REVIEW: ‘Harley Quinn,’ Issue #75

Harley Quinn #75 is published by DC Comics, written by Sam Humphries, art by Sami Basri, Nicola Scott, Emanuela Luppachino, Ray Mcarthy, Ramon Villalobos, Ngozi Ukazu and Joe Quinones, colors by Hi-Fi, Annette Kwok, Tamra Bonvillain and letters by Dave Sharpe. Having defeated Granny Goodness last issue, Harley has a moment to relax. And what could be more relaxing than being thrown a roast by your favorite talking stuffed animal and a bunch of look a like Harleys. With wall to wall super stars appearing to give Harley the treatment, you know there’s no way this could be anything but what it appears to be!

Harley Quinn #75 presents a creative anthology of stories poking fun at both Harley herself, as well as various versions of the DC Universe that have existed over the years. All wrapped up in the form of a roast for Harley on her birthday.

The first guests to come out are DC’s very own trinity themselves, Wonder Woman, Batman and Superman. Their story features Harley as a member of the Justice League. The art here is instantly reminiscent of the Super Friends TV show. As the League battles an evil Soviet robot Harley must work to distract it.

This initial story is followed up with a tale from Poison Ivy. And who would know Harley better than her? This tale highlights the massive supporting cast Harley has accumulated over the years. It does a wonderful job of highlighting Harley as someone who tries to be better with people than she is often given credit for.

Next up, Harley Quinn #75 brings out Harley’s now and then boss Amanda Waller to tell a tale of Harley Quinn’s escapades in the Suicide Squad. As you might have guessed, this story’s visuals feel inspired by the often bemoaned live action take on DC’s team of anti-heroes. While the first story focused on Harley within the framing of being a joke, this story made Harley into a violent psychopath.

Back at the roast, Harley has had enough. She is done with being made a joke of, or being shown to be something she doesn’t consider herself to be. I can’t say what happens next, but I will say that it takes everything I have loved about Humphries’ run with the character and puts it center stage. It shines a light on who the real Harley Quinn is, and why she does what she does. It lets her step away from being a joke, or a violent anti- hero and just be a person who, like many of us is just trying to get through a day. It is a lovely capper for the main portion of Harley Quinn #75.

Wrapping up this giant sized book is a Joker War tie in. Taking place before Batman #96, it depicts Harley having a run in with the Joker’s newest ally Punchline. This fight goes badly for our heroine and she must find a way to pull it together, lest Punchline get the last laugh.

The art in Harley Quinn #75 presents a plethora of styles, each one fitting its given story marvelously. With series regular Basri providing the pencils for the roast itself, all the stories feel pulled back to “reality” with the return to the familiar brilliance that their art has been throughout the run.

The color work is also wonderfully done and further pushes each story’s theme and mood superbly. Every story is given that extra bit of pop that only a well chosen color palette can provide.

And lastly, Sharpe delivers another stellar performance on letters. Pushing the dialogue’s presentation so it is every bit equal in energy to the lady whose name graces the cover.

Harley Quinn #75 is a true celebration of the character. It looks at the many facets of who she is, and why she does what she does. Humphries and company have done a magnificent job with this character over their run. I wasn’t a Harley fan before these stories, but they’ve managed to win me over. Here’s to whatever comes next everyone’s favorite Harlequin.

Harley Quinn #75 is available August 18th wherever comics are sold.