Art by: Matteo Lolli
Colors by: Rain Beredo
Letters by: AndWorld Design
Cover art by: Matteo Lolli, Rain Beredo
Cover price: $3.99
Release date: October 25, 2022
Harley Quinn #23 wrestles with the consequences of Harley's resurrection as a new cult springs up to worship Harley (post-death) while Robin comes calling to stop any potential Lazarus Pit side effects.
Is It Good?
Harley Quinn #23 is the kind of comic that will elicit a positive reaction but frustrate you. Why? Because Harley Quinn #23 is a decent comic that does something that should have been done a long time ago - pick a direction for the character and move. However, Harley Quinn #23 is frustrating because the editorial and creative team wasted 22 issues with noise and nonsense before taking Harley seriously.
Here, it appears the creative team is finally taking Harley seriously, and this issue shows promise. Whether or not the creative team can deliver on that promise remains to be seen.
When last we left Miss Quinn, she bought a boat, was murdered by a cloaked figure, and resurrected after Kevin brought her to a Lazarus Pit. Now, Harley lets her resurrection slip to a pizza delivery guy, resulting in a cult of worshipers popping up overnight. Damian Wayne/Robin shows up for a surprise visit to put Harley down if her Lazarus revival shows signs of dark corruption. And Harley takes a turn for the better (in her character development), but it's unclear if her turn is a choice or a result of the Lazarus Pit.
The last page suggests Harley is returning to her villainous ways, despite her (false) assertions that she's become an anti-hero or regular hero. Is that the right move for the character? Yes. Will the creators pull a bait-and-switch? We shall see. Either way, getting Harley back to her villainous roots by choice and with agency is absolutely the right direction, so we shall see.
Lolli's art with Beredo's colors makes Harley the best she's looked in years. The lines are clean, the panel angles are dramatic, the fight scene is well-choreographed and energetic, and Beredo's colors pop. Truly, this is the best Harley's looked in a long time.
About The Reviewer: Gabriel Hernandez is the Publisher & EIC of ComicalOpinions.com, a comics review site dedicated to indie, small, and mid-sized publishers.
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Bits and Pieces:
Harley Quinn #23 is the issue true Harley fans have been waiting for. The art is gorgeous, the action is exciting, and Harley appears to be moving in a direction that will elevate her character immeasurably... if the creators and editors follow through.
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