What do you think?
Rate this book
Harley Quinn (2013)
Harley Quinn, Volume 3: Kiss Kiss Bang Stab
NOW HIRING: ASSISTANT HARLEYS!
What with working full time as a psychiatrist, managing an apartment building full of needy tenants and rambunctious pets, skating in the roller derby and trying to start up a new romance, Harley Quinn has precious little time left over for her mission of do-gooding. Time to expand her operation with her very own team of assistants!
But only the best can trusted to spread Harley's values of honor, trustworthiness and insubordination. The hiring process will be competitive...and bloody!
And that's not all! In this volume, Harley also breaks into Arkham Asylum to save her bestie Poison Ivy, falls hard for dashing millionaire Bruce Wayne and spreads her own unique brand of holiday cheer.
Everyone's favorite nutbucket continues her big-city adventures in HARLEY QUINN VOLUME 3: KISS KISS BANG STAB, from celebrated writers Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti, and artists Chad Hardin and John Timms, with guest artists Ben Caldwell, Mauricet, Darwyn Cooke, Brandt Peters and more.
Collects: Harley Quinn #14-16, Annual #1, Holiday Special #1, and Valentine's Day Special #1.
What with working full time as a psychiatrist, managing an apartment building full of needy tenants and rambunctious pets, skating in the roller derby and trying to start up a new romance, Harley Quinn has precious little time left over for her mission of do-gooding. Time to expand her operation with her very own team of assistants!
But only the best can trusted to spread Harley's values of honor, trustworthiness and insubordination. The hiring process will be competitive...and bloody!
And that's not all! In this volume, Harley also breaks into Arkham Asylum to save her bestie Poison Ivy, falls hard for dashing millionaire Bruce Wayne and spreads her own unique brand of holiday cheer.
Everyone's favorite nutbucket continues her big-city adventures in HARLEY QUINN VOLUME 3: KISS KISS BANG STAB, from celebrated writers Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti, and artists Chad Hardin and John Timms, with guest artists Ben Caldwell, Mauricet, Darwyn Cooke, Brandt Peters and more.
Collects: Harley Quinn #14-16, Annual #1, Holiday Special #1, and Valentine's Day Special #1.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published December 15, 2015
42 people are currently reading
1738 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Conner
799 books308 followersAmanda Conner started out in comics working small projects for Marvel and Archie while working as an illustrator for New York ad agencies Kornhauser and Calene and Kidvertisers. working a number of launches and campaigns such as Arm & Hammer, PlaySchool and Nickelodeon.
However, loving comic books and cartooning the most, Amanda found herself working for Marvel on their Barbie line (much of Amanda’s covers inspired designs for the line of Barbie toys), Disney line which included the Gargoyles books. At the same time she was illustrating “Soul Searchers & Co.” for Claypool Comics and worked on other Marvel projects, such as Excalibur for the X-Men line and “Suburban Jersey Ninja She-Devils”.
During an assignment for Crusade (‘Tomoe’) she and Jimmy Palmiotti became a real team as penciller/inker.
Amanda then moved on to do what is probably one of her best known works. She did several years as penciller on the hit series “Vampirella” for Harris Comics and drafted 24 issues. While illustrating “Vampirella”, Amanda worked with the top writers in the field, Grant Morrison, Mark Millar and Warren Ellis.
Continuing to expand her horizons, Amanda illustrated the best-selling crossover “Painkiller Jane vs. the Darkness”, and went on to work on “Painkiller Jane” #0 (the origin book). She also wrote and illustrated a story for “Kid Death and Fluffy”.
Since then, Amanda has worked on many of the top titles in comics such as “Lois Lane”, “Codename: Knockout”, and “Birds of Prey” for D.C. Comics Vertigo line, “X-Men Unlimited” for Marvel, co-created “Gatecrasher” for Blackbull Comics, and “The Pro”, an Eisner nominated creator owned book for Image Comics with Jimmy Palmiotti and Garth Ennis. Recently she worked on the highly publicized Before Watchmen: Silk Spectre series with Eisner winning creator Darwyn Cooke.
Amanda’s work can also be seen outside the comic book community in such places as ABC’S Nightline, the New York Times, Mad Magazine, the new sci-fi Stan lee “So You Want to be a Superhero” series and the upcoming Disney Underdog movie character designs for film and television, character designs for the Los Angeles Avengers stadium football team and is featured in a Biography magazine commercial on A&E. Amanda does spot illustrations in “Revolver” magazine each month and has had a huge success with the JSA Powergirl miniseries in previous years, each issue going into 3rd printings.
She continuously produces cover work for Marvel Comics, DC Comics and an assortment of independent titles.
With PaperFilms co-founder Jimmy Palmiotti, they are currently working on the highly received Harley Quinn series and other Harley Quinn related titles for DC Comics, in addition to several upcoming DC related projects. Garnering national attention and sales results, the team continues to receive accolades for their work on these titles. The new relaunch of Harley Quinn for DC in the Rebirth line garnered an estimated 250,000 copies ordered.
However, loving comic books and cartooning the most, Amanda found herself working for Marvel on their Barbie line (much of Amanda’s covers inspired designs for the line of Barbie toys), Disney line which included the Gargoyles books. At the same time she was illustrating “Soul Searchers & Co.” for Claypool Comics and worked on other Marvel projects, such as Excalibur for the X-Men line and “Suburban Jersey Ninja She-Devils”.
During an assignment for Crusade (‘Tomoe’) she and Jimmy Palmiotti became a real team as penciller/inker.
Amanda then moved on to do what is probably one of her best known works. She did several years as penciller on the hit series “Vampirella” for Harris Comics and drafted 24 issues. While illustrating “Vampirella”, Amanda worked with the top writers in the field, Grant Morrison, Mark Millar and Warren Ellis.
Continuing to expand her horizons, Amanda illustrated the best-selling crossover “Painkiller Jane vs. the Darkness”, and went on to work on “Painkiller Jane” #0 (the origin book). She also wrote and illustrated a story for “Kid Death and Fluffy”.
Since then, Amanda has worked on many of the top titles in comics such as “Lois Lane”, “Codename: Knockout”, and “Birds of Prey” for D.C. Comics Vertigo line, “X-Men Unlimited” for Marvel, co-created “Gatecrasher” for Blackbull Comics, and “The Pro”, an Eisner nominated creator owned book for Image Comics with Jimmy Palmiotti and Garth Ennis. Recently she worked on the highly publicized Before Watchmen: Silk Spectre series with Eisner winning creator Darwyn Cooke.
Amanda’s work can also be seen outside the comic book community in such places as ABC’S Nightline, the New York Times, Mad Magazine, the new sci-fi Stan lee “So You Want to be a Superhero” series and the upcoming Disney Underdog movie character designs for film and television, character designs for the Los Angeles Avengers stadium football team and is featured in a Biography magazine commercial on A&E. Amanda does spot illustrations in “Revolver” magazine each month and has had a huge success with the JSA Powergirl miniseries in previous years, each issue going into 3rd printings.
She continuously produces cover work for Marvel Comics, DC Comics and an assortment of independent titles.
With PaperFilms co-founder Jimmy Palmiotti, they are currently working on the highly received Harley Quinn series and other Harley Quinn related titles for DC Comics, in addition to several upcoming DC related projects. Garnering national attention and sales results, the team continues to receive accolades for their work on these titles. The new relaunch of Harley Quinn for DC in the Rebirth line garnered an estimated 250,000 copies ordered.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
July 21, 2022
(B) 75% | More than Satisfactory
Notes: A great many dreams (no shortage of scenes), excuses for styles to change for a while, capricious and purpose is lean.
Notes: A great many dreams (no shortage of scenes), excuses for styles to change for a while, capricious and purpose is lean.
January 7, 2019
I'm honestly disappointed. This Harley, do good just to go terribly wrong, seems very out of character for my liking. It seems like the authors are unsure who Harley really is and what to do with her without Joker on the scene.
There are too many hallucinations going around; they seriously need to stop with this. It destroys the flow of the story, and it's annoying because it means that simply nothing happens.
I adore Harley and Ivy, however, here, it did not work because it was very fleeing and only several scenes that did nothing for me.
The highlight was Harley in evening dress; she looked stunning.
Where several scenes had potential, it got destroyed by the poor storytelling.
There are too many hallucinations going around; they seriously need to stop with this. It destroys the flow of the story, and it's annoying because it means that simply nothing happens.
I adore Harley and Ivy, however, here, it did not work because it was very fleeing and only several scenes that did nothing for me.
The highlight was Harley in evening dress; she looked stunning.
Where several scenes had potential, it got destroyed by the poor storytelling.
January 9, 2016
This is the best Harley Quinn volume I read so far! Unfortunately, for some reason did I wait 3 months to write this review, but thanks to screen shots can I retell some of the best parts of this volume where Harley has to save Ivy, puppies and Bruce Wayne? Yes, Bruce is being auctioned off and Harley of course just have to buy him, especially since the money will go to helping animals...
But first let's start off with Poison Ivy losing her memory and Harley is trying, in her own way, to help get Ivy's memory back. Since Ivy isn't really Sleeping Beauty doesn't this really work.
Oh, and here is the big bad...head that is behind Ivy's memory loss. He is actually just a misunderstood...head.
But the best part is at the Charity gala where Bruce Wayne is auctioned off. Of course, the gala is crashed by two bad men trying to rob it. But luckily for Bruce is Harley there to save him.
And, of course, she just has to end the night with a kiss...
or two...
All and all a truly wonderful volume loved it very much and I'm so looking forward to reading the next one. I just hope that Harley's puddin' is in it! ;)
Some bonus screenshots:
I want to thank the publisher and Edelweiss for providing me with a free copy for an honest review!
But first let's start off with Poison Ivy losing her memory and Harley is trying, in her own way, to help get Ivy's memory back. Since Ivy isn't really Sleeping Beauty doesn't this really work.
Oh, and here is the big bad...head that is behind Ivy's memory loss. He is actually just a misunderstood...head.
But the best part is at the Charity gala where Bruce Wayne is auctioned off. Of course, the gala is crashed by two bad men trying to rob it. But luckily for Bruce is Harley there to save him.
And, of course, she just has to end the night with a kiss...
or two...
All and all a truly wonderful volume loved it very much and I'm so looking forward to reading the next one. I just hope that Harley's puddin' is in it! ;)
Some bonus screenshots:
I want to thank the publisher and Edelweiss for providing me with a free copy for an honest review!
Want to read
August 25, 2015GIVE ME THIS ART RIGHT NOW!!!!!
THIS ART!!! This art is ALL I want!!!!
THIS ART!!! This art is ALL I want!!!!
December 15, 2015
Remember the #0 issue where a ton of artists contributed pages for Harley’s sugar-induced hallucinations? Apparently that’s now the format of the series! Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti write Harley waaaayy out of character and have fashioned her into a do-gooder type who’s created a mob of Harley-ettes who fight crime. That’s the feeble “story” of this nearly 200 page book!
Conner/Palmiotti really don’t know what to do with Harley. She’s a psychiatrist, she’s a landlord, she’s a roller derby gal, she’s chasing romance with Ivy and then some new buff guy, she’s running a small zoo, she’s a burgeoning superhero; I’m not sure why they’ve got her spinning so many plates except to say they’re hoping that all this stuff will somehow amount to something (it doesn’t).
Worse though is the tedious storytelling. One overlong sequence has Harley try to bust out Ivy from Arkham so she decides to hijack a small plane and parachute from it into the asylum. After several pages setting this up, she fails, parachutes onto a table of pizza and chows down. She ends up driving a car into Arkham’s gates and gets in that way. I think that was supposed to have us in stitches but it’s so, so unfunny and utterly pointless. After some unnecessary dream sequences, we discover that it was all to add an annoying new character to the mix, a talking egg called Edgar with robot tentacles (really!).
That drivel is indicative of this book as a whole. One story has Harley give away puppies, then visit the house of a family who has her favourite puppy and stick around to fix that family or some ridiculous crap. Another one has Harley try to literally kill time because she’s found a grey hair, so she goes after an elderly geezer called Thyme. Oh, my sides.
Bruce Wayne is auctioned off for charity and goes on a date with Harley. More dream sequences follow. Are we supposed to be laughing? Entertained? This is desperate, throwaway horseshit that’s just super annoying.
The man chasing, the bad comedy, the cutesiness – it’s like an endless Ally McBeal episode! There’s more but I’ll stop here, pop some aspirin and think of other things. Like Harley, this series is a hot mess.
Conner/Palmiotti really don’t know what to do with Harley. She’s a psychiatrist, she’s a landlord, she’s a roller derby gal, she’s chasing romance with Ivy and then some new buff guy, she’s running a small zoo, she’s a burgeoning superhero; I’m not sure why they’ve got her spinning so many plates except to say they’re hoping that all this stuff will somehow amount to something (it doesn’t).
Worse though is the tedious storytelling. One overlong sequence has Harley try to bust out Ivy from Arkham so she decides to hijack a small plane and parachute from it into the asylum. After several pages setting this up, she fails, parachutes onto a table of pizza and chows down. She ends up driving a car into Arkham’s gates and gets in that way. I think that was supposed to have us in stitches but it’s so, so unfunny and utterly pointless. After some unnecessary dream sequences, we discover that it was all to add an annoying new character to the mix, a talking egg called Edgar with robot tentacles (really!).
That drivel is indicative of this book as a whole. One story has Harley give away puppies, then visit the house of a family who has her favourite puppy and stick around to fix that family or some ridiculous crap. Another one has Harley try to literally kill time because she’s found a grey hair, so she goes after an elderly geezer called Thyme. Oh, my sides.
Bruce Wayne is auctioned off for charity and goes on a date with Harley. More dream sequences follow. Are we supposed to be laughing? Entertained? This is desperate, throwaway horseshit that’s just super annoying.
The man chasing, the bad comedy, the cutesiness – it’s like an endless Ally McBeal episode! There’s more but I’ll stop here, pop some aspirin and think of other things. Like Harley, this series is a hot mess.
February 12, 2016
I received a preview eARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley.
I have a new favorite girl.
Her name is Harley. She is as adorable and kindhearted as she is callous, badass, and well, honestly, batshit crazy.
Just look at this smile and tell me you don't feel all warm inside:
For real though, this set of one issue stories is pretty entertaining. Harley is unpredictable and a little bit unhinged, but she's also cute and in her own wacky way, innocent. She has a heart of gold. If she likes you. Or if she is touched by your situation. She loves animals of all kinds (and will seemingly try to adopt all of them). But if she doesn't like you, and that's usually because you were mean to her, an animal, or someone she cares for, then you're pretty much done.
Most importantly, this book was funny. I mean, I usually take my comic reading (somewhat) seriously, but this had me laugh out loud several times. Perhaps it shows that I'm a bit twisted myself that I enjoy this kind of humor as much as I do, but whatever.
I was already looking forward to the new Suicide Squad movie, but now I'm even more excited about it.
Oh, one warning to the unwary though before I can recommend it. Whatever you do, do NOT mention this guy around Harley:
I have a new favorite girl.
Her name is Harley. She is as adorable and kindhearted as she is callous, badass, and well, honestly, batshit crazy.
Just look at this smile and tell me you don't feel all warm inside:
For real though, this set of one issue stories is pretty entertaining. Harley is unpredictable and a little bit unhinged, but she's also cute and in her own wacky way, innocent. She has a heart of gold. If she likes you. Or if she is touched by your situation. She loves animals of all kinds (and will seemingly try to adopt all of them). But if she doesn't like you, and that's usually because you were mean to her, an animal, or someone she cares for, then you're pretty much done.
Most importantly, this book was funny. I mean, I usually take my comic reading (somewhat) seriously, but this had me laugh out loud several times. Perhaps it shows that I'm a bit twisted myself that I enjoy this kind of humor as much as I do, but whatever.
I was already looking forward to the new Suicide Squad movie, but now I'm even more excited about it.
Oh, one warning to the unwary though before I can recommend it. Whatever you do, do NOT mention this guy around Harley:
September 8, 2021
Harley breaks into Arkham Asylum to break out Poison Ivy, combines Christmas cheer with a pet-care purge, does a stint as a bad-boy boy-toy (NOT what you're thinking!), goes a bit buggy, meets Father Tyme and baby Tyme, dates and rescues Bruce Wayne, and sets out on a search for a very special team of personal assistants to keep her chaotic life in order. But only the best can be trusted to spread Harley's values of honor and trustworthiness and insubordination.
Rumored to not be part of true Harley Quinn continuity...
Rumored to not be part of true Harley Quinn continuity...
June 15, 2017
Sharp decline in quality story-wise and I'm not a fan of all of the artist changes.
September 30, 2015
I received this from Edelweiss and DC Comics in exchange for an honest review.
The biggest problem with this volume is that fully half of it is one-shots and specials, with the other half three issues from the monthly run. And there’s not much of a story/plot in those three issues.
The “plot” is simple: Harley puts out an ad for a gang to help her stop crime in Gotham (yes, seriously). There's a new guy she likes, but can’t seem to date because life (working at the nursing home, playing roller derby, and being a landlord) keeps getting in the way.
Amanda Conner seems to struggle with Harley’s character, so much so that this Harley doesn’t seem like the “real” Harley. This struggle is so great that a major plot point is Harley finding time to feed her rescue animals. That’s a long way towards “normal” after being The Joker’s insane sidekick.
I’m not sure I care for the artwork, either, which is bright and colorful, in extreme contrast to the other stories set in Gotham City. This brightness just seems wrong for this dark and dingy place.
The biggest problem with this volume is that fully half of it is one-shots and specials, with the other half three issues from the monthly run. And there’s not much of a story/plot in those three issues.
The “plot” is simple: Harley puts out an ad for a gang to help her stop crime in Gotham (yes, seriously). There's a new guy she likes, but can’t seem to date because life (working at the nursing home, playing roller derby, and being a landlord) keeps getting in the way.
Amanda Conner seems to struggle with Harley’s character, so much so that this Harley doesn’t seem like the “real” Harley. This struggle is so great that a major plot point is Harley finding time to feed her rescue animals. That’s a long way towards “normal” after being The Joker’s insane sidekick.
I’m not sure I care for the artwork, either, which is bright and colorful, in extreme contrast to the other stories set in Gotham City. This brightness just seems wrong for this dark and dingy place.
July 30, 2022
An improvement on the previous entry, with Harley in full flow and an enticing set up for the next volume.
April 6, 2024
Lot's of funny stories and a few that show a kind side to Harley not often seen. Artwork is fun as well and her dream sequences are funny.
February 7, 2017
While I mostly loved this volume, it had some parts that I didn't really like.
The whole jumping between characters is one of those things. It grew confusing and I wasn't really a fan.
Other than that I keep connecting with Harley. I don't know her from before this comic, but I really like the girl I'm coming to know. She has real life struggles, and is a good person - if not controlled by everyday rules and laws.
I'm really enjoying this!
The whole jumping between characters is one of those things. It grew confusing and I wasn't really a fan.
Other than that I keep connecting with Harley. I don't know her from before this comic, but I really like the girl I'm coming to know. She has real life struggles, and is a good person - if not controlled by everyday rules and laws.
I'm really enjoying this!
March 3, 2020
Genuinely disappointed, please do not ruin harley Quinn for me . The plot is not good in my opinion . The romance between batman and Harley Quinn is a total joke to me .
January 16, 2021
I love Harley Quinn! She's just so frickin cool. First she has to bust her BFF Poison Ivy out of Arkham Asylum, and when she's there, the whole room (her, Ivy and two mad doctors) all take a whiff of some toxin that has them hallucinating...Harley's having dinner with Batman...I just love all the antics she gets up to, and she is always fighting for what she believes is right, and usually is on the underdog's side (even if it's her).
July 17, 2016
I love Harley Quinn.
December 6, 2024
"Holee Guacamole"
Literalmente, isto é o que sería a miña vida en dous anos se todo o que quero conseguir se fai realidade. Harley ten traballo como psicóloga, forma parte dun equipo de roller derby, adoptou un número indefinido de animais, mantén o seu hobby (ser unha delincuente, pero salvando o mundo), ten máis amigos ca nunca e está coñecendo xente e indo a citas (ademais de estar nunha Harlivy situationship era). E, como non, está tan agobiada que non consegue facer unha soa cousa ben... A miña vida ideal.
A parte diso, o gracioso que é que me coincidira o especial de Nadal nestas datas... Nin que o fixera querendo xd
Amanda Conner, estou eternamente agradecida de que colleras a Harley Quinn e a liberaras do seu creador. Ámote tanto!
December 27, 2015
**I received a free eARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
This compilation consists mostly of holiday specials: some Christmas stories and a Valentine's Day one-shot featuring Bruce Wayne. We get to see Harley looking for a bunch of people to be her new "Gang of Harleys" so that they can help her with everything that's going on (and there is a lot going on), and there's also a little peek into her more mundane everyday life adventures.
And if you're not familiar with this relatively new Harley Quinn comic book series, she is now an antihero rather than a villain, and protects the people from her neighborhood.
I've seen people complain about half of this being about Harley caring for her animals. But I loved it, I could read hundreds of pages about this woman and her cute, little pets. I really could.
And it's all right, I mean, even villains and superheroes have more "normal" things to do, like caring for their tenants and pets. Also, Harley puts so much energy into every little thing she does.
I really enjoyed the Valentine's Day special with Bruce Wayne (and I think it was a bit longer than the other stories?). A date with stinking rich Bruce Wayne is up for auction, all the money goes to help kitties and puppies, so Harley plays Robin Hood and takes the money necessary for the auction from a bad, rich guy, to give to the little animals... and score a date with Bruce.
We also see a lot of her (love) relationship with Ivy and how she interacts with her friends and love interest, Mason.
All the art is very beautiful and it's a big change seeing so much color, I loved this. Gotham's stories are usually very dark. But this is Harley Quinn living in Brooklyn, girl.
This is really great for Harley Quinn lovers or anyone who's looking for something entertaining to read, there's not much of a plot here, but short little stories that are actually very fun.
More reviews on my blog: Lipstick and Mocha
This compilation consists mostly of holiday specials: some Christmas stories and a Valentine's Day one-shot featuring Bruce Wayne. We get to see Harley looking for a bunch of people to be her new "Gang of Harleys" so that they can help her with everything that's going on (and there is a lot going on), and there's also a little peek into her more mundane everyday life adventures.
And if you're not familiar with this relatively new Harley Quinn comic book series, she is now an antihero rather than a villain, and protects the people from her neighborhood.
I've seen people complain about half of this being about Harley caring for her animals. But I loved it, I could read hundreds of pages about this woman and her cute, little pets. I really could.
And it's all right, I mean, even villains and superheroes have more "normal" things to do, like caring for their tenants and pets. Also, Harley puts so much energy into every little thing she does.
I really enjoyed the Valentine's Day special with Bruce Wayne (and I think it was a bit longer than the other stories?). A date with stinking rich Bruce Wayne is up for auction, all the money goes to help kitties and puppies, so Harley plays Robin Hood and takes the money necessary for the auction from a bad, rich guy, to give to the little animals... and score a date with Bruce.
We also see a lot of her (love) relationship with Ivy and how she interacts with her friends and love interest, Mason.
All the art is very beautiful and it's a big change seeing so much color, I loved this. Gotham's stories are usually very dark. But this is Harley Quinn living in Brooklyn, girl.
This is really great for Harley Quinn lovers or anyone who's looking for something entertaining to read, there's not much of a plot here, but short little stories that are actually very fun.
More reviews on my blog: Lipstick and Mocha
January 12, 2021
“I’m gonna do whatever it is I gotta do to harmonificate my life. Even if I gotta kill somebody.”
3,5/5!
Kiss Kiss Bang Stab is yet another volume of the weird, wacky adventures of Harley Quinn. In these stories you'll get to read about her spreading some Christmas joy in the form of puppies and kittens, wreak havoc in Arkham Asylum, struggle with balancing her work, her dating life and her desire to do some good in the world, and develop a crush on none other than Bruce Wayne. This volume was a lot of fun. It was very weird - some of the stories were even a bit too out there for me (like the new year's special and the Christmas special with the bug), but overall I enjoyed this volume. Some of the stories were better than the others, but that's just how it goes with volumes that include multiple specials as well as issues of the main comic run.
It was cool seeing Harley's softer side and the way she always wants to protect and help those around her who are the weakest - animals, kids, elderly - and how she has such incredible moments of compassion, while also being super violent, volatile and dangerous. It was also just fun having some of the issues deal with her just having too much on her plate and figuring out how to balance her life out (which leads to her, after Ivy plants the idea in her head, to form her own team). Speaking of Ivy, he relationship with Harley means a lot to me and the two of them killed me in this volume - they are amazing and I love how much they love one another, and how they would both do anything for the other. And the tension between them is A+.
Don't know when I'll be able to continue the series, but hopefully it's soon! Reading Harley's adventures is always so much fun!
3,5/5!
Kiss Kiss Bang Stab is yet another volume of the weird, wacky adventures of Harley Quinn. In these stories you'll get to read about her spreading some Christmas joy in the form of puppies and kittens, wreak havoc in Arkham Asylum, struggle with balancing her work, her dating life and her desire to do some good in the world, and develop a crush on none other than Bruce Wayne. This volume was a lot of fun. It was very weird - some of the stories were even a bit too out there for me (like the new year's special and the Christmas special with the bug), but overall I enjoyed this volume. Some of the stories were better than the others, but that's just how it goes with volumes that include multiple specials as well as issues of the main comic run.
It was cool seeing Harley's softer side and the way she always wants to protect and help those around her who are the weakest - animals, kids, elderly - and how she has such incredible moments of compassion, while also being super violent, volatile and dangerous. It was also just fun having some of the issues deal with her just having too much on her plate and figuring out how to balance her life out (which leads to her, after Ivy plants the idea in her head, to form her own team). Speaking of Ivy, he relationship with Harley means a lot to me and the two of them killed me in this volume - they are amazing and I love how much they love one another, and how they would both do anything for the other. And the tension between them is A+.
Don't know when I'll be able to continue the series, but hopefully it's soon! Reading Harley's adventures is always so much fun!
July 2, 2016
Harley Quinn is so popular that DC put out almost as many specials as it does normal issues of the series. Case in point, this volume collects 3 actual issues of the series, and then an Annual, a Christmas Special, and a Valentine's Day Special too.
The Annual is all one story in which Harley breaks into Arkham to rescue Poison Ivy, but ends up drugged and trapped in different dream sequences, which are basically just an excuse to use loads of guest artists and charge extra for a book that doesn't really need all those extra pages. It does introduce a new supporting character for the main book though.
The Christmas and Valentine's Day Specials are more broken down, with lead stories and then some back-up stuff, but again, they're not really that important. The Christmas story is almost insufferably annoying, whilst the New Year's back-up is a little funnier. The Valentine's Day one is more one-note, and has a Batman cameo which actually works rather than being gratuitous.
The three issues of Harley's main series serve to show how much she's juggling at the moment, with her job, her apartment building and its tenants, her roller derby team, and her potential boyfriend Mason Macabre too. It all builds up to a climax which makes sense and has a lot of story potential but of course that's where this volume ends.
If Harley spent more time focused on story and less on trying to be funny and having random specials for no reason, I think this volume would likely be better.
The Annual is all one story in which Harley breaks into Arkham to rescue Poison Ivy, but ends up drugged and trapped in different dream sequences, which are basically just an excuse to use loads of guest artists and charge extra for a book that doesn't really need all those extra pages. It does introduce a new supporting character for the main book though.
The Christmas and Valentine's Day Specials are more broken down, with lead stories and then some back-up stuff, but again, they're not really that important. The Christmas story is almost insufferably annoying, whilst the New Year's back-up is a little funnier. The Valentine's Day one is more one-note, and has a Batman cameo which actually works rather than being gratuitous.
The three issues of Harley's main series serve to show how much she's juggling at the moment, with her job, her apartment building and its tenants, her roller derby team, and her potential boyfriend Mason Macabre too. It all builds up to a climax which makes sense and has a lot of story potential but of course that's where this volume ends.
If Harley spent more time focused on story and less on trying to be funny and having random specials for no reason, I think this volume would likely be better.
August 10, 2016
Some people don't like Harley as a do-gooding superhero, and I have to confess that I generally like my Harley a little more unhinged and evil. But this compilation – some regular issues, some seasonal specials – made cute, fun, and kind Harley appealing enough that I gave in and ran with it. It also helped that this volume is just chock-full of absolutely stunning cover art on which to feast your eyes.
In this collection, Harley rescues damn near everyone, including BFF (and sometime sapphic playmate) Poison Ivy, Bruce Wayne (although he didn't actually *need* rescuing), a dysfunctional family in need of a little Dr. Quinzel head-shrinking, a misunderstood egg head with a large selection of interchangeable bodies, a veritable herd of puppies and kittens, and a gang of unemployed, directionless, ass-kicking girls (mostly) who will go on to become her "Gang of Harleys", surrogates to help her manage her inexplicably overextended life. Rather than being just a Frankencompilation, the stories have a great arc (albeit with a little bit of a pointless hallucination / guest artist interlude) and a satisfying conclusion / lead-in to her next set of adventures.
I'm not sure how crazyevil Harley purists will feel about Harley Quinn, Vol. 3: Kiss Kiss Bang Stab, but the casual, flexible, or squee-inclined reader should find it enjoyable, and I think the art is appreciable by all.
In this collection, Harley rescues damn near everyone, including BFF (and sometime sapphic playmate) Poison Ivy, Bruce Wayne (although he didn't actually *need* rescuing), a dysfunctional family in need of a little Dr. Quinzel head-shrinking, a misunderstood egg head with a large selection of interchangeable bodies, a veritable herd of puppies and kittens, and a gang of unemployed, directionless, ass-kicking girls (mostly) who will go on to become her "Gang of Harleys", surrogates to help her manage her inexplicably overextended life. Rather than being just a Frankencompilation, the stories have a great arc (albeit with a little bit of a pointless hallucination / guest artist interlude) and a satisfying conclusion / lead-in to her next set of adventures.
I'm not sure how crazyevil Harley purists will feel about Harley Quinn, Vol. 3: Kiss Kiss Bang Stab, but the casual, flexible, or squee-inclined reader should find it enjoyable, and I think the art is appreciable by all.
June 4, 2016
These new Harley collections just keep getting better and better! This series has properly illustrated the chaotic good/hot mess that is Harley Quinn. Without the Joker, she has become a destructive heroine with a big heart for babies, animals, baby animals, and anyone that is unwanted or misunderstood. Her methods are unorthodox, but now that Harley is the manager of her own apartment building filled with lovable, quirky folks (working as "freaks" in a glorious show), she has a fantastic support system to back up her antics. Harley has a LIFE now, away from Gotham and its obsession with bats.
This collection features delightful holiday one-offs, including a V-day themed story about Harley bidding $1 mil and $100 on a date with almost-billionaire Bruce Wayne, which leads to a hilarious dream sequence in which Harley becomes his new Robin and whacky paramour.
Also, the most exciting aspect? Harley decides she needs assistants, and hires a dozen ladies to become her "Gang of Harleys". Oh my god, I'm SO excited to see where that goes!
This collection features delightful holiday one-offs, including a V-day themed story about Harley bidding $1 mil and $100 on a date with almost-billionaire Bruce Wayne, which leads to a hilarious dream sequence in which Harley becomes his new Robin and whacky paramour.
Also, the most exciting aspect? Harley decides she needs assistants, and hires a dozen ladies to become her "Gang of Harleys". Oh my god, I'm SO excited to see where that goes!
November 21, 2016
This is my favorite one in this series. I'm glad I didn't give up. The silliness is tempered out a bit with good storytelling. Harley is much more of a heroic antiheroine instead of a neutral character who has no concept of right and wrong. Also, we get to see her psychiatrist roots in this book. There is still some gross humor, but not as over the top. Loved the Batman/Bruce Wayne storyline and the lesson about you might not want what you thought you did when you actually get it. A lot of good moments and this one actually had a feel good vibe to it. Not helping my Harley Quinn obsession here, folks.
September 16, 2016
This volume is very much on the level of the previous two. This one did collect several one shot stories that were a little longer than regular issues. I will say I read the actual issues rather than the collection, and the Annual was scratch and sniff. It had smells such as leather, pizza, lotion, etc. Pretty interesting gimmick. The art as usual was sexy, and Poison Ivy shows up from time to time too.
Overall I'm enjoying this series just enough to keep reading it, but it's not really one of my favorites. I love the character but like her just slightly more serious.
Overall I'm enjoying this series just enough to keep reading it, but it's not really one of my favorites. I love the character but like her just slightly more serious.
September 7, 2016
I loved the first volume of this series but it just hasn't been able to keep up the same level of fun and madness and still make sense, I think. The artist switching is really headache inducing at parts and it makes it really hard to keep track of who is who and what's real and what isn't. The best parts are Harley and Ivy being awesome together but it doesn't happen enough to keep me engaged.
December 20, 2016
Better than the second, but not as good as the first volume.
November 22, 2017
The multiple different artists and styles idea from the first volume was used here again, and it started to get a little bit played out. Until it didn't. It was used early on in a hallucination sequence and wasn't very fun. It was used later in a dream sequence that worked really well. The book all in all is fun, as this series has been. Nothing ground breaking but fun.
January 27, 2019
There were several guest artists in this volume along with some more self-deprecating humor for the writers. The appearance of Batman was fun, as was multiple appearances by the lovely Poison Ivy. A new group of a Harley gang is introduced in this volume, and they will appear in at least two other volumes.
April 4, 2022
It is getting better. The series had a bit of a rough start with the first two volumes, but I am liking the direction it's taking with volume 3.
The Christmas story with Harley using her superpower of "a psychiatry phd" to psychoanalyze an overactive child and help her go through her grief was pretty great, and the kind of story that is perfect for the character of Harley Quinn.
The Christmas story with Harley using her superpower of "a psychiatry phd" to psychoanalyze an overactive child and help her go through her grief was pretty great, and the kind of story that is perfect for the character of Harley Quinn.
November 27, 2023
I didn’t love the batman x harley issue, or her ‘assistants’ but, i did like the festive issues and the first issue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews