If you surveyed fans on what Harley Quinn’s worst nightmare is, how many would pick the same thing? If you asked Harley Quinn herself, would she even know? Tini Howard explores just that in Knight Terrors: Harley Quinn #1, and it’s no surprise it’s as complex of an approach as it comes. We’re talking multiverse hopping, Joker chasing, and Harley falling into a trap that turns into a nightmare. Yeah, it gets nuts.
This issue opens with Harley at work. Well, at her old job, anyway, as she’s at Arkham Asylum, which is definitely not right, but Harley isn’t aware things are amiss yet. Soon though, nightmares are thrown at her – yes, nightmares plural. Howard takes the idea behind the event and throws everything at the wall because it’s not easy to scare Harley. It’s a clever way to show her strength and test her. First, it’s Joker, then multiverse stuff, and Poison Ivy is even thrown in.
This leads to trippy moments with fourth-wall-breaking potential. To further prove Harley is an empowering character, she takes charge at one point, but as we know, with some of the best horror, when you’re most confident, you’re probably in for the worst of it. Howard continues to show prowess in idea-making and imagination that keeps the story moving forward and the reader on their toes. Oh, and a pirate universe is in the cards.
Nice throwback to a throwback idea with the hands.
Credit: DC Comics
Hayden Sherman draws some trippy stuff in this issue, like a topsy-turvy page of different areas of the asylum with Harley wandering about. The layout design is well done, especially when Harley is at a computer terminal. An interesting integration of real-life DC Comics multiverse materials helps convince Halrey is the ultimate fourth-wall-breaking character at DC Comics. If you love comics, you’ll love Sherman’s work.
This issue also features a backup story written by Leah Williams with art by Ben Templesmith. The story teams Harley with…well, another Harley. Part of me wonders if one Harley is from Frank Tieri’s recent miniseries, but it’s unclear. Either way, Harley Quinn deals with herself, walks through portals, and learns lessons. It’s unclear if this is simply a bonus story or has something to do with Knight Terrors, but it’s interesting all the same.
With inventive ideas, many different trials for Harley Quinn to combat, and fabulous art Knight Terrors: Harley Quinn is a great start to the two-parter. Howard is running on all cylinders with a keen sense of the character and what to explore, all while throwing in a nightmare twist. The balance of art and ideas make this a great read for comic book fans.
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