I return to reviewing comics (I’m lazy, alright) with Harley Quinn #25. This is a big issue for a number of reasons, so let’s see how DC is pitching it.
“At long last, it’s Harley Quinn and The Joker, face-to-face! The life of Harley’s new love, Mason Macabre, is in the Joker’s hands…but can he or Harley survive another round of The Joker’s twisted mind games?”
Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti are serving as writing partners on issue 25, and the pairing works really well. The dynamic that Harley has with Ivy really shows in the into pages and we get some insight into their past, even for those that may not have been following the series. Chad Hardin is on art duty this time around and really understands the script in how it’s laid out. He infuses a lot of color into the book as well as being able to make Ivy and Quinn sexy without ever hitting the sleeze mark. Everything just feels really natural and the art and story really complement each other very well.
The bulk of the story sees Quinn breaking into Arkham (one of these days the government is just going to shut it down for far too many violations) to break out her man. No, not Joker, but Mason. If you are new here this is going to get a little weird, but just know that Quinn is in a good place (as good as a criminal can be) and getting Mason out is her only priority.
She breaks in and all hell breaks loose as Harley spills some pretty funny one-liners. It probably isn’t just this comic, but I have to note how easy it is to break into Arkhm Asylum, even when it’s under lock-down. I know it’s the place to go in the Batman Universe, but you’d think, for the safety of others, that Gotham PD would send baddies to facilities around the country. you know, like happens in the real world. Anyways, Harley continues to make a mess and the focus is on the action and artwork for a few pages.
Where the book really finds its stride is in the interaction between Joker and Harley. Mason magically is being kept next to Mason, so this showdown of old lovers was bound to happen. And this showdown is what really elevates this issue to a level of importance the likes of which DC hasn’t seen in ages. It’s an important issue not just for Harley Quinn, but for people out there in situations that may parallel hers.
Harley Quinn stands up to the Joker.
I made that last point bold and centered because it deserves to have as much power behind it as possible. This isn’t some small change of heart, or some ploy by Joker (one hopes), but instead this is Harley Quinn shedding her past and looking to a better future. Even better is that this isn’t some fairy-tale ending as there are consequences for events leading up to this. But when you have Batman on your side on things and Harley and Company agreeing with him, you know she is one the right track for a true, clean slate. Also, Ivy steals the Bat-Boat and that’s pretty sweet in my book!
Harley Quinn #25 is an easy recommendation, but I highly suggest you go back and catch up on the series before she starts fresh next month. I know this will be an arc that I’ll be snagging once it hits as a trade paperback. The message that this issue is pushing is one that really elevates the book and also allows some of the minor gripes with the issue to fade away like Harley’s past.
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