Review: Harley Quinn #21
By Philip Schweier
June 7, 2017 - 04:58
DC Comics
Writer(s): Jimmy Palmiotti, Amanda Conner; Paul Dini
Artist(s): Joseph Michael Linsner, John Timms
Colourist(s): Alex Sinclair, Jeremiah Skipper
Letterer(s): Dave Sharpe
Cover Artist(s): Amanda Conner, Alex Sinclair; Frank Cho
$2.99
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So Harley has met a Batwoman of the future, one intent on punishing her for a crime she hasn’t committed (yet).
Thankfully, there’s Red Tool, that fool-for-love whose been sniffing around Harley’s home turf. He has an crazy-like-a-fox scheme for taking the time-traveler out of the game.
Meanwhile, in the back-up feature, Joker and Harley are in need of new digs. And in typical fashion, it’s the female of the species who does all the legwork. It would almost appear the second-string story – co-authored by Harley co-creator Paul Dini – is gaining new ground. Is it possible we will see it over-shadow the main feature?
Linsner’s work has a weight to it I find unsettling. Perhaps it’s Harley’s pasty complexion combined with molded features, but there just seems to be a solid quality to his figures that make them seem a week bit stiff and awkward, as if every panel is a pose waiting to relax. Adding to this is that Harley and Batwoman 2163 seem to share the EXACT same facial contour (page 9).
Honestly, I’ve grown a little weary of Harley and her craziness – or drama, depending on one’s perspective. As one of her associates pointed out last issue, there’s a never a day without madness. As anyone who knows a drama queen can attest, that can be exhausting.
Meanwhile, in the back-up feature, Joker and Harley are in need of new digs. And in typical fashion, it’s the female of the species who does all the legwork. It would almost appear the second-string story – co-authored by Harley co-creator Paul Dini – is gaining new ground. Is it possible we will see it over-shadow the main feature?
At first I thought I might need a break from reviewing the title, to cleanse the palat. But reading the ongoing back-up feature by Paul Dini, I realize that Harley works best when she is a secondary character. Kinda like Kramer on Seinfeld, or Barney Fife. Their level of craziness works best when it can be compared to a more reasonable level of sanity. But when it tries to stand by itself, there’s not enough contrast.
However, I found it very rewarding to see Harley serve up her hammer on a couple of hipsters with too much style and not enough common sense. I know one too many people like that, and I’d love it if someone took a mallet to his fluff-filled melon.
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