Oh look, it's Valentine's Day. Since I'm going it alone this year, I may as well take the opportunity to indulge in a little "me time." I'll give you a moment to get your mind out of the gutter; I'm saying it's time to read some comics!
I may not be in the hearts n' kisses mood, but what the hell; let's see what Harley Quinn Valentine's Day Special #1 has in store!
In all honesty, this was an easy sell. Harley Quinn is a big-time favorite of mine, and writers Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti really know how to make her fun. The featured story revolves around Harley going to great lengths to secure a charity-auction date with Bruce Wayne. No monetary deficit or would-be vigilante kidnappers can stand in her way. It's as throw-away as a holiday One-Shot can be, and the talented creative team makes the absolute most of it.
All of the best aspects of the current Harley Quinn series are in full display. Even with the occasional burst of violence, the overall tone is lighthearted and genuinely funny. From a goofy dream sequence depicting our star as Batman's new sidekick to palling around with a whale for the sheer hell of it, the book has a real playfulness. I kind of love it.
The excellent writing is perfectly matched by John Timms' slick illustration. At any time, Harley might need to be portrayed as silly, affectionate, or a total bad-ass, and Timms handles the entire range with great precision. Our unfortunate "antagonists" Carp and Sea Robin even look like they mean business when necessary. Guest artists Ben Caldwell and Aaron Campbell tackle the wacky dream sequences, adding even more dimension to the already rich visuals.
Ultimately, I had a great time here. Harley Quinn Valentine's Day Special #1 added a bright spot to an otherwise lonely day. If you're a fan of the character, I definitely suggest checking it out!
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