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'Harley Quinn' #28 is an entertaining case study in relativism
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Comic Books

‘Harley Quinn’ #28 is an entertaining case study in relativism

Tini Howard’s expert script work is on full display throughout the issue.

All right, everyone, please take a seat. Welcome to Abnormal Psych with our newest professor, Dr. Harley Quinn. If you haven’t done so already, grab your paper and pencils. Then strap in, because we’re about to dive headfirst into our minds and behavior. If you wouldn’t mind, save all your questions for the lecture’s conclusion. The topic for today is Relativism.

“…And write that down ’cause boy oh boy is that gonna come up again.”

Tini Howard and Sweeny Boo 'Harley Quinn'

Courtesy DC Comics

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Humorous and clever, Harley Quinn #28 is an entertaining case study in Relativism. Howard’s ability to subtly weave this philosophical doctrine as a theme throughout the narrative is exceptional. As a result, this issue is a demonstration of Tini Howard’s expert script work. This exemplar in Relativism is bolstered by Sweeny Boo’s vibrant, kinetic, and playful artwork. As a result, it is clear that this duo is the perfect team for this book.

Picking up amid a prank war with Two-Face, Harley Quinn #28 finds our title character with what she believes to be the upper hand. Unfortunately, after being set up to take the fall for the duplicitous villain, Harley finds herself at the business end of a judge’s gavel. Her sentence: to give back by serving as a community college professor. It’s only after Harvey attacks Harley at the conclusion of her lecture that things get weird. Summoning what can best be described as a cartoon Joker Fish to combat her assailant, Harley quickly dispatches her foe. Harley’s actions earn some affirmation from the police as well as admonishment from one super powerful Multiversal being.

One of the elements I love the most about Tini Howard’s work in scripting this issue is her use of Relativism as a theme to tie the issue together. Relativism is the doctrine that knowledge, truth, and morality exist in relation to culture, society, or historical context, and are not absolute. Initially, I believe this doctrine presents itself through Harley’s comment, “A wise woman once said, ‘There’s nothing wrong with a little bit of criminal mischief.” This statement serves to counter Kevin’s concern for her behavior and illustrate how Harley’s morality contrasts with what might be considered traditional. Additionally, this shows how morality is not absolute between cultures. Moreover, Tini’s use of humorous dialogue adds spice to the topic.

“But what about those things that transcend culture?”

Tini Howard and Sweeny Boo 'Harley Quinn'

Courtesy DC Comics

Not only is this doctrine contained within Tini’s dialogue, but it is also present throughout each plot point. Like a masterful Chess player, Howard carefully positions each character and event so that they carefully illustrate and tie into this theme. Although the narrative bounces quickly from one plot point to the next, with one questionable decision from the judge, each element to completely necessary for driving the message home.

Essentially, Harley Quinn may consider her prank war with Two-Face to be justified, but this is obviously not the case with Gotham City’s Law and Order. However, in summoning the mystical Joker First to bring an end to Harvey’s assault on the community college, Harley is congratulated for her life choices by the police.  However, like love, Harley’s actions have transcended cultures and the Multiverse. As a result, Harley’s good deed on earth irrevocably damaged another world because the weapon she summoned was taken from a great warrior in his hour of need.

The risk of punishment for transcending the Multiverse is so extreme that it calls back to relativism as well. Merely summoning this cartoon fish weapon is so great that Lady Quark threatens not only to destroy Gotham but the rest of the world. I guess it really is true that no good deed goes unpunished. Harley’s noble actions on our earth were not perceived as righteous by the Multiversal Beings.

I think what I love most about Tini’s work here is that it never beats you over the head with the message. Harley Quinn mentions Relativism at the end of her lecture and recommends that her students take notes because the topic will continue to arise in class. Had I not done a little research into the topic following my initial readthrough of the book, I don’t know that I would have seen some of the connections. As a result, I am excited to see how and if this theme will continue to influence her narrative.

Moreover, will these concepts play a part in the backup stories? Erica Henderson’s tale at the end of this issue is so much fun as it captures the essence of Sailor Moon and other popular 90’s anime. Will these backup stories continue to show us how Harley could transcend cultures or the Multiverse? I am excited to find out in the upcoming installments of this book.

“Potential crisis? Lady, have you looked around this place? I’m currently in a crisis.”

Tini Howard and Sweeny Boo 'Harley Quinn'

Courtesy DC Comics

None of this would have been as effective without Sweeny Boo’s vibrant, kinetic, and playful artwork. I love the way that Sweeny Boo illustrates Harley’s mischievous gaze before she absolutely crushes Two-Face in battle. Sweeny’s panel work is amazing and perfectly captures all of Harley Quinn #28’s action. I do think that there are a few panels toward the end of the issue where the artwork doesn’t quite capture the energy of Harley’s actions. To be specific, something just feels off with the panel where Harley smashes the car’s headlights. Despite this, Sweeny Boo’s colors are vibrant and perfectly capture the tone of this issue.

Ultimately, Harley Quinn #28 is an entertaining case study in Relativism. Tini Howard’s expert script work is on full display throughout the issue. Her ability to subtly weave this philosophical doctrine as a theme throughout the narrative is exceptional and her humor is spot-on for the title character. Additionally, the script is bolstered by Sweeny Boo’s vibrant, kinetic, and playful artwork. There’s one thing Harley Quinn #28 makes absolutely clear: this duo is the perfect team for this book.

'Harley Quinn' #28 is an entertaining case study in relativism
‘Harley Quinn’ #28 is an entertaining case study in relativism
Harley Quinn #28
Ultimately, Harley Quinn #28 is an entertaining case study in Relativism. Tini Howard’s expert script work is on full display throughout the issue. Her ability to subtly weave this philosophical doctrine as a theme throughout the narrative is exceptional and her humor is spot-on for the title character. Additionally, the script is bolstered by Sweeny Boo’s vibrant, kinetic, and playful artwork. There’s one thing Harley Quinn #28  makes absolutely clear: this duo is the perfect team for this book.
Reader Rating0 Votes
0
Tini's subtle use of Relativism as a theme to tie the narrative together.
Tini masterfully positions characters and events to demonstrate this doctrine.
Sweeny Boo does an excellent job illustrating Harley's chaotic energy and the book's action.
Sweeny Boo's vibrant colors perfectly capture the narrative's tone.
There are times when it can feel like you're bouncing too quickly from one plot point to the next to reach the narrative's endgame.
A few panels toward the end of the issue feel off when capturing the energy of the character's movement.
9
Great
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