Harley Quinn, How We Love Thee
- Dusty W. Fleischman
- Jun 8, 2019
- 4 min read
Review: Harley Quinn Vol. 1: Hot in the City
Rankings:
Comixology: 4/5 Barnes and Nobles: 4.1/5
Google Rating: 98% Comic Book Roundup: 7.7/10
Goodreads: 3.94/5
Through out comic book history, there have been few minor characters that have captivated fans like Harley Quinn. The ditzy hammer wielding Joker sidekick first appeared in The Batman Adventures #12 in September 1993 from creators Paul Dini and Bruce Timm. Since then, the bubbly blond bombshell has been captivating readers with her snappy dialogue and down right viciousness that would rival the clown prince of crime himself. Her popularity offered up opportunities to appear in several comics, cartoon series, her own comic line released in 1999, and even a prime role in the 2016 film, Suicide Squad. In addition to her print and screen fame, HQ has also become one of, if not the most popular character in the cosplay culture. You can not go to a comic-con event without finding at least one version (if not multiple) of the iconic HQ look.
Therefore, it comes as no surprise that when DC comics released their “New 52” series in 2011 that the psychiatrist formerly known as Harleen Frances Quinzel would get her own line in the series. No longer a feared villain, but rather a much-idolized antihero, HQ’s first graphic novel: Hot in the City was released in 2014. But never fear fans, just because she is no longer a “baddy” she has not lost any of her vicious streak or anti-conformist attitude. She still cracks skulls and breaks hearts every where she goes. Batman would still not approve of her conduct. (Too bad, Batboy, we love her just the way she is).
Volume 1 of the Harley Quinn series was written by Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti. The artwork was done by several artists but to name a few, Chad Hardin, Stephanie Roux, Amanda Conner, and Becky Cloonan. The first chapter in the novel is a hilarious dream sequence where HQ is communicating with the writers and artists to decide who she wants to create her comic book series. The readers get taken on a roller coaster ride of different panels that place HQ in some funny and precarious situations. It was also cool to see the many different styles of artwork from so many great artists.
The premise of the graphic novel is for HQ, who has just inherited a building in Coney Island, to adjust to the life of a landlady and business owner. The property is actually a house of wax, freakshow and burlesque show all occupying the same building. The only problem is she has no money to afford the taxes and fees attached to the new property. Also, there is a million-dollar contract on her head and assassin’s popup from every corner to collect. So, the former Joker junkie must now go back to working as a therapist (this time in an old folks home) and joins a roller derby team to supplement her income. I am sure you can see where all this is going.
Along with her new friend, Tony the entertainment manager (who looks exactly like Glenn Danzig, coincidence?) and old friend Poison Ivy, HQ sets out to find the person who put the hit out on her and find a way to make some cash to keep the businesses open. Along the way, HQ and Ivy rescue a bunch of fur babies from an animal shelter that would rather put the pets down then find them homes.
Making up several chapters in the novel is also a side story where HQ gets enlisted by a former special service’s “hero” code-named Sy Borg. Now well into his 80’s, Sy Borg has several limbs that are made up of animatronic appendages and his medical scooter is armed to the teeth with guns and high explosives. It is not hard to imagine why HQ would be drawn to an old fart like that. The mismatched duo travels around Coney Island set to eliminate old Russian mercenaries who have retired to the New York Community and put right the wrongs that cost Sy Borg his limbs. The entire group of Russkie retirees is over eighty as well. Funny stuff.
The novel is filled with all the wit and antics that have made Harley Quinn such a beloved character. Most times she seems oblivious to what is going on around her and her love of violence has not subdued in the least. One of the best chapters takes place on Valentines Day and HQ eats a love berry left by Ivy and everyone in Coney Island becomes infatuated with our anti-heroine, including a busload of convicts that escape and give chase through the streets. HQ leads them into a hardware store and makes good use of the tools inside to “break the hearts” of her would be suitors. That is pure Harley.
One of the highlights segments of the novel was a confrontation with an assassin in a small diner. The entire segment was a re-enactment of the famous cantina scene from Star Wars: A New Hope between Han Solo and Greedo the bounty hunter. The dialogue was slightly altered to fit the story, but it was a hilarious tribute to the Star Wars Universe. Did Harley shoot first or did the assassin? You will just have to read the book to find out!
This was the great beginning to what is hopefully going to be a great series of novels (I have the first 6 volumes). Harley is in top form and the artwork is wonderful. Great writing, great art, great characters, and great tongue in cheek humor make Hot in the City a must have for any comic book fan.
Yahtzee!!!
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