Harley Quinn #3 // Review
Harley Quinn #3 is written by Stephanie Phillips, drawn and inked by Riley Rossmo, colored by Ivan Plascencia, and lettered by AndWorld Design. Harley Quinn #3 directly follows the events of the first two issues in the series, taking place after the events of The Joker War.
Issues #1 and #2 followed Harley arriving back in Gotham and having a less than welcome reception from citizens and former allies alike. The only people willing to give her a chance are a former Joker henchman named Kevin, and surprisingly, Batman. Harley wants to make amends for her past actions and help people that were hurt by the Joker, those that worked for him, and his victims. But the attitude in Gotham has changed, and now citizens are actively hostile towards anyone in a costume. Especially clowns.
In an attempt to root out the clown problem once and for all, the Mayor of Gotham brings in an unlikely ally in the form of Doctor Hugo Strange, who has supposedly reformed his evil and sadistic ways. Parallel to Harley's quest for redemption, Hugo wants to reform the clowns as a way to make Gotham safer and for his redemption. Except, not really. Unlike Harley, Hugo doesn't have good intentions, and his S.A.F.E. (Secure and Fearless Engagement) program is a way for him to continue conducting his unethical research.
At the start of Harley Quinn #3, the reader sees more of Strange's sinister intentions as he tortures former Joker henchmen. So much for "reformation." And when he finds out Harley is back in Gotham, Hugo sends the former Arkham Asylum guard Lockwood after Harley so he can "make an example of her." And with Harley creating a support group for those who worked for the Joker, Lockwood has the perfect place to not only ambush her but round up more test subjects for Strange.
The way Phillips writes Harley in Harley Quinn #3 showcases the best of her character. Sometimes Harley can be written as all chaos and no brains, but Phillips doesn't fall into this mischaracterization. When Lockwood tries to demean Harley, saying she needs to leave criminal rehabilitation to the "professionals." But Phillips reminds the reader, and Harley reminds Lockwood that she is a professional. In her words, "I have a *** **** Ph.D.!"
Rossmo's distinct style works perfectly for Harley. The art has a cartoony feel to it which lets the art flow fluidly. Rossmo showcases Harley's acrobatic skills in fights. Everything from her expressive body language to the way her pigtails seem to float and bounce however they want reflects Harley's high-energy attitude. And Rossmo's use of implied lines draws the eye to Harley and keeps the readers focus on her as she cuts a wave of destruction across the page. In addition, Plascencia's colors work with Rossmo's cartoon style to create a bright, vibrant environment.
The lettering and speech bubbles done by AndWorld Design are well laid out and easy to follow. There's a good balance of text versus white space in the speech bubbles, and they don't get in the way of the action.
Harley Quinn #3 feels like a violent Saturday morning cartoon in the best way possible. I had the best time reading this issue, and I eagerly look forward to the rest of the series.
