Injustice: Year Four #19 Review

Written by: Brian Buccellato
Art by: Xermanico and Rex Lokus
Cover Price: $0.99
Release Date: September 8, 2015

Dying Time

Injustice has had it's ups and downs since Brian Buccellato took over the book, but the thing that has upset me the most has been his portrayal of Harley Quinn.  While it's fine to throw her in a scene for some comedy relief, she had been so much more in this book.  If you have been reading since Year One, you're likely shaking your head and thinking of her, Ollie, Black Canary and the Quiver.  The reason she has been so great in this book is her heart, not her funny bone.  In fact, the Harley in Injustice is my all-time favorite Harley bar none.  Unfortunately, that Harley hasn't been seen in a while, but there is hope.  This issue is a Harley heavy issue and it gives Buccellato a chance to redeem himself.  Well, did he?  Let's find out...

The issue opens in Tartarus with Harley, Hippolyta and Billy Batson wondering what the hell they can do to get out.  Actually, Harley is wondering who farted.  If you feel the same way that I do about Harley, you may be really worried right about now.  Well, don't be.  Harley is not only pretty hilarious, she's fearless and pretty damn awesome here.

It's obvious that Harley has watched enough prison movies to know what she has to do...take out the biggest and baddest mofo in Tartarus.  The best part is, she has a green super pill, but hands it to Billy and then goes to town on everyone currently in the Prison of the Damned.  She even gets a Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome quote in for good measure.  It's so awesome that Hippolyta wants in as well.

The two ladies rock the house and while it's good fun, the best joke of the issue is when Hippolyta leaves Harley hanging afterwards.  Who is she, Tom Brady?!?!  Harley then takes the green pill and it's up, up and away...smack into a Hecatonchire.  Again, Harley steps up to the plate and...well, it's pretty disgusting.  It's effective, though and just as it looks like the three are home free, Ares shows up.

Like Constantine in Year Three, Ares is really shaping up to be the Dick of the Year and just wants Harley and company to stay put while he screws over everyone.  For the third time this issue, however, Harley goes on the offensive and while she can't take down the God of War, she gets the job done.  The issue ends with Billy, Hippolyta and Harley jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire.

I could talk about how this issue felt like filler and really doesn't push the overall narrative forward one bit, but I won't.  Why?  Because I was having too much fun and I love having fun.  Plus, this is the best Harley that Buccellato has given us and gives me hope for this book going forward.

Xermanico's art is always great and while I loved most of what he gives us here, some of it was unnecessarily confusing.  I'm mostly talking about the Ares scene which seems to go from part A to Part D without much of a transition.

Bits and Pieces:

This side story may be mostly filler, but it's the best damn Harley Quinn we've gotten in this book since Brian Buccellato took over.  She is my favorite character in Injustice and if you are the same, you will really enjoy this issue.  If not, you can probably skip this one and come back next week for our regularly scheduled program.

8.2/10