Harley Quinn #69 Review

Call Officer Big Mic

Writer: Mark Russell
Artist: Sami Basri
Publisher: DC Comics
Release Date: January 1, 2020
Cover Price: $3.99

I have not reviewed Harley Quinn in quite some time, but with Sam Humphries taking a break to let Mark Russell spin a yarn, I figured what the heck!  That's not a diss on Humphries, but even if it was, he can't block me on Twitter again, right?!?  Actually, being on "Double Secret Twitter Blockage Probation" sounds pretty damn awesome so hopefully, he will be able to.  Oh well, on with the review...



The issue begins with one of the most notorious criminals finally being let out of jail.  Is it the Joker?  The Riddler?  The Sports Master?  Nope, it's the Hamburgler!  Well, for copyright's sake, it's the Hambezzler, but we all know what's going on!  I hate the Hamburgler so much.  He's like Wimpy without the pretense and I don't even like Wimpy!  That being said, I had a smile on my face seeing the Hambezzler here...mostly because the asshole is old and miserable!

They suggest he seek out Harley as he has no place to stay and as luck would have it, she needs someone to do her taxes and that is something the Hambezzler can do.  You see, the Hambezzler was put in jail for stealing the McGobble's (please tell me they have the Big Mic and in an odd turnaround, McDowells will get to go after them!  BTW, their buns have no seeds) retirement fund, something he says he didn't do.  Anyhoo, Harley is all about not doing her taxes so he is in.

What follows is the McGobble Land Gang coming to take revenge on the Hambezzler.  It's a bit horrific seeing "real life" versions of Grimace, Captain Crook and Ronald, but it's also fun and Clown McCrown makes a good Joker stand-in.  After Harley kicks their asses, though, they team up with her and Hambezzler to take down the real criminals.

Mark Russell lays it heavy with the fast-food slogans and puns and while it does get to be a bit much by the end, it fits the bill and is all in good fun.  That continues as the gang confronts "Councilman Cheeseburger" and then takes down the real baddies in the "Legion of Food".  It all ends with a wink to Joker and Harley and everyone lives happily ever after...well, not really, but the story does end.

I liked this issue even if it seemed like Mark Russell got stuck between his usual social satire and just having a good time.  It felt like the story could have tipped to either side at any point, but it just straddled the middle the whole time.  It's not a deal-breaker since it did broaden the appeal.  I was here for the fun, though, and being a selfish guy, I wanted more fun.

Sami Basri's art was really good and I did get a lot of chuckles out of it.  There is something oddly cool about seeing your childhood characters as old, miserable, smoking assholes.

Bits and Pieces:

This issue isn't going to win an Eisner, but Sam Humphries making fun of Mickey D's and fast-food in general was good for some fun. Sure, there wasn't a lot of Harley in it, but the art was really good and it is worth a look for a few laughs.

7.5/10