A Reader's Guide to Books and Reviews

Title: Harley Quinn (2016-) #40
Author: Frank Tieri, Alex Sinclair (Illustrator), Amanda Conner (Illustrator), John Timms (Illustrator)
Format: Epub
Rating: 3.75/5
Status: Finished
Reading Date: March 25, 2018
Book Summary: “ANGRY BIRD” part four! After the death of Mason Macabre, Harley refuses to put any more of her friends in harm’s way...but what happens when they just won’t stay out of it? Does Harley’s vow to keep them safe extend to getting herself killed? Or will she accept a little help from her friends?
Book Review: This issue sort of picks up right where the last issue has left off.

Although Penguin is pretty much the puppetmaster behind the hostile take over of Coney Island, Mr. Freeze and Croc are carving out parts of it for their own. Of course, this leads up to face off between the two of them as the place is big enough for only one and both have no plans of backing down from the other.

Harley is rushed into the hospital and she is reeled in. There a doctor named Hugo Strange is waiting for her. Apparently he is working for the Penguin as well and all this has been part of Penguin's plan. This last bit of serum he has will turn Harley into a puppet for Penguin. Unfortunately for Hugo, Harley is awake and cracks her head against his just as he is about to stick her with the needle.

Did I mention that Tweedle Dum didn't die in the last issue? No, well he didn't. In fact, he was swallowed whole and came out the other end. xD

Let's not forget those Harleys. They have come to kick ass, take names, and save Eggy.

And Harley. Well, she's back in Coney and greeted with a hero's welcome. She doesn't have a chance to really enjoy it as Croc and Freeze are doing an all out war between them and making Coney Island look nothing short of a warzone. So Harley decides enough is enough and breaks up the fight between them but not before asking Croc to help her stop Penguin and his croons.

I must admit it was nice to see Harley returning to Coney Island. Her return should tell Penguin that his time is over especially if she can get Croc on her side. I know this team will be temporary as it always is when it comes to two villains together for a cause. Still we have no clue whatsoever as to why Penguin is making his base here at Coney nor really why he has assembled all of the villains there. I suppose that won't be announced until the next issue.

Harley is back on Coney and Penguin is about to find out exactly what happens when you try to start shit while she is gone. I am sure Penguin is going to regret anything he does once Harley is finished with him.

As for Croc, I am looking forward to seeing the team up between he and Harley. I know with these two Penguin won't stand a chance and he will probably leave with his tail between his legs. We also know that whatever team up happens, it will certainly be temporary. After all, Croc still is hurting from his past on Coney when he was treated horribly but I am certain Harley can help him out. She has done it to numerous people and they have left Coney alone afterwards. So I am looking forward to seeing how Harley will get him to leave.

This series remains to keep me on the fence. I am glad Harley is back and I really hope that she apologizes for leaving the Harleys and her friends behind. I can sympathize with her when it comes to grieving but to just to leave thinking that her friends would be safe without her around is really the wrong choice. In truth, this is just what the villains look for and I am pretty sure that Penguin sees this as an opportunity to not only take over Coney but to rid himself of Harley's gang. Harley isn't there to protect them nor direct them to save the island.

Title: Harley Quinn (2016-) #31
Author: Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti, Alex Sinclair (Illustrator), John Timms (Illustrator)
Format: Epub
Rating: 4.95/5
Status: Finished
Reading Date: November 12, 2017
Book Summary: “VOTE HARLEY” finale! It’s all come down to this: Harley and her adversary, Mayor DePerto, have trotted out every dirty trick in the book...and now it’s up to the people to decide who will lead New York City into the next decade! No matter who wins, let’s be honest with each other: it might be time to consider moving to L.A.!
Book Review: Real Rating: 4.95

Wow....just wow. I am not even sure what to really think of this issue at the moment. All I can say is that this may have changed everything for Harley. Here she has given up her candidacy for Mayor with the hopes of keeping Mason Macabre alive but this seems to change toward the end. Now whether or not it is as it seems, this may set the next issue's arc heading into a darker alley than what the series had been.

In some way, I am glad Harley has given up her politcal career. I know she wanted to make a change for not only those around her but also for those she loves. Unfortunately if she were to be mayor, all her love of violence would have to be watered down more than I am sure she would have wanted it to be. After all, there would be an expectation for her to behave and lead. I just didn't see Harley fitting this mold. She has never been the type of girl to sit back and allow others to do the work she could do on her own. It was a good run, I'm sure, but with the way things seem to be heading, I don't see it as a good idea.

So what does the ending mean for Madison? I see things are going to heat up for her and I mean really heat up for her if the ending is what everyone thinks. After all, she has done something unfathomable and she now has a large target right on her back. I am not sure whether to feel sorry for her or imagine what sort of demise Harley will in store for her.

This issue was dark. Much darker than other issues. The normal bubbly Harley was replaced with a much more panicked and worried Harley but then I can understand why. One of her loved ones had been taken from her and now may be dead.

So now we must wait with baited breath as to the next issue.

Title: Harley Quinn (2016-) #28
Author: Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti, Alex Sinclair (Illustrator), John Timms (Illustrator), Tom Derenick (Illustrator)
Format: Epub
Rating: 4.75/5
Status: Finished
Reading Date: September 22, 2017 to September 23, 2017
Book Summary: “VOTE HARLEY” part one! The corrupt mayor of New York City has been a thorn in Harley’s side since the day he stepped into office…and now he’s crossed the line one time too many! Harley’s usual methods of dealing with problems like this have failed her, so it’s time for a more unconventional solution…is New York City ready for Mayor Harley Quinn? It better be!
Book Review: Real Rating: 4.75

Madison's group of thugs, the Unconquerable 25, have failed immensely after tangling with Harley, her crew, and the Gotham Sirens. Unfortunately for Madison, only the leader of this gang has survived the face-off and now is in the custody of the police. Of course, the corrupted mayor, whom seems to have to have Madison on his payroll, is not thrilled with this and let's her know that she needs to do something to ensure that the leader of the gang does not talk about his connection to them. He tells her that something needs to be done and she needs to take care of this quickly.

Madison heads down to the NYPD and takes care of the matter by killing the leader. She does this in front of a cop but the cop apparently seems to be on the payroll of the mayor as well. How he is going to cover up the murder of the gang leader is going to be interesting but at the same time it seems Madison may have started the countdown to her ultimate demise. This killing seemed to be a bit sloppy seeing as she was possibly seen going in and inquiring about the leader of the gang. The only thing saving her life at the moment is a phone number to the supervillain named Scarecrow.

As for Harley, she, Ivy, and her little gang have gone undercover to take out car thiefs. Things don't go always according to plan (anything with Harley never does) and she finds them in a bit of a situation. It is with the help of Ivy's plant skills and Red Tool that they are able to take down the thieves. It is afterwards that Harley announces her intention of throwing in the political towel for mayor.

It was nice to see Ivy still sticking around and getting them out of the sticky situation. I hope we will be seeing a lot more of her and even more of the relationship between she and Harley.

I am still enjoying this series. It has had it bumps every other issue but otherwise it is nice to see Harley continue to grow as a character and I am quite looking forward to seeing how she tackles her upcoming role in the political world.

Title: Harley Quinn (2016-) #24
Author: Jimmy Palmiotti, Alex Sinclair (Illustrator), Jeremiah Skipper (Illustrator), Amanda Conner (Illustrator), John Timms (Illustrator)
Format: Epub
Rating: 4.95/5
Status: Finished
Reading Date: July 26, 2017 to July 29, 2017
Book Summary: “THE PARENT TRAP”! Harley has faced every challenge even she could possibly imagine, but can she survive…a visit from her parents?! And in “Harley Loves Joker” part eight, the duo’s new headquarters comes with some unforeseen complications!
Book Review: Real Rating: 4.95

In this issue, Harley finds herself up against the Sportsmaster and the Clock King aka Larry and Bill. These two are surprised to find that they are on the same boat as Harley and a fight ensues. Unfortunately for Harley, the two villains have a trick up their sleeve involving a hockey puck and capture her in a net. While two villains think they have beaten Harley, another person enters the frey and sends them splashing out into the open waters.

When they back on dry land, the two villains find themselves in custody of the cops. They have one more trick up their sleeve - a teleportation ring. It sends them into someone's bathroom. Not just anyone's bathroom but Power Girl's, who seems less than thrilled that they have interupted her bath.

Red Tool and Devani are talking about Harley and why Red Tool is still within this timeline. Of course, Red Tool admits he has feelings for Harley and has no real intention to return to his own timeline. Devani decides that since she is new to this timeline, she wants to help be apart of it. At first, Red Tool is reluctant to allow it but then he decides that he wants her to see that Harley is not the killer they thought her to be.

Harley is united with her parents and spends a nice moment with her Mom. Unfortunately it is interuppted when it is announced that her father has fallen asleep. This leads to a chuckle from her Mom and Tony takes them back to their hotel.

Unfortunately as this issue ends, there seems to be a woman watching on a cell phone and making a plan. Could this plan involve her parents? That remains to be seen until the next issue.


I absolutely love the fact that Joseph Linsner is still doing art for Harley. I have always loved his art and I am glad that he is still doing the work for this comic.

I also love watching the changes come in Harley. She is becoming more the heroine that anything but will such things last? Harley does not seem to be interested in any criminal type of activity. She enjoys her food and making sure the streets remain safe for the rest of the public. But now we have Devani in the mix. Will see how this timeline's Harley is really like?

So many questions and yet so little answers right now.

Title: Harley Quinn (2016-) #20
Author: Jimmy Palmiotti, Amanda Conner, Paul Dini, Alex Sinclair (Illustrator), J. Bone (Illustrator), Joseph Linsner (Illustrator), John Timms (Illustrator), Bret Blevins (Illustrator)
Format: Epub
Rating: 4.5/5
Status: Finished
Reading Date: May 19, 2017
Book Summary: “FUTURE KILL” part one! You’ve seen her story begin to unfold in prior issues…who in the world is Bat-Fan, and why does she think Harley Quinn must die to save existence itself?! And in the backup story “Harley Loves Joker” part four, Harley’s mistakes have forced her to hide out with The Joker in a low-rent motel…unfortunately, they’ve had to bring their entire goon squad—and a pack of very poorly behaved hyenas—along!
Book Review: Real Rating: 4.5

Harley is heartbroken to find that the people that had been killed by the cannibals/vampires were only given a simple marker. Not even properly buried. She learns that the people behind the killings have either lawyered up or are not talking. So until then, there is not much no one can do.

The scene changes to Harley tending to Red Tool, who has been in the hospital recovering from his wounds. It is during this time that Harley's phone rings and she finds Harley Sinn on the other line. She has kidnapped Harley's neighbor and the "eye-candy". Harley demands to know where she is but Harley Sinn hangs up leaving Harley herself to call in a favor.

The future version (?) of Batgirl has arrived in the bat cave and promptly gets to work on locating Harley. And she does. She blasts through Harley door and accuses her of murdering Batman. A fight ensues with Harley launching Batgirl into the sky.

Although there was a bit of action, there was no solution nor back tale as to why Batgirl or even Harley Sinn were after Harley. I don't know the history between Harley and Harley Sinn but it seems to have boiled over into hatred but what caused it remains to be seen. I am not sure if the other comics ever had a story about the fallout between the two and maybe I will go into those later to see if there is a story there.

As for the Batgirl storyline, I am a bit confused as to why Batgirl has gone back to the future. I would have thought she would be looking for Batman to warn him of his impending death at Harley's hand? I would have taken that course rather than make a side trip to hunt down the killer, but that is just my take on it.

Still I am quite pleased with the direction of Harley's character. She is quite the character and it is nice to see her having some emotion toward others.

Title: Harley Quinn (2016-) #18
Author: Paul Dini, Alex Sinclair (Illustrator), Amanda Conner (Illustrator), J. Bone (Illustrator), John Timms (Illustrator), Joseph Linsner (Illustrator), Bret Blevins (Illustrator)
Format: Epub
Rating: 3.5/5
Status: Finished
Reading Date: April 20, 2017
Book Summary: “Deadly Sin” part two! How can Harley protect somebody who’s vanished into witness protection? Unfortunately, Harley Sinn has a lead that she doesn’t! And in “Harley Loves Joker” part two, Harley tries to make it up to her puddin’ after her colossal blunder—but The Joker’s wrath is not easily soothed!
Book Review: Real Rating: 3.5

This issue picks up where the last one has left off.

Harley has been kidnapped! Red Tool chases after the car that has Harley in it but he is foiled when the police set their sights on him, forcing him to take refuge behind a statute. He calls in to Eggy, who tells him that he does not have to go rescue Harley alone...that he can round up the gang to help. Of course, Red Tool has no patience to wait and heads off to rescue Harley on his own.

Mix in a Batgirl from the future (a storyline looking to appear soon?) and the Mayor trying to rid the city of the homeless via cannibals!

My opinion:

There seemed to be no action whatsoever in it. It felt a bit stalled. Yeah, we know we need to set up the climatic scenes that will lead to the end of this storyline since we have another part of a storyline set up!

I should be used to such tactics but this comic book did nothing for me. It was boring and I nearly put it down to get ready for work but I needed to see if there was just something that would give hint as to why there was an interest in Harley's kidnapping. Yeah, I know it is because she was investigating and the mayor wanted her out of the way but who is the one really behind all of this. There is always the main boss.

I am hoping the series picks up again with the next issue and that there will be more than just a filler.

Title: Harley Quinn (2016-) #15
Author: Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti, Alex Sinclair (Illustrator), Khari Evans (Illustrator), Joseph Linsner (Illustrator), John Timms (Illustrator)
Format: Epub
Rating: 3.5/5
Status: Finished
Reading Date: March 15, 2017
Book Summary: “Red Meat” part two! Harley’s managed to carve out a kind of peace with New York’s corrupt mayor…but once she gets wind of his plans for the city’s homeless population, the deal is most definitely off!
Book Review: Real Rating: 3.5

Squee! I knew I noticed that art of Joseph Linsner! I have always loved the way he drew women especially from his Dawn series. I had not seen anything from him until now and it was a nice treat to be able to take note that I knew that art from somewhere! xD

Okay, okay with that out of the way...

I was confused with this whole storyline. First we were introduced to a young wrestling woman who seems to be gunning for Harley. The reasoning, I suppose, will remain a mystery for now. Then that entire squad of bad guys being up to something. Then you have the alien guy, who I have yet to figure out if he is going to be bad or good because it seems to change from moment to moment like some sort of mood swing. >>

And did I mention Power Girl shows up?

This has a lot going on but where a new storyline is starting, the other two are nowhere near the end of the line. So you have multiple somethings going on but no ending in sight and I can see why a lot of people would become frustrated with this. I know several times I became confused by the going ons.

This book, once held my interest, but now I feel that my attention toward is waning at best. I want to keep up with it but there are so much I can enjoy about it and then there are things I find that bore me to tears. I am going to stay as much as I can and hope that it goes in another direction that will once more renew my interest.

Title: Harley Quinn (2016-) #13
Author: Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti, Alex Sinclair (Illustrator), John Timms (Illustrator), Chad Hardin (Illustrator), Bret Blevins (Illustrator)
Format: Epub
Rating: 4.5/5
Status: Finished
Reading Date: February 01, 2017
Book Summary: “Joker Loves Harley” finale! Just how did a gentle, “reformed” Joker come to arrive at Harley’s doorstep when everyone believed him dead and gone? The answer’s in this issue-and it’ll shock you!
Book Review: This will contain spoilers!

We have arrived at the long awaited conclusion of the whole "Joker Loves Harley".

I am going to be honest when I say I actually thought the last issue ended the storyline. Unfortunately I see how wrong I was but this one really offered a real twist to the reason why Joker sought out Harley in the beginning.

Before I reveal any of that, let us start with the whole issue.

At first with the opening, I thought it was Harley dreaming of having a life with the Joker, having family with him, and then growing old with him but I was surprised to find that it was actually "Joker" himself who was dreaming of it.

Then the story shifts with Harley hovering over the "Joker". She has him tied to some boards and is preparing to open up a bag of bird seeds on him. I think she has pretty much realized that this is not really the Joker. I am not sure how she has figured this out, only that she has somehow has. After the birds have finished beaking him, she cuts him up and bites his nose. You can really see that this has entirely pissed her off and that she is not finished with this guy yet.

The next thing we see again of this "Joker" she has him tied to an electric chair with her gang as the audience.

"An electric chair? Where the hell does she get her hands on this stuff?"

I was asking myself the same question!

It seems our Harley is very resourceful! LOL!

We learn the truth - this is not the real Joker...this is a guy named Edwin, who (I guess) held Harley at one point in time (I have not read the 2013 series yet so I am a bit confused at this point). She promised him that they would meet on equal terms and have lunch but it seems that never came and he seemed the only other way to get to her was to become the Joker.

To make their encounter short, she ends up putting him out of his misery with a bullet to the head.

I felt sorry for Harley at the end of this issue. I think part of her feels horrible for having to kill someone but she did it to rid the guy of any influence that the Joker had on him, plus I think she did it to release him from his own torment or even private hell he was in. I know she felt horrible even for not keeping the promise she had made to him but there has been a lot going on in her own life and one of them is trying to keep on the path she is at the moment.

Again this issue has kept my interest in this series. I have seen Harley flourish in several different aspects and I hope she continues to grow. I know there might be some rough patches coming up for her but who knows what road she will go down.

Title: Harley Quinn (2016-) #5 (Harley Quinn 2016 #5)
Author: Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti, Alex Sinclair (Illustrator), John Timms (Illustrator)
Format: Epub
Rating: 4/5
Status: Finished
Reading Date: January 06, 2017
Book Summary: “EAT TO THIS BEAT” part one! There’s been a string of brutal robberies and slayings up and down the East Coast, and the assailants are…knights on horseback?! Harley’s got a lead on the men behind the iron masks, but to find them she’s going to have to go undercover in the strangest place of all…New York’s punk scene!
Book Review: I'm sure you are asking yourself: Is still going backwards with this comic?

In the famous words of Phineas and Ferb: Yes, yes I am.

Our issue opens with Knights on horses chasing after a mail truck. These are the same guys that are responsible for the brutal robberies and slayings across the eastern coast. This time they have targeted a mail truck out on delivery. The crooks stop the truck right near Harley's apartment and the sound wakes her up. As she heads down to find out what the sound is, she is stunned to find that it is her mailman that has been hurt and those Knight thieves are raiding his truck.

Of course Harley is now out for revenge and when she is given a lead, Harley heads into the lion's den to find the culprits responsible for the death of her mailman.

I really liked this issue. Harley has changed from the puppet of the Joker into someone trying to set on the right path. As always those paths are not always going to be straight and narrow. There are going to be bumps and temptations of off-beaten paths that could tempt Harley to come. Still I am looking forward to seeing how this plays out and the storylines flesh out even more.

Title: Harley Quinn (2016-) #7 (Harley Quinn 2016 #7)
Author: Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti, Alex Sinclair (Illustrator), John Timms (Illustrator)
Format: Epub
Rating: 3/5
Status: Finished
Reading Date: January 05, 2017
Book Summary: "UNDERCOVER PUNKER" part three! Harley’s punk-rock epic concludes with her and her bandmates in way too deep on their undercover mission to take down a brutal gang of thieves and murderers!
Book Review: In this issue, Harley is on a mission to find the person or persons behind the murder of her beloved mailman.

And the man or thing behind his death? The Penguin.

He is not happy with Billy bringing in Harley to his turf and although Billy tries to reason, citing that even though he has brought Harley, he still think she is evil.

Of course, Penguin doesn't believe that. He has heard things about her being friends with the head of police. So he sends Billy out to do away with Harley.

Then we have a brief comical moment with Red Tool and his team (can I call it a team?) because those guys are hilarious. I could not stop giggling at their conversation and the things they did. I have say they were much more amusing than Harley's side of the story!

Moving along...Billy returns and let's Harley know he knows who she is and then tries to kill her. Harley gets away and finds herself face to face with The Penguin.

Although I really liked this one, I was not a fan of the flat almost non-existent revenge on Penguin for the death of Harley's mailman. In fact, he seemed forgotten by the time she met with him. So this one held a bit of disappointment for me.