Review: Harleen #1
With alternative takes on existing characters being all the rage in both Marvel and DC books, and of course at the movies with The Joker now on general release, it’s time to step back into the Black Label range for a new re-imaging of the the tragic tale of one Harleen Qunizel. Thing is, it wasn’t that long ago we had another alternative Harley origin book, albeit aimed at a young audience. How many origins does one girl need?
Right from the get go you know what this book will cover. Whilst Harley meeting Joker for the first time isn’t as cumbersome as Bat and Cat’s discussion of whether it was the street, the boat or the beach, there is still a couple of curve balls thrown in by superstar writer artist Stejpan Sejic. We get a tale of the best intentions, an almost not quite fortuitous meeting and recurrent nightmares that all have an impact on Harley. Knowing what we know; even with Black Label books keeping their own continuity, the beats of the story are all recognisable, even if Sejic is showing us a more than expected level of competence in Harley the psychiatrist rather than Harley the battered sidekick/moll.
Stejpan Sejic, of Aquaman and Sunstone fame has developed a certain style of writing. In Sunstone, he gets you to care about the characters to the point where the more obvious salacious imagery takes second place to the emotions on show. With Harley, he has an almost perfect blank slate, used effectively to add depth to her both professionally and psychologically. The added elements include a college indiscretion as well as a friend in Shondra (Kinsolving perhaps?). Through it all, I am not sure that Sejic manages to create the same reader interest in Harley as he successfully managed in his other books. Perhaps the weight of what has to come, hinted at early on in the book as well as in the choice of lettering boxes, has quelled our interest. Could it be, that we are just waiting for Harley to fall? With Sejic’s skill at drawing women and showcasing their relationships, maybe we are waiting for Harley to meet Ivy in a more pronounced manner. Whatever the reason, whilst there are good intentions, an ongoing theme in the book, in driving the character forward, along with some good touches, the book does feel like a rehash of an origin that was pretty good to begin with. Finally, this is a Black Label book aimed at mature readers. As such, there is the occasional swear word in there; I don’t understand why others are then given the standard comic book treatment of symbols for words?
As good as a writer Sejic can be, he is probably more well known for his stunning artwork. In fact, other than the images that he pops on Twitter, this isn’t the first time he has spent time with Harley, having worked for a short time on the Suicide Squad book. All the Sejic trademarks are in this book. Expressive faces, clever panels and fantastic color schemes. Working in the superhero world also also Sejic to work by extension. What I mean is that rather than stick to real world concerns, he gets to draw the eye of the reader into the chaotic world of the Bat and the Clown. Throw in some rather extreme dreamscapes and you get a book that is teeming with threat, menace, and for poor Harley, true fear. At times, where there is a crowd of characters, the art can seem a little unfinished, though this is hardly a damning comment as it doesn’t distract from the story. Sejic’s background as a digital colorist is well evidence throughout the book, utilised in a number of different environments.
Overall, this book is an engaging read, though ultimately, at least at this stage, doesn’t add anything really substantial to Harley or the Joker. The biggest impact on this book could well be the timing, coming on the heels so quickly of other Harley featured books. Still for fans of the Jim Lee anointed “fourth column of the DC Universe”, this will be a must buy book and series.
Writing – 4 Stars
Art – 5 Stars
Colors 5 Stars
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Written, Art, Colors & Letters by; Stejpan Sejic
Published by DC Comics /Black Label
Author Profile
- I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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