Harley Quinn Annual #1 Review
Written by: Stephanie Phillips
Art by: David Lafuente, Marco Failla & Jon Sommariva
Colors by: Miquel Muerto
Lettered by: Andworld Design
Publisher: DC Comics
Gotta say, annuals and one-shots have been a lot more exciting for me this year. Harley’s annual has a lot less Harley and a lot more Kevin and that’s okay, the creative freedom is one of the things that makes these issues so special.
Like I mentioned, Kevin takes center stage in this issue as he sets on a mission to track down Harley after having been kidnapped by none other than Creepsake—I mean, Keepsake! A nefarious villain out to take control of Gotham and needs Harley Quinn at his side to do it.
Phillips takes this issue to explore the underbelly of Gotham through Kevin’s eyes, which is a lot more effective in making characters like the Penguin and Two-Face come off more frightening. Though because this is a Harley book, characters here aren’t without their own brand of zaniness, which I’m mostly okay with but prefer seeing them in their usual terrifying demeanor to contrast against Harley’s ridiculousness. Phillips’ approach to the story also works to lay the foundation of upcoming events by having Kevin interact with this smorgasbord of villainy.
While there are a number of artists working on this issue, they’re able to sync well throughout and keep the pace even. Muerto is a huge factor in that since they color the whole issue and are able to capture that animated essence that Harley is known for. The characters are all very expressive and blend well with Andworld Design’s lettering and bubbles, who is great at using the bubble and font sizes and thickness to emphasize the characters’ emotional state.
This was a fun issue, I really enjoyed Phillips’ approach with Kevin and am excited for this upcoming arc!
Art by: David Lafuente, Marco Failla & Jon Sommariva
Colors by: Miquel Muerto
Lettered by: Andworld Design
Publisher: DC Comics
Gotta say, annuals and one-shots have been a lot more exciting for me this year. Harley’s annual has a lot less Harley and a lot more Kevin and that’s okay, the creative freedom is one of the things that makes these issues so special.
Like I mentioned, Kevin takes center stage in this issue as he sets on a mission to track down Harley after having been kidnapped by none other than Creepsake—I mean, Keepsake! A nefarious villain out to take control of Gotham and needs Harley Quinn at his side to do it.
Phillips takes this issue to explore the underbelly of Gotham through Kevin’s eyes, which is a lot more effective in making characters like the Penguin and Two-Face come off more frightening. Though because this is a Harley book, characters here aren’t without their own brand of zaniness, which I’m mostly okay with but prefer seeing them in their usual terrifying demeanor to contrast against Harley’s ridiculousness. Phillips’ approach to the story also works to lay the foundation of upcoming events by having Kevin interact with this smorgasbord of villainy.
While there are a number of artists working on this issue, they’re able to sync well throughout and keep the pace even. Muerto is a huge factor in that since they color the whole issue and are able to capture that animated essence that Harley is known for. The characters are all very expressive and blend well with Andworld Design’s lettering and bubbles, who is great at using the bubble and font sizes and thickness to emphasize the characters’ emotional state.
This was a fun issue, I really enjoyed Phillips’ approach with Kevin and am excited for this upcoming arc!
A Look Inside
