Who doesn’t like a holiday special that’s within the canon of the story? How about the inclusion of Santa Claus? Hell yes! We review, but is it good?
Harley Quinn #10 (DC Comics)
So what’s it about? The summary reads:
Come spend the holidays with Harley in issue #10’s collection of wintry short stories—just don’t expect to make it to New Year’s in one piece!
Why does this book matter?
The summary says this is a collection of stories, but don’t be fooled: This is one long adventure to save Santa! Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti write with the help of four artists in this wacky holiday affair complete with Red Tool for backup!
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
I love Macx’s… Wait.
Make no mistake, this is a ridiculous sort of story as Harley must save Santa so that Christmas can continue. The tale has a science fiction twist that involves entering jolly old St. Nick’s mind; that’s where Harley discovers Santa’s current feelings on Christmas as he’s been put into a coma having pushed away all his negative emotions all these years. Time for a little crazy to set him straight! The writing team does well to capture Harley’s crazy nature while using her to reflect on the very normal feelings Santa has had as he’s worked his fingers to the bone. Along the way there’s plenty of silly (and dirty) humorous moments and you may never look at a candy cane the same way again.
The art is split up between Moritat, Joseph Michael Linsner, Bret Blevins, and Inaki Miranda and it all blends together quite well. Moritat gives Harley a sort of manga feel with her eyes that’s cute and cool. Linsner captures her more buxom look which helps sell a few butt jokes, the change in art from Blevins helps set apart a sort of nightmare scene and Miranda makes some nightmare versions of Harley’s “friends” look downright frightening. All in all they do a good job throughout this issue.
It can’t be perfect can it?
The story takes a bit too long to get going as Harley lets her anger get the best of her and she finally gets herself into position to help Santa. These scenes contain Red Tool, and it’s nice to see his inclusion, though he doesn’t add much to the story as a whole.
I know it’s ridiculous to even mention, but can we all stop and ask if Santa is an actual character in the universe? I don’t think he is, and yet I think this story takes place within canon. Eh, it’s wacky so who cares right?
Making kids cry in front of Harley. Uh oh…
Is It Good?
Harley saves Christmas in this wacky, fun time. ‘Nuff said.
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