REVIEW: ‘Harley Quinn,’ Issue #31

Harley Quinn #31 is published by DC Comics, written by Tini Howard, art and colors by Sweeney Boo, and letters by Steve Wands. There is a backup story, written by Heather Anne Campbell, art by Filya Bratukhin, colors by Lee Loughridge, and letters by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou. Harley not only faces retribution from a traumatized Captain Carrot, but she must also explain everything to her girlfriend, Poison Ivy.

This issue has a lot of that signature energy that this character and series has become renowned for. The plot has two phases to it. Harley’s situation with Captain Carrot is concluded, before returning back to her world and to her love. The frantic fight and the cartoony world that has been flipped on its head accelerate the pace of the issue instantly. But it de-escalates just as rapidly, almost too rapidly. Whilst stories don’t unfold in a regular manner in that universe, the sudden change in direction for the comic deflates the issue slightly. With that readjustment, the tone reverts back to normal, prepping Quinn for literally being flung back to her own home and to Ivy. 

From there the issue slows in order to catch Ivy up. But this means we backtrack slightly, revisiting the story up to now. It is a cause for tension, though, as not all of Harley’s recent discoveries and revelations are relayed to Ivy. The issue then concludes with the next round of repeated confrontations between Harley and a villain that has plaguing her since Howard took over the series. It’s a fun and exciting fight that doesn’t forget some of Harley’s earlier warnings, with the book beginning and ending with multiversal shenanigans. 

The dialogue in this comic is one of the greatest attributes of this Harley Quinn run. Howard is able to jump between tones and directions. The fight between Harley and Captain Carrot returns to that mix of dark humor and a cartoony attitude. It’s a combination that can make your head spin, and even Harley finds it disconcerting. Death is spoken about so frankly that it’s easy o forget how shocking the reveal was in the previous issue. Then Harley Quinn #31 returns to one of the most stable and loving relationships in the DC multiverse. It’s not exactly an honest conversation, but it is one that lacks judgment or any toxicity. The dialogue in the comic has humor but also has meaning, with some really clever pieces of tactics and ways to get out of trouble.

The art is gorgeous. Every panel brings personality with it, and Boo’s style is tantamount to crafting that identity. Faces have big and expressive features, and Harley’s huge hair also infuses her with energy. Her free will and youthful glee carry the positivity of the comic even in serious moments. There are some great locations, but they aren’t chocked with details as Boo appears to prefer space and cleanliness. The fight at the end of the comic is fantastic, using a different approach. There are patterns in the background and an atmosphere that implies the cartoon elements followed Harley back to her own reality.

The colors are beautiful. The shades are almost always warm and pastel and vibrant, helping to maintain that energy and cheerfulness that Harley Quinn comics possess more than any other book. The lettering is incredible, with the SFX shining in the last fight. The words become huge and part of the background, sometimes filling the whole panel. This is one of the reasons why that last part stands out on its own, one of many unique design choices.

The backup story is phenomenal, with a dream sequence including Harley and huge mechas. The most notable part of this story is the ludicrous art that I found absolutely jaw-dropping. The robots are crafted out of unbelievable details, the most intricate I have ever seen in a comic. It is almost overwhelming to look at but the art by Bratukhin is extremely impressive.

Harley Quinn #31 brings the adventure home. The sudden stop in the situation may cause whiplash, but the energy of the comic never ceases to amaze. Howard’s focus is always on the characters, and Harley is one of the best. It’s a comic that is both achingly pretty to look at but also extremely fun to read. Reuniting Harley with Ivy reignites the love, and there is something comforting about not trying to tarnish or dampen that affection at all.

Harley Quinn #31 is available where comics are sold.