At this point, Harley Quinn Black + White + Red is an instant buy for me. The first three issues are easy to pick up and enjoyable self-contained stories. They’re also creative, both visually and thematically. This week, Tim Seeley and Juan Ferreyra team up for a story called “Who Diss”, which has Harley get herself into a rap battle. The prize at stake? Why, an embarrassingly bad Joker rap tape!
I’ve been a fan of Ferreyra for some time, as his painterly style zings with energy and life, and this issue is no different. There are multiple stand-out panels I suspect many will use as their profile images across social media. I have to say I had my doubts about the premise since seeing two characters rap in a comic isn’t an easy thing to pull off, but Ferreyra brings the noise. Crazy shots of Harley dropping bars and blowing people away can be had here as well as opportune energy lines to ramp things up. Ferreyra is very good at making Harley look distressed, all-out crazy, or looking like she’s feeling pure joy on the drop of a hat. It’s fun to look at.
Dang, Harley don’t hold back.
Credit: DC Comics
Tim Seeley is pretty damn good at rapping, apparently. Sure, some of the rhymes are a bit childish (this is Harley Quinn we’re talking about), but there are some stand out bits for sure. The line, “You’re all sad ‘n spooky standin’ there like a stripper Babadook” was quite fun for instance. When reading rap, or music in general, you have to read it a few times to understand how it would sound out loud, which makes the experience fun when reading this comic.
The plotting is good too, keeping the characters on their toes, mixing in other rappers, and ending in a satisfying way for Harley fans. I’m not sure who should be credited, maybe letterer Steve Wands, but the musical notes on the word balloons are quite cool as well. The shape and scratchy nature to the edges of the balloon stand out well too.
Once again, this series is an instant recommendation. Filled with creativity, all-out fun, and so much life, Harley Quinn Black + White + Red is a proof comics are good for you.
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