If you’re looking for a comic book that screams “Saturday Morning Cartoons Gone Bonkers” (in a good way), look no further than Harley Quinn. And you’re in luck – Volume 1 (collecting issues #0-8) releases this Wednesday in hardcover. (Go visit your local comic shop!)
Harley’s first solo adventure in DC’s New 52-niverse lands her in Coney Island, NY. By day, she’s therapist Dr. Harleen Quinzel. By night, she is a roller derby force to be reckoned with. And somewhere in the middle… she’s that 
lovable trouble maker who can go from sugary sweet to dark and deadly, faster than you can say, “What’s up, Buttercup?” Life for Harley would be just swell if she could get rid of all the hit-men and bounty hunters on her trail. Turns out, someone put a price on her head, and all sorts of interesting characters are coming out of the woodwork to collect. (Watch for the page where Harley goes all “Han-Solo-not-special-edition” on one of said bounty hunters. Priceless.) A guest appearance by gal pal Poison Ivy made for some of my favorite reading since Gotham City Sirens. After all, who doesn’t love a good sleepover after dispatching some unwanted assassins?
Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti (also known as comics’ favorite power couple) are keenly aware of all of the elements that make a great comic book. Great character? Check. Clever dialogue? Check. Creative story lines? Check. Gorgeous cover art? Big huge check. Interiors just as nice as the cover? Check. (And props to Chad Hardin on that. A cover by Amanda Conner is a hard act to follow, but he pulls it off nicely.) This creative team truly brings the entire package of what a comic book should be.
Now that Warner Brothers has rid themselves of their female superhero phobia (by finally scheduling a Wonder Woman movie), perhaps it’s time for our dear Harley to jump to the big screen. But only if Conner and Palmiotti get to write (or at least supervise) the script. Otherwise, don’t joke around with us, Puddin’.
Writing: 9.5 (out of 10)
Art: 9.5 (out of 10)
