If you’re looking for a done-in-one story featuring Harley Quinn in an entirely different caper, then Harley Quinn 2024 Annual #1 should be right up your alley. Not only does it feature an offbeat story set on a cruise ship, but it’s drawn and written by Erica Henderson, one of the best cartoonists in comics today. The opening question of the story is pretty simple: What does Harley do with tons of cash the one time she doesn’t blow it on something stupid?
Harley Quinn 2024 Annual #1 opens on a GCN report of a bank heist. Paired with the deadly serious reporter reporting live from the scene is a funny lower third joke you’ll get over a couple of panels. This leads readers to find her crew elated; they come away with tons of cash, and it dawns on Harley that she doesn’t know what normal people do with tons of cash.
Smash-cut to Harley outside a luxury cruise ship and ready to relax. Before shoving off, she gives Poison Ivy a smooch, and the real horror begins. Cruise ships are a hell you can’t escape! Armed with a luxury pass that gets her anywhere, Harley soon snoops around and discovers something quite fishy with Zatanna.
This annual is worth a few hard chuckles.
Credit: DC Comics
The hijinks that spill out of what she finds are super fun, leading to a murder on the boat, a supervillain revealing themselves, and so much more. Some deep-cut characters pop up, and there is a general sense of fun as Zatanna and Harley try to solve the murder and stay alive in the process. Quite honestly, Henderson reveals a clever mystery using magic and other elements that keep you on your toes and invested in the story all the way through.
Your investment is aided by Henderson’s fabulous art. Expressive, fun, and funny when it needs to be, there’s a vibrancy to Henderson’s art that’s unmistakable. Even the most dastardly of jerk villains can come off as silly and comical with a well-placed facial expression. The style suits Harley Quinn, who is a bit flighty and always curious. Take, for instance, a joke where Harley tires a pumpkin spice latte for the first time, and you’ll see the facial expressions and comedic timing of three panels couldn’t be better.
I’m going to sound like a broken record if you’ve read a review by me, but Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou continues to excel at doing creative things with dialogue. You can get tone and attitude from his lettering thanks to choices with word balloons and letter design.
The energy is aided by the lettering, which is super fun and clearly well thought out. Throw in the vibrant colors by Henderson; this style should please all Harley Quinn fans.
The only reason this issue isn’t perfect is the pace, which feels slow at times. It speeds up once the murder takes place, but a page here or there feels unneeded as we reach the main conflict.
Expect high-end quality Harley Quinn adventure times in Harley Quinn 2024 Annual #1. Henderson is one of the most unique and trusted creators working today, and this is evident in this annual issue.
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