Publisher: DC Comics
Writer(s): Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti
Artist: Chad Hardin
Release Date: 3rd August, 2016

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Under the capable hands of Jimmy Palmiotti, Amanda Conner and Chad Hardin (as well as colorist Alex Sinclair and letterer Dave Sharpe), Harley Quinn was one of the standout titles of the New 52 era, so it’s a bit of obvious good business to keep the gang together on the title’s latest incarnation.

Easily the most popular new character either of the Big Two have came up with in the last quarter decade or so, Harley is rarely anything other than a joy to read and Palmiotti and Conner have spent the last few years getting her bang on, meaning this relaunch is just relentlessly entertaining from start to finish.

Unlike some of the other Rebirth titles, this is very much a jumping-on point for new readers, with no prior knowledge required. Harley retells her origin as well as introducing every one of her substantial supporting cast, but it’s done in such a breezy and fun way that it’s in no way a chore for regular readers to get through.

The main plot involves a shape-changing alien who gets turned into sausages which in turn make zombies of anyone who eats them. Yes really. As I said, it’s relentlessly entertaining, crammed full of laugh-out loud moments and schlocky humour.

It’s not all laughs though, as Harley’s relationship with Poison Ivy is re-established too and is as sweet as it is touching. Hopefully it won’t be too long before we have another series featuring this pair, hopefully written by Palmiotti and Conner.

Artwise, I must say I was initially gutted that Conner would only be doing covers for the last series, but Chad Hardin quickly made it easy to get over the disappointment and he’s now an essential part of what makes this title so special.  His clean lines and vibrant approach to movement just leap from the page, keeping just the right side of cheesecake while bringing just a shade of fun, cartoon influences to the more traditional elements of the story. He’s a real find and is the perfect choice for Harley, much as everyone else is on this dream team.

Harley Quinn might be in danger of overexposure this year, but as long as the quality is this strong, it won’t matter. Amazing.

Rating: 5/5.

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PREVIEW ARTWORK
[Click to Enlarge]

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The Writer of this piece was: Jules Boyle
Jules tweets from @Captain_Howdy

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