COMIC BINGE: Harley Quinn, Vol. 1: Hot in the City & Lone Wolf and Cub
A big surprise came across the desk this week when I was able to get a chance to read the first volume of Harley Quinn out right now from DC’s New 52. For one, I didn’t even know this book existed, so thanks to the co-worker that brought it to my attention. We all know and love Harley Quinn mostly because of her relationship with the Joker, or at least that’s where it all started. Now she’s become one of the more popular characters, to not only have a starring role in Suicide Squad, but now has her very own title. At first glance, the book kind of worries me. I really like the fact that they have a roller derby Harley on the cover, but it certainly does not scream out from the shelves on that alone. Amanda Conner is probably best known for her work on Before Watchmen and her husband Jimmy Palmiotti is a journeyman of sorts when it comes to comics, who’s been at the helm of All Star Western for over half its run. But once I cracked the cover, I was pleasantly surprised with the book. Harley Quinn not only manages to maintain her sense of humor, but the story was actually simple and decent enough to suit the clown queen of crime.
The first issue in the book is the zero issue, in which Harley breaks the fourth wall sort of like Deadpool is known to do. She addresses the crowd and collaborators on the book, and from then is drawn in several different artists’ styles. It was a really neat premise and her character makes sense in having that ability to speak to the audience or in reality. It worked really well, and the artwork is downright awesome. Harley Quinn is a character that seemingly could only be imagined so many ways, but there wasn’t one of them that disappointed, with quite a few that were actually unexpected. The rest of the book then is the next seven issues of the series chronicling Harley’s next chapter in life. Now finding herself distanced from her relationship with Joker, she is on a rampage to find herself again. She begins work again as a doctor part-time and then using the other part of her time for a roller derby team. It’s all setting for a really unique and I think good title with a female lead for New 52 and DC. Harley Quinn is almost always great no matter where she appears, but I think Conner and Palmiotti found the magic for this book and I can’t wait to read me some more.
RATED : ( PG-13 )
STORY : ( 7 / 10 )
ARTWORK : ( 6 / 10 )
COVERS : ( 7 / 10 )
AWESOME : ( 9 / 10 )
FINAL RATING : ( 8 / 10 )
In sticking with the ease of reading for manga titles, I decided to pick up a series that’s been sitting on the shelves at work for awhile that I’ve been meaning to check out. It’s called Lone Wolf and Cub, and I have to say it’s pretty amazing. Supposedly meticulously researched and detailed to represent a historically accurate depiction of Edo period Japan. Kazuo Koike presents an epic tale of a rogue assassin and samurai without a master who now cares for his young son. With his wife dead and false reputation lead him to a life of solidarity, where the opposition wants nothing more than to be the one standing over his dead body. I was able to read the first 4 volumes of the series, and there are several more. I plan on picking up the rest and finishing this series out. Those who dare face him know the legend of the assassin Lone Wolf and Cub, which is the name of the man solely because of his baby in tow. The artwork by Goseki Kojima is outstanding and the writing by Koike is great and minimal. The book in total tells and paints an awesome story of a lone assassin who is absolutely indestructible. He is feared by all of his enemies and rightfully so, as he shreds through bad guys with the ease of me reading the book. The power of pictures tell this story, and it is remarkable. Pick this shit up if you haven’t already, I highly recommend it.
RATED : ( R )
STORY : ( 9 / 10 )
ARTWORK : ( 9 / 10 )
COVERS : ( 5 / 10 )
AWESOME : ( 10 / 10 )
FINAL RATING : ( 8 / 10 )