Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews

Harley Quinn #3Harley Quinn #3
DC Comics
Conner, Palmiotti & Hardin

In a word: fun. This comic book is fun, in a twisted way, but fun nonetheless. This is a book where the characterizations don't really line up with anything in the DC Universe that I've read, but they don't quite cross the line into Vertigo either. Instead the book feels like it could operate in a Universe shared with Rocky Horror Picture Show and that is because of the level of charm in the book. This particular issue is more or less a one-shot that is entertaining but only teases in the smallest bit the larger plot brewing in the background. This is a good (and different) comic book.

This issue is a Valentine's Day themed book where Harley is feeling lonely and she heads out to check out the local nightlife. Prior to going out she happens to eat a berry off of a toxic plant that Poison Ivy gave to her. The results are toxic for those that catch a whiff of her as she's forced to fend off all kinds of characters from loving her to death.

It's a good comic book. There's plenty of action, plenty of odd scenarios and certainly enough gore to go around. I think there is something to be said for kicking back and reading something entertaining. Though the other side might complete the book and say to themselves, "Why did I read that? Nothing happened!" I'm not even sure how the toxic fumes wore off but they evidently did. There is only a tiny scene dealing with the larger plot where Harley is pursued by yet another assassin, but the point isn't explored or dwelled on. The main driver of the book is the characterization of the lead.

The obvious Marvel character comparison is Deadpool. However, Deadpool relies more on his super-powers and ridiculous situations that allow the character to provide one-liners at times and serious, more dramatic, scenarios at others. Harley Quinn is just a regular gal that has no issues with killing people when the time comes. She seems to be street smart but falls into situations that could get chalked up to bad luck.

Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle ReviewsThe artwork is good at many points in the book. It really works at its best when the range of Harley's expressions are explored. The comic art match the dialogue with the reactions well in this regard. The artwork does have a slightly less polished look in spots, especially near the end, which could be from any of number of reasons. Overall the book is a good artistic story.

Harley Quinn isn't a villain book. It's a character book where the lead happens to be the former girlfriend of the Joker. She will kill when necessary but for the most part she's just trying to make her way through life. It's a good one-shot to pick up and get an idea of what the character is all about. If you are looking for something fun to read with a touch of violence then this is one to check out.

3.5 out of 5 Geek Goggles