Harley Quinn #15 Review

A Not So Shocking Reveal

Written by: Stephanie Phillips

Art by: Riley Rossmo

Colors by: Ivan Plascencia

Letters by: Andworld Design

Cover art by: Riley Rossmo (cover A)

Cover price: $3.99

Release date: May 24, 2022

 

Harley Quinn #15 put Harley and Batwoman on Verdict's trail as they plan a tiny heist to raid the GCPD's evidence locker for clues.

Was It Good?

Harley Quinn #15 continues the shocking trend started in the last issue by presenting a story that's well-paced and well-plotted with generally agreeable dialog.

When last we left Harley, Batwoman broke her out of prison after learning Harley had been framed for murder. The mechanics of the framing were patently ridiculous, but here we get an inkling that Harley's imprisonment may have been rushed through due to some corruption or more significant influence. Of course, that doesn't make the lack of a trial better but does soften the edges of that story foible.

When the Harley and Batwoman sift through the stolen evidence, it tracks them back to an old greenhouse used by Poison Ivy as a hangout. Unfortunately, it's unclear why the presence of fertilizer on the evidence led the "heroes" back to a specific greenhouse or why Verdict would go to such lengths to leave incriminating evidence that's tainted and could exonerate Harley.

Harley and Batwoman arrive at the greenhouse to find Verdict had commandeered the abandoned location as her hideout. Why would Verdict pick such a location? Unknown. Why would Verdict leave evidence to imprison Harley yet leave enough evidence to lead the investigation back to the greenhouse? Unknown.

A good fight ensues, but Verdict manages to escape after setting off a grenade. Although this review has picked on glaring but tangential flaws in the story, Verdict's reveal is the least surprising in recent memory. But, of course, if you've been reading along with us, you've already guessed who it is as Phillips practically telegraphed Verdict's identity from a mile away. So what does this mean for the story, particularly Kevin? Unknown.

Bits and Pieces:

Harley Quinn #15 takes the bold step of presenting a straightforward detective story starring Batwoman. Harley's rolling around on the floor spouting gibberish. Rossmo's art is Rossmo's art, and the story takes a few steps forward in a proper direction. However, the big surprise of this issue (Verdict's identity) is the least surprising thing of all.

7/10