DC Comics reviews 8/7/19 – Batman #76, Justice League #29

Harley Quinn #64

I’ve really gotten over Harley Quinn over the last few years as the character has reached new heights of overexposure. But as a big fan of Sam Humphries’ work on Green Lantern, I occasionally check in on the title. This was the obligatory Year of the Villain tie-in that I wasn’t expecting to be my favorite tie-in of any DC event book this year.

Humphries pokes fun of the crossover “scam” in a very meta and on the nose way via Harley. It’s smart satire with just enough of a goofy edge to appeal to Harley fans and those who are over the gotta read them all setup of the annual events. In fairness, DC has largely avoided the sprawling company wide events since the New 52 with the bigger storylines playing out in relevant titles.

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With her mother dying from cancer, Harley and her supporting cast visit and pass the time reading about Harley’s encounter with Lex Luthor in the midst of his Offer. Harley doesn’t want to get roped into yet another crossover and declines, but Lex won’t take no for an answer no matter where Harley tries to escape. I don’t want to ruin all the fun, but Harley makes her way through other big events currently unfolding in DC leading to some legit hilarious encounters.

Artist Sami Basri really delivered the goods this issue easily changing styles to fit the appropriate tone of the story. Basri always does good work on this title, but this is one of his standouts. Jessica Kholinne and Hi-Fi team up on colors that capture the balance of insanity and seriousness that’s not always easy on a book like Harley Quinn.

Even if you dismiss Harley Quinn as too much of a jokey, goofy character, this issue is well worth checking out for seeing how Harley interacts with DC’s big events for 2019. This was my unexpected gem of the week.

Rating: 10 out of 10