This is a holiday issue through and through as Harley is attempting to have with her massively dysfunctional family. When it comes to awkward Holiday dinners most are worried about families squabbling over politics or long-held family grudges where both sides have long forgotten what sparked them to hate each other in the first place. Harley“s family brings the chaos to an entirely different level although the reasoning for their behavior may not be strictly the desire to commit malice actions. There is a secret being kept for Harley that will have major implications moving forward.
Typically with a Holiday special like this, you would expect it to be an isolated one-off story that does not change much of anything. Simply a humorous detour before you get back to the major narrative. To Sam Humphries“s credit as a writer, he wished to add some emotional stakes to all the crazy hi-jinks. His intentions are unquestionably in the right place as all families can relate to the more dramatic aspects of this issue, especially in the time of year that is filled with so much forceful joy. However, the execution limited what could have been a much more meaningful moment, and in all fairness still can be as this story is just beginning.
It is a lesson of tonal management and how it can undercut a somber moment if you do not get it right. Part of it comes from how Harley Quinn has evolved as a character. She can be so bombastically over the top when you try to force in more human moments they simply ring untrue. This issue has so much reckless insanity the sudden jump to literal life or death leaves a whiplash-like effect. You end up with a by the book definition melodrama. So little time is given for the moment to linger and settle in it comes off as a burden distracting from the more important fun. Isolated seeing Harley and her mother embrace as they do can be heartwarming, and for many that may be enough.
Art-wise this book was rather phenomenal. John Timms“s style has a larger than life look to it that perfectly fits a character like Harley. He utilizes a lot of oversized panels that allow the anarchy of this insane dinner to be on full display. Alex Sinclair“s color palette is bright, cheerful, and directly in your face. Combing both causes the art to just pop of the page. Even Dave Sharp“s lettering plays a major role. He utilizes a lot of stylized fonts that would typically be obnoxious, but for something like a Harley Quinn Holiday Special it works. This is what happens when artists adjust their style to properly fit their subject matter. You get a great looking book.
Final Thoughts:
Harley Quinn #55 has good intentions designed to make this an issue that actually matters and surely there will be those moved by its more somber moments. You can do far worse when it comes to special Holiday programming, however, it ultimately has a script that can not fully convey its own message.
[yasr_overall_rating]
(W) Sam Humphries (A) John Timms (CA) Guillem March
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- A fan of all things comics. Growing up on a healthy diet of 90's Batman and X-Men cartoon series ignited a love for the medium that remains strong today.
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