Simone Bianchi's cover sans title and blurbs.

In Detective Comics #831 (“Kind of Like Family”), Harleen Quinzel a.k.a. Harley Quinn has just been turned down for parole from Arkham Asylum (and Bruce Wayne is the deciding “No” vote).  When old acquaintance, ventriloquist dummy, Mr. Scarface, makes her a rich offer, Harley has to make a choice – the easy road to freedom or the difficult path to parole.

THE LOWDOWN:  Harley Quinn “creator” Paul Dini puts the psychotic criminal he introduced in “Batman: The Animated Series,” on a course for reform.  “Kind of Like Family,” however, is pedestrian fare that displays neither wit nor imagination.  It has perhaps less entertainment value than even a mediocre episode of “Batman: TAS.”  The art by Don Kramer & Wayne Faucher is also uninspired and listless, but, on the other hand, DC is clearly underutilizing Kramer’s obvious drawing skills.

FOR READERS OF:  People obsessed with complete runs will find this a must-have.

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