Knight Terrors: Harley Quinn #2 Review

   

   

Written by: Tini Howard

Art by: Hayden Sherman
Colors by: Triona Farrell
Letters by: Steve Wands
Cover art by: Hayden Sherman
Cover price: $4.99
Release date: August 22, 2023

Knight Terrors: Harley Quinn #2 finds Harley living out the life of a classic superhero, only to learn that her path lies elsewhere in the multiverse.
Is It Good?

Of all the Knight Terrors tie-ins, Knight Terrors: Harley Quinn #2 not only has the least to do with Knight Terrors, but it's also the least like a nightmare... unless you count self-reflection and the gobbledygook version of a cathartic therapy session a nightmare. I can't say for sure what homework assignment Tini Howard was given, but it was either the wrong assignment or Howard didn't read it. C'est la vie.

When last we left Harley, she found herself in a control room where she could hop from one multiverse to the next to "try out" different versions of her life ala Elseworlds. A disembodied voice guided her steps and suggested ways she could find how she could fit best within the multiverse.

Now, Harley tries out the classic superhero role that would allow her to become an A-List member of the Justice League. Ultimately, the pressure, the baggage, and the plethora of thought bubbles became too much, forcing Harley to abandon the hero version of Harley. When Harley returns to the control room, she finds the room, the equipment, and the ability to live in Elseworlds universes were created by Madam Quark as a test to see if Harley is as powerful or as dangerous as Madam Quark believes.

The whole story culminates in Lady Quark assuming a mentor-like relationship with Harley, sending Harley on her way to prepare to become the defender of the multiverse with Warworld.

*record scratch*

"Say what now? Harley is going to defend the multiverse with Warworld?!?" you might puzzle. Yes, that's right. DC Editorial, in its infinite wisdom, has decided Harley can't be redeemed for her crimes enough to be a hero, so they're going to make her a defender of the multiverse... just because.

If you take nothing else away from this comic, all that matters is the last three pages where Harley meets Madam Quark. The Super Harley fantasy is a jumbled mess, the art's interesting but inconsistent, and the backup is a waste of paper.

In other words, there is no nightmare, there is no connection to Knight Terrors, Harley finally figures out she can't be a hero because she's too crazy and hasn't atoned for her crimes, so the multiverse is going to possibly make her the most important hero ever.

I don't know why anyone bothers reading this title anymore.

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:

Knight Terrors: Harley Quinn #2 is notable for being the Knight Terrors tie-in that has the least to do with Knight Terrors and the most to do with the main title. If there was supposed to be a nightmare scenario, Howard didn't get the memo, and the big thing to come out of this issue is the tease that Harley's multiverse adventures will continue for a long time to come. Oy!

4.5/10