*Warning: Review May Contain Spoilers
Harley Quinn Rebirth #1 is like a day in the life of DC’s current “it” girl and the tale told by Jimmy Palmiotti, Amanda Conner and Chad Hardin is an entertaining yarn that gets the series off to a fantastic start.
Who knew being a super villain was so stressful? Seeing Harley and Poison Ivy treating themselves to a spa day and dishing on all sorts of mundane topics was worth a few giggles.
After the spa day introduction readers are treated to a quick recap of Harley’s origin, her supporting cast and given an update on her current activities. Cast aside by the Joker, Harley strikes out on her own and finds herself assembling a new crew to carry out her criminal aspirations.
Palmiotti and Conner’s agile script is rife with humor and witty dialogue. Eagle-eyed readers will spot a sight gag or two in the background including one that’s an appropriate nod to DC’s new line of Hanna-Barbera themed books. The art by Hardin is fantastic. The dynamic panels, crisp, clean lines and the vibrant colors by Alex Sinclair really make this book a pleasure to read.
The plot revolves around a runaway alien named Vertigax who crash lands on earth, suffers a “cowtastrophe” of sorts and meets an untimely end. While his fate is humorous it may turn some readers off eating hotdogs for a while. The tainted meat eventually becomes a problem for Harley and her crew as a horde of zombies invade her hideout.
Despite her criminal leanings, a twisted heart of gold beats within Harley, and the familiar faces among the zombie onslaught weighs on her a bit. Her depiction here is light and zany and pitch perfect for the tone of the book.
Zombies, spa days, severed limbs, comedic sexual tension and scatapults…Harley Quinn Rebirth #1 has it all. It’s a rollicking, gag filled adventure that brings Harley into the “Rebirthed” DC universe.
Harley’s debut issue is a bizarre, quick and enjoyable read, filled with eye popping visuals and, for my liking at least, too short. Although the issue is the standard 21 pages I could have easily read another 21. Harley Quinn Rebirth #1 was such a fun read that I didn’t want it to end. The only downside to this issue is the four weeks I’ll have to wait until issue 2. Well that and my now jaundiced view of hot dogs. Bravo to the creative team as it’s one of the best Rebirth issues on the shelves.
