Comics / Comic Reviews / DC Comics

Review: Harley’s Little Black Book #5


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By Philip Schweier
December 28, 2016 - 04:15

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It’s always a treat to see Neal Adams back in action in the DC Universe. This time, he and Harley revisit one of his classic projects – though why Harley is still a bit of a head-scratcher. What follow may be spoilers for those not familiar with the original story. But that’s your problem – it’s only been out for 38 years.

 

Fans of the Superman vs Muhammad Ali tabloid (1978) will enjoy a retelling of the classic story, with Harley standing in for Ali as the Scrubb encircles its armada around Earth. He intends to pit his champion against Earth’s. Naturally Superman steps up, but Harley insists she’s better suited. This leads to a preliminary bout between Supes and Harley, followed by the main event between Harley and Hunk’ya.

 

What Neal Adams and Denny O‘Neil originally took 72 pages to tell, Connor & Co. are able to relate in 39 pages, condensing the story without losing anything too significant, while at the same time adding a few elements that help make it the off-beat Harley tale one might expect. The story is more of a remake, the noticeable difference bing Harley for Ali, altering the story enough to freshen it up.

 

Of course, Neal Adams art is stellar, thought he seems to lift some portions directly from the original. In this era of Photoshop, I can’t help but wonder how much of the work was done by his staff of assistants, and how much was him giving it the distinctive Neal Adams polish. Still, it’s Neal-friggin’-Adams!


Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12

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