is awesome to watch, it is absurd on its face. Harley is a doctor. She should be trading mental barbs with Granny, not physical blows. It is cool to see, but it really doesn’t work.
I don’t know how I feel about the last page. I will leave to readers to decide, but for me, it ends up here. This is her solo book. She can do solo things. I don’t think that every character needs a love interest. Harley’s whole existence is predicated upon her being in love with someone. Maybe she just needs so Harleen time.
Verdict
Harley Quinn #74 feels like the end of something and the beginning of something big. I honestly thought the battle with Granny would be longer, but there are bread crumbs to something more to come. It is often confusing what is up with Harley. Does she love Booster or Pam or herself? Can she do all three? I guess only time will tell but I am rooting for the last one on that list. It is what she deserves.
