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Harley Quinn 2022 Annual #1
- Writer:
- Stephanie Phillips
- Artist:
- Simone Buonfantino, Georges Duarte
- Letterer:
- AndWorld Design
- Cover Artist:
- Jonboy Meyers
- Publisher:
- DC
- Price:
- $5.99
- Release Date:
- 2022-08-30
- Colorist:
- Romulo Fajardo Jr.
It’s a significant yr for Harley Quinn in comics, and this week particularly is seeing loads of love for Harley with the discharge of Harley Quinn the Animated Series: The Real Sidekicks of Gotham, the hardcover of Harley Quinn the Animated Series: The Eat. Bang! Kill. Tour (Franklin, Sarin, Erich Owen, Louise, and Esposito) and the Harley Quinn 2022 Annual subject. The new annual is damaged into two components — “Task Force XX Chapter 5” by Stephanie Phillips, Simone Bounfantino, Georges Duarte, Romulo Fajardo Jr., and AndWorld Design and “What Happens in Vegas…” by Phillips, David Baldeon, and Antonio Fabela. While the brand new comedian captures the humor and enjoyable of Harley with the artwork and writing, it fails to be an entry level for brand new readers who wish to bounce into Harley Quinn earlier than her subsequent arc.
One begs to marvel why Harley Quinn 2022 Annual is 2 tales, versus an extended one-shot dedicated to giving present readers much more of what they love in regards to the ongoing collection and new readers a glimpse into what they’ve missed earlier than the most recent arc. Instead, the primary story, “Task Force XX Chapter 5,” fails to face by itself and is primarily there as exposition for the second story, “What Happens in Vegas…”
On prime of that, “Task Force XX” doesn’t really feel like a Harley story. It’s extra of a narrative in regards to the titular workforce Harley’s part of. The workforce is compelling in its personal proper, however it’s a troublesome entry level for followers who do not already know who this workforce is. Luke Fox and Harley Quinn have nice chemistry on this subject that stands by itself. Unfortunately, the identical cannot be mentioned for the others, particularly Bronze Tiger and Verdict, who get very minimal to do right here. If this story’s job was to encourage followers to reread Harley’s previous antics, then it is considerably profitable. However, to return proper earlier than a brand new arc is a mighty activity that feels counterintuitive within the context of the remainder of the collection.
Phillips continues to place Harley in conditions that take a look at her, giving a unique perspective on eventualities which might be usually performed significantly. Fans who love one-liners in motion motion pictures and loads of puns are positive to get a kick out of Phillips’ wordplay. Bounfantino and Duarte seize Harley’s cartoonish character. But when the artist adjustments half method by way of the story, issues turn out to be a bit extra conventional as a substitute of maintaining the lovable chaotic aesthetic Harley is thought for, and it is a jarring transition.
The second story, “What Happens in Vegas…,” might have been your entire annual. A day in Las Vegas with Harley units up loads of materials that works as a bridge between each arcs, provides present readers extra of the stuff they already love, and welcomes new readers with open arms and minimal homework. Most importantly, it places Harley entrance and heart, which is what most individuals need from a Harley Quinn annual. Baldeon’s artwork is the spotlight of this story, because it takes Harley’s cartoony fashion even additional, from how excessive her expressions are to the dynamic motion. His work helps the humor really feel extra quirky than intelligent. The story itself is straightforward and clearly teases one thing large for Harley sooner or later.
It’s a disgrace that “What Happens in Vegas…” is reserved for the tip of the problem, particularly since that is the place Harley shines. “Task Force XX” is okay as a continuation of the continued collection, however as an annual, it isn’t a robust begin, particularly when in comparison with “What Happens in Vegas…” which feels extra like a conventional annual. There are strengths in each tales, however the best way this annual is structured is its greatest downfall. Luckily, Harley’s future nonetheless appears to be like as vivid and thrilling as ever.
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