Review: Harley Quinn #65

Harley Quinn #65

Writer: Sam Humphries
Artist: Sami Basri
Color Artist: Hi-Fi
Letterer: Dave Sharpe

Review by Philip Clark

Summary

Harley Quinn #65 sees Harley dealing with the death of her mother. After a battle with cancer, we finally lost Mrs. Quinn, and Sam Humphries wastes no time, jumping us straight to post-funeral, as Harley's trying to cope with the loss.

We also get the conclusion of the Trials of Harley Quinn, as she aims to become the Angel of Retribution.

Positives

The way that Humphries handles the death of Harley’s mother is genius. Something that could have taken an entire issue was brilliantly expressed in just a few panels. We got to see all of Harley’s grief and emotions conveyed in scenes that are brilliantly drawn and written, but not dragged out. Everything about this issue is fantastic.

From the way that Humphries describes Harley’s grief, to the way that her personality shifts when Mirand’r shows up. What I love most about Harley, and it's shown most in this issue, is her ability to pull herself out of an emotional hell. While some kind words from her friends help, in this issue, it's ultimately Harley who talks herself out of her funk, and that takes a real strong mentality.

I also love Harley’s outfit while she’s on the island. Her bikini shell top has the classic Harley Quinn diamond and star! A great detail from artist Sami Basri, that was spotted and appreciated by this eagle eyed reader.

Negatives

While I absolutely love the way that Humphries dealt with the death of Harley’s mother, I would have liked to have seen at least who showed up for Harley. How’s the rest of her family doing? How are her friends? How does it affect the proposition Apex Lex gave her at the end of last issue?

It could have been touched on briefly, but other than that, Harley Quinn #65 is yet another issue that I have no negative things to say about. I find myself doing that a lot recently.

Verdict

This title is one of my favourite comics to read these days. Whenever I see it come out, I can’t wait to get into it. I always know I’m going to be in for a treat, and this issue was no different.

While the comedy, and crazy, took a little bit of a backseat for a more touching and heartfelt issue, Harley Quinn #65 still lets the character’s main traits shine through. A fantastic issue, that honestly, caught me a little off guard after the last one, so props to Humphries for that.

Looking at Harley Quinn on the surface, the comic seems like a crazy comedic wild ride; but once you get past that and dig deeper, it’s a beautifully emotional comic. 

Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment