By Cat Wyatt

After the ending of the last issue, I was concerned about where Harley was going to go next, and what was going to end up happening. As it turns out, I had a right to be concerned. Running away from home and running late-night ads for your vigilante business (paid, of course) does not strike me as something an emotionally stable person would do. But then again, we’re talking about Harley here.

Though seriously the ad for her business – Harley for Hire (sound familiar, anyone?) is pretty damn awful. And frankly, I doubt all the villains referenced (Solomon Grundy, Darkseid, Joker, etc.) would be terribly thrilled about their usage. I’d be concerned about them getting payback, but that’s just me. Thankfully the Gang of Harleys (as well as the rest of Harley’s friends) agree…not that she sought out their advice or anything. Or is even talking to them at the moment.

While Harley has been distracted with her Harley for Hire business (that name…) the Penguin is making a move on New York, and he’s dangerously close to her home turf. And he didn’t come alone either (which is good, considering how many mob members showed up to try and stop him). He’s being accompanied by two comically large…penguins. Maurice and Pierre, for those in the crowd that are curious.

On a funny note about Harley’s horribly named business, apparently, it’s causing quite a bit of confusion for her potential clients out there. A shocking number of people think she’s running an escort business (or worse). I can only imagine how frustrating handling all of those calls would be. The people calling in should consider themselves lucky that Harley doesn’t know how to trace a call because man would they be screwed (not the type they’re looking for at least) if she caught up with them.

Have you ever wondered how many villains can be shoved into a single page in a Harley Quinn comic? I never have, and thanks to this issue, I’ll never have to be concerned about that either. Cobblepot seeks out a crew of allies, and let’s just say I’m quite surprised by some of the ones that make an appearance. Though there’s on, in particular, we’re all supposed to be shocked by I’m sure…Killer Croc. Personally, I can sort of see this happening. It’s not like he and Harley are best friends, and it seems to me like there are very few people that he is close to and thus protective of (and Harley does not make that list).

The real question is why does the Penguin need so many allies? Is he expecting a lot of resistance towards him leaving Gotham? Sure, he’ll likely have Harley to face up against (something he’s done in the past in previous attempts to gain New York), but I feel like there’s got to be more to it than that. Though I could be wrong.  

As far as setup issues go, this wasn’t a bad one. I don’t particularly love all of the villains they’re pulling for this plot, as I feel like it’s a bit overdone. But I’ll have to see how it goes to be sure of that feeling. I can’t believe the obvious reference to Heroes for Hire here…actually, I can totally believe it. I mean, we already have Red Tool, so why not continue with the obvious references?

I’m not sure how I feel about the art style in this issue. It was good, but it was also different. All of the characters (Harley included) look slightly different here, and I’m not sure I like all the chances. Harley looks younger and more “cutesy” which I feel is an even further deviation from her original character, but I’ve also sort of gotten used to it at this point. The rest of the artwork is fine, other than the slight changes mentions they more or less stick to the art style expected for Harley comics.

Score: 3/5

Harley Quinn #37
DC Comics