A Reader's Guide to Books and Reviews

Title: Harley Quinn (2016-) #42
Author: Frank Tieri, Amanda Conner (Illustrator), Alex Sinclair (Illustrator), Paul Mounts (Illustrator), Mauricet (Illustrator)
Format: Epub
Rating: 2/5
Status: Finished
Reading Date: April 27, 2018
Book Summary: “THE GANG’S ALL HERE!” Harley’s grudgingly accepted the Gang of Harleys back into her life—and now they intend to impress her with all the new tricks they’ve learned in her absence! Unfortunately, they might’ve picked up some bad habits too…
Book Review: Why does this series continue to disappoint me?

Although this issue can be considered a one-shot, it really doesn't do much for Harley's series. We are pushed into the future where Harley is an old woman whom is living in a 'Jersey Wasteland'. We are given a run-down of what has happened to bring us to this point in Harley's world but it really isn't enough to stop this issue from being such a mess. There are nods to other franchises such as Mad Max and Old Man Logan but it is still not enough to give it any sort of balance. This series continues to lack something that Amanda brought to it. Unfortunately any hope of seeing it come back doesn't seem possible anymore.

I am not even sure right now if I am going to keep going with this series. I really don't want to give it up but at the same time I am becoming disenchanted with it.

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 #37
Author: Frank Tieri, Mirka Andolfo (illustrator), Amanda Conner (illustrator)
Format: Epub
Rating: 3.90/5
Status: Finished
Reading Date: February 9, 2018
Book Summary: “ANGRY BIRD” part one! Ever since he started horning in on New York City, the Penguin and Harley Quinn have been stuck in a cold war...and it’s about to heat up! Making a long-term investment in a Gotham City that’s crawling with Bats isn’t the Penguin’s style, so now he’s hell-bent on making Coney Island his new nest!
Book Review: It's really sad when I have come to a comic book series that you once loved only to be on the fence with the newer issues. I thought the whole man-bat was a ridiculous storyline and this one - I am not even sure what to think of this one.

In this issue, Harley has pretty much removed herself from her friends and has decided on becoming a one-army vigilante. She places an add on the television for her services which include several villians that she would be willing to take care of.





I doubt that Joker would really appreciate this commercial. I'm sure somewhere he has seen it and is stewing in anger over his portrayal. Will he do something about it? I doubt it. He may be too busy at the moment causing trouble for Batman to do anything or whatever he is is doing.



Although she has greatly distance themselves from them, Harley's gang seems to be concerned about her. I can see why though. She is out there doing things that could otherwise be something she may not be able to get herself out of.

Penguin has returned. And with him are his two beefy penguin guards.



Of course, a mob has converged and tries to stop him but there are consequences when you try stopping the Penguin from doing what he wants.

And that is in the form of his two beefy penguin bodyguards, who tear apart members of the mob and eat them.

But why is the Penguin back? He has gathered so many villains into one room and that purpose seems to be about Harley but why? Is he still reeling from the ass-kicking she gave him several issues back? Maybe. Or perhaps there is something more diabolical that he has planned and the only way to set that into motion will be to get rid of Harley before she gets wind of it.

So the best way to deal with Harley? Gather together the most vile villains together and make a plan.

Again this issue has me on the fence. I am not feeling the style or even the storyline at the moment. I feel that since Amanda and Jimmy have left, there seems to be something missing from it. Maybe I am just used to their style of writing and maybe because these are just two issues, I haven't given it a chance to grow on me yet.

I haven't called it quits yet. I don't see myself doing so at the moment. I am hoping the storylines don't continue to get ridiculous and that there are reasons behind them. Unfortunately I didn't see any of that with the man-bat storyline.

Here is to hoping for something good to come from this one.

Title: Harley Quinn (2016-) #35
Author: Frank Tieri, Alex Sinclair (Illustrator), Amanda Conner (Illustrator), Hi-Fi (Illustrator), Iñaki Miranda (Illustrator)
Format: Epub
Rating: 3.9/5
Status: Finished
Reading Date: February 1, 2018 to February 2, 2018
Book Summary: “MAN-BATTER UP” part one! Harley’s in a dark, dark place after the hard right turn her life took...so when the citizens of Coney Island say it was a mysterious “bat” that kidnapped one of her friends, she is not going to take it lying down!
Book Review: Where the last issue was the end of the Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti, this issue will usher in a new era of Frank Tieri. Tieri is no stranger to the world of Harley. He was part of the team who made the Harley Quinn and Her Gang of Harleys. So he really needs no introduction to this series at all.

In this issue, Harley is on the hunt for a man-bat that has taken one of her friends. While on his way home from a night of drinking and headbutting, Tony is taken by a man-bat looking creature. Harley, who is currently in a slump where nothing she enjoyed previously has made her smile, cannot even seem to get herself out of it. Her own group of Harleys are concerned for her and unfortunately it has made Harley less than happy with their meddling.

When Tony doesn't return, Harley sets out to find him. But nothing is always easy for Harley and she is about to find out what it is to be a bit more batty than normal.

My Thoughts

I love Harley in the previous issues of this series but this one I am not entirely sure what to make of at the moment. I find the concept of the man-bat pretty silly and honestly unbelievable. But we know that there is someone behind all of this. Who, exactly? It has yet to be said and I am pretty sure that with the Harleys in Arkham, they may get some clue or another that will direct right to the source or give that information to Harley that will lead her down the right path.

I will admit I am going to miss Amanda and Jimmy. I loved their story telling but I am willing to see what Tieri has in store for us and exactly which direction Harley will be going.