Written By: Jimmy Palmiotti & Frank Tieri
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Pencils & Inks By: Alain Mauricet-Colors By: HI-FI
Since Harley’s independence from the Joker, a great many things have changed, including her role in a team setting. No longer is she playing second or third fiddle to Poison Ivy and Catwoman. Now she has her own team, and they are just as eccentric as her.
Okay, maybe not as eccentric as Harley, but that’s a really high bar for anyone to hit.
The book opens with a chaotic and over the top fight with a new gang in Brooklyn called the Hipster Mafia. The references to hipsters and neck-beards aren’t subtle mind you and there are a few lines of dialogue that just seem forced, and land with a loud thud. Overall though it’s entertaining, especially when Harley pulls out the secret weapon, which I won’t spoil here.
The bulk of the issue deals with the quest to find Harley after she’s been kidnapped. At this point, we really start to get to know the team, and their quest has a very Scooby Doo-like quality to it. This is where Mauricet’s art shines, depicting a great splash page with Harley in the middle waiting for rescue as her team “looks” for her in clubs across the city. Their search involves dancing, eating,and having a great time in general. Seriously, the worst rescue party ever.
When we are initially introduced to the Harley Gang, I must admit I thought it was going to be Harley overload. I liked the Deadpool Core too, but after awhile it was a bit much and I stopped caring. The good news here is that these other girls (and one guy) are different enough from the leader that this team might not have the same problem. They aren’t all carbon copies of Harley, and each brings their own unique flavor to the group. Props should also go to DC for featuring such a varied cast, including someone of Indian, Spanish, and Chinese descent. Who knew Harley was so diverse?
While some will miss the pencils of frequent Palmiotti collaborator (and wife) Amanda Connors, Mauricet and HI-FI handle things efficiently throughout the book, and the fantastic expression work helps to give each of the girls some personality, even without a great deal of dialogue. With so many characters, it makes sense not all of them would get a wealth of lines.
The book does take a darker turn towards the end, and it will be fun to see how, or if really, the group can respond to the challenge, as this new villain makes Harley almost look sane. Scary indeed.
Hit the gallery for a preview of Harley Quinn And Her Gang Of Harleys #1
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