Harley Quinn #18 –
DC Comics
Written by Jimmy Palmiotti & Amanda Conner
Art by John Timms
Art (Pages 1-3) by Joseph Michael Linsner
Colors by Alex Sinclair & Jeremiah Skipper
Letters by Dave Sharpe
Harley Loves Joker Story Credits
Written by Paul Dini & Jimmy Palmiotti
Pencils by Bret Blevins
Inks by J. Bone
Colors by Alex Sinclair
Letters by Dave Sharpe
If you have been a fan of our podcast from the start, you know how much I love Harley Quinn. Lately though, I had found myself drifting away from the book since Rebirth. Maybe it was because it wasn’t as much of a change as the other books? Maybe I’m slowly going insane? No matter the reason, I decided to jump back aboard on Issue 17 during the Red Meat arc to see if it grabbed my interest again. So, let’s dig in!
Quick rundown for anyone who didn’t read the last issue, here’s what is going on. Homeless people are disappearing all over the city, including a guy named Skipper who Harley has somewhat befriended. Long story short, Harley decides to help out the police by going undercover to find out what is happening to them. That’s where Issue 18 picks up, and we find out exactly what has been going on. I won’t spoil who’s involved, or the manner in which they’re disappearing, but the uneasy alliance that has been created by those involved certainly gets complicated near the end of the issue. Something also happens with Harley that brings Red Tool to the rescue and sets up for a possible showdown in the next issue.
While I do like the current story, I will say that I am a bit disappointed, but probably not for the reason you think. In the first few pages of this book, a character gets introduced that one can assume will be a factor in later issues. It’s great, but I was so excited about that, it made me want it now. I realize that’s a bit unfair, but seeing that made me a lot more interested in what’s to come and not what’s in front of me now. The art is great throughout the book, and the story is fine, but I feel like those first few pages is what I’ve been waiting for since about halfway through the New 52 relaunch. I feel like they’re about to go big with this book, and everything leading up to that is an opening act. Sure I’ll stay in my seat for the opening act (and the backup story by Paul Dini and Jimmy Palmiotti), but I’m going to be sitting there more excited for the headliner. There’s also a chance I’m of a sucker for nostalgia, and classic Harley/Joker antics of Batman The Animated Series, than I want to admit. I promise that I’ll try to be patient until that comes.
RATING: PICK UP