Harley Quinn #45 // Review
The debut of Sam Humphries’ on scripts kicks off with a BOOM! as Harley Quinn is thrust into Jack Kirby’s Fourth World and onto the planet Apokolips. At the hands of Granny Goodness in search of a new Female Fury, Harley Quinn adopts a new identity while Humphries’ uses narrative to form a new path for the titular “hero.” With long time Harley artist John Timms having returned to the series, it allows the title to retain a familiar look, albeit taken in a completely new and wonderful direction by the new creative duo.
The distinct artistry of John Timms continues proving to be the quintessential look for the series, regardless of who is on scripts. With a mixture of cartoon antics and comic detail, the pencil style of Timms fits Harley exceptionally well for the title as a whole. Every page screams with absolute fun and fan service, as Timms totally goes to town, having a blast with Harley with her newly acquired Fourth World weaponry. The juxtaposition between vibrant colorful Harley and the wasteland that is Apokolips is masterfully brought into fruition by Gabe Eltaeb on colors, adding that next level finish to an overall wonderful project.
Once again, Humphries proves to be able to handle any title thrown at him with ease. From Green Lanterns and Nightwing, to, now, Harley Quinn and the Fourth World, Sam Humphries continues to knock it out of the park with his scripts. With the use of story narrative, Humphries is able to move the previous moving pieces from the last run out of the way and allow himself his own path to forge for Harley, without relying or being hindered by past decisions. His voice for Harley is absolutely spot on, even down to the long missed fourth wall-breaking moments. Humphries’ comedic timing never falls short or comes off as forced, an issue not uncommon for the title. Humphries’ scripts allow Timms to completely let loose on the page while taking Harley to new and interesting places.
As the newest pillar of the DC Universe, Harley deserves the creative attention Humphries and Timms bring to the series. More than just cute pin up pictures and collectibles, Harley has a wholesome demeanor that can bring in readers of all tastes, as long as the work continues to speak for itself. Whether it’s the love of Harley Quinn or Jack Kirby, the adorable main cover or the stunningly gorgeous Frank Cho Variant cover, or the debut of Sam Humphries promising run with Harley, this issue has something for everyone.
