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Harley Quinn (2021)
Harley Quinn, Vol. 1: No Good Deed
Harley Quinn returns to Gotham City after The Joker War and has decided to turn over a new leaf and make up for the sins of her past by becoming its newest protector.
Harley Quinn here, to let everyone know that I'm starring in a brand-new graphic novel collection with a brand-new status quo. I'm coming back to Gotham City to make up for the sins of my past, and help the city recover from The Joker War!
But there's no welcoming committee waiting for me, your favorite Maid of Mischief! And between you and me, some real creeps are working to keep the city broken. We can't let that happen, can we?
Rising-star writer Stephanie Phillips, my new partner in crime, takes me into a bold new era with her partner in artistic crime Riley Rossmo, who I gotta say designed a real nice new costume for me. You're not gonna wanna miss this one, folks!
Collects Harley Quinn #1-6 and Batman: Urban Legends #1
Harley Quinn here, to let everyone know that I'm starring in a brand-new graphic novel collection with a brand-new status quo. I'm coming back to Gotham City to make up for the sins of my past, and help the city recover from The Joker War!
But there's no welcoming committee waiting for me, your favorite Maid of Mischief! And between you and me, some real creeps are working to keep the city broken. We can't let that happen, can we?
Rising-star writer Stephanie Phillips, my new partner in crime, takes me into a bold new era with her partner in artistic crime Riley Rossmo, who I gotta say designed a real nice new costume for me. You're not gonna wanna miss this one, folks!
Collects Harley Quinn #1-6 and Batman: Urban Legends #1
168 pages, Paperback
First published December 14, 2021
84 people are currently reading
518 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
January 15, 2022
Great art with very vivid colors, and I really enjoyed the premise. One of my favorite Harley Quinn comics, although I always wish Poison Ivy was around more. I can’t wait for the next one!
January 6, 2022
A solid start for this new Harley series. Philips actually brings a redemption story along with her and not just the slapstick and toilet humor of the Amanda Conner / Jimmy Palmiotti run. Harley wants to be better. She's decided to help reform the people who sided with the Joker during [Batman: Joker War|]. Enter Hugo Strange who has been hired by the mayor to "help" these clowns as well. Except he's just experimenting on them and locking up whoever he feels like.
DC finally grew the balls to put Harley and Poison Ivy into a same-sex relationship instead of just beating around the bush. They even kiss on-panel. But something has happened and Ivy's no longer around. It's inferred that Harley is working to be good enough to be worthy of her. I really liked the redemption angle. Phillips has done a really good job with it. What's not good is Riley Rossmo's art. DC keeps trying to cram this terrible artist down our throats. It makes you wonder if one of his parents is a bigwig at Warner Bros. or something. Laura Braga bookends this trade and her art couldn't be farther from Rossmo's. Her art is clean and clear while Rossmo's looks like a reject from Adventure Time.
DC finally grew the balls to put Harley and Poison Ivy into a same-sex relationship instead of just beating around the bush. They even kiss on-panel. But something has happened and Ivy's no longer around. It's inferred that Harley is working to be good enough to be worthy of her. I really liked the redemption angle. Phillips has done a really good job with it. What's not good is Riley Rossmo's art. DC keeps trying to cram this terrible artist down our throats. It makes you wonder if one of his parents is a bigwig at Warner Bros. or something. Laura Braga bookends this trade and her art couldn't be farther from Rossmo's. Her art is clean and clear while Rossmo's looks like a reject from Adventure Time.
October 16, 2021
I loved this so much probably the best Harley ongoing we’ve had in a long time. I’m glad the book focuses on her trying to redeem herself and others I think it’s a great direction to take the character. Wasn’t a huge fan of the art at first but it grew on me and really fits the story.
August 24, 2021
I’ve tried to get into Harley Quinn comics a few times, but I never really vibed with them until this series. I love watching Harley try to be a hero and redeem herself. The art is unique and captivating. And this series is unapologetically queer. Ivy is Harley’s woman, and I cannot wait to see them reunited on page (very soon, I’m sure). I can’t recommend this title enough for fans of the character! 5/5 stars and a new favorite graphic novel.
August 15, 2024
I finally caved and decided to read something centering on Harley Quinn. The movie trailers involving her put me off, she always came across as someone I didn’t want to know more about. But while reading Poison Ivy (2022-) Vol. 1: The Virtuous Cycle, I felt that I have to improve my background knowledge. So, this was recommended to me.
The plot didn‘t do much for me and sort of fizzled out at the end. As I didn‘t like the artwork overly much either, this was meh at best. And I still don‘t like Harley.
Some notes I took during my read:
Batman Urban Legends #1
If I wasn’t too lazy and goodreads didn’t make it too difficult, I would insert a frame from the comic here of Harley + Ivy.
I like the artwork so far! The story sounds pretty sad though.
(PS: yes, liking the artwork didn‘t last)
Harley Quinn #1 / Welcome home
And here I would insert a frame of Harley fighting that green dude…
Looks fun. The artwork has something, it is interesting, but I didn’t really like it. The story was confusing, simply because I lack backstory. That‘s on me for wildly jumping into this universe somewhere.
Harley Quinn #2 / Strange Times
Apparently this is set after the Joker Wars. Gotham is overrun by clowns. Kevin is a bit of a tragic figure. I like him. Thanks for giving me backstory with that flashback!
Picture a frame of Harley with Kevin after his episode…
Harley Quinn #4 / No Good Deed, Part 2
The end for Harley and Kevin. This was total filler, it had no redeeming feature.
Harley Quinn #5, Batman
And this was the issue where I really lost interest. Not sure what I just read.
Harley Quinn #6, Cat & Quinn
Different artwork pretty late in the game. Ok.
The plot didn‘t do much for me and sort of fizzled out at the end. As I didn‘t like the artwork overly much either, this was meh at best. And I still don‘t like Harley.
Some notes I took during my read:
Batman Urban Legends #1
If I wasn’t too lazy and goodreads didn’t make it too difficult, I would insert a frame from the comic here of Harley + Ivy.
I like the artwork so far! The story sounds pretty sad though.
(PS: yes, liking the artwork didn‘t last)
Harley Quinn #1 / Welcome home
And here I would insert a frame of Harley fighting that green dude…
Looks fun. The artwork has something, it is interesting, but I didn’t really like it. The story was confusing, simply because I lack backstory. That‘s on me for wildly jumping into this universe somewhere.
Harley Quinn #2 / Strange Times
Apparently this is set after the Joker Wars. Gotham is overrun by clowns. Kevin is a bit of a tragic figure. I like him. Thanks for giving me backstory with that flashback!
Picture a frame of Harley with Kevin after his episode…
Harley Quinn #4 / No Good Deed, Part 2
The end for Harley and Kevin. This was total filler, it had no redeeming feature.
Harley Quinn #5, Batman
And this was the issue where I really lost interest. Not sure what I just read.
Harley Quinn #6, Cat & Quinn
Different artwork pretty late in the game. Ok.
December 9, 2021
At last, a good Harley Quinn ongoing, and all it took was some actual continuity. I tried both the New 52 and Rebirth Harley books and they were too concerned with being daft than actually telling good stories, whereas Stephanie Phillips grabs Harley and throws her headfirst into her own redemption arc after the Joker War.
It goes about as well as you expect, but Harley's pluck and biting wit get her out of more scrapes than you'd think. And through it all, you actually begin to believe that she really wants to be good this time. Her inner monologue is zany without being grating, and her aims are simple yet easily expanded into something bigger than they start out.
The sticking point for me is the artwork - I love Riley Rossmo, but I don't think his weird style really fits this book as well as it should. His depiction of Kevin is especially strange (although Kevin's meant to look weird, so I guess that's right), although his Hugo Strange is great. The colours are out of this world though.
It's just nice to see someone try something new with Harley instead of just making her a joke, to be honest. The book feels relevant to the DCU as a whole, and to Harley's journey to proper anti-hero.
It goes about as well as you expect, but Harley's pluck and biting wit get her out of more scrapes than you'd think. And through it all, you actually begin to believe that she really wants to be good this time. Her inner monologue is zany without being grating, and her aims are simple yet easily expanded into something bigger than they start out.
The sticking point for me is the artwork - I love Riley Rossmo, but I don't think his weird style really fits this book as well as it should. His depiction of Kevin is especially strange (although Kevin's meant to look weird, so I guess that's right), although his Hugo Strange is great. The colours are out of this world though.
It's just nice to see someone try something new with Harley instead of just making her a joke, to be honest. The book feels relevant to the DCU as a whole, and to Harley's journey to proper anti-hero.
March 28, 2022
3.5 Stars, lowered from 4 for the artwork.
No longer under the guidance of either Palmiotti or Connor, Harley Quinn heads back to Gotham under a new creative team. Stephanie Phillips provides an interesting story, and does well linking Harley to the events of Gotham in the other books. BUT... overall, I don't like the new art direction. Riley Mossmo gives the book a manic animated-type style, and it works somewhat for Harley, but the two included issues drawn by Laura Braga line much more with what I'd prefer a comic to look like. (Again, just stating my opinion. Maybe you'd love it.)
Highlights:
- Now that Harley is back in town, her "hero" side is reinitialized with Batman. I hope she can stay on the good side, as that is where she really belongs. To that end, she has a new sidekick named Kevin, a guy who fell to peer pressure and joined Joker's gang during the Joker War, but wants to do good to help against the damage he caused.
- Gotham, on the other hand, seems to be falling into the opposite pattern. They are so opposed to "masks" right now, that the mayor has hired Hugo Strange to run the new Secure And Fearless Engagement Program, or S.A.F.E. (I can already tell this will go really bad.)
- When Kevin is taken by SAFE forces, Harley recruits Solomon Grundy to help rescue him. Looks like Grundy will join Harley's gang of tentative heroes...
- The last issue has Harley team up with Catwoman. It's a good action issue, but it seems like Cat is content to ride the good/bad line.
The story was good, so I am interested to see where this goes next.
No longer under the guidance of either Palmiotti or Connor, Harley Quinn heads back to Gotham under a new creative team. Stephanie Phillips provides an interesting story, and does well linking Harley to the events of Gotham in the other books. BUT... overall, I don't like the new art direction. Riley Mossmo gives the book a manic animated-type style, and it works somewhat for Harley, but the two included issues drawn by Laura Braga line much more with what I'd prefer a comic to look like. (Again, just stating my opinion. Maybe you'd love it.)
Highlights:
- Now that Harley is back in town, her "hero" side is reinitialized with Batman. I hope she can stay on the good side, as that is where she really belongs. To that end, she has a new sidekick named Kevin, a guy who fell to peer pressure and joined Joker's gang during the Joker War, but wants to do good to help against the damage he caused.
- Gotham, on the other hand, seems to be falling into the opposite pattern. They are so opposed to "masks" right now, that the mayor has hired Hugo Strange to run the new Secure And Fearless Engagement Program, or S.A.F.E. (I can already tell this will go really bad.)
- When Kevin is taken by SAFE forces, Harley recruits Solomon Grundy to help rescue him. Looks like Grundy will join Harley's gang of tentative heroes...
- The last issue has Harley team up with Catwoman. It's a good action issue, but it seems like Cat is content to ride the good/bad line.
The story was good, so I am interested to see where this goes next.
September 15, 2022
This new Harley Quinn series kicks off in the aftermath of the Joker War, with Harley returning to Gotham to do some good. She does, kind of, in a narrative that is thoroughly bland and unimportant, but contains some amusing quips and excellent (acquired taste) artwork by Riley Rossmo.
Hugo Strange has been tasked with reining in the clowns after the Joker War. Harley thinks he's got ulterior motives and, by gum, she's right! With the help of reformed clown Kevin, Harley takes down Strange's operation. There are zero surprises to be had and the whole affair is entirely irrelevant, though it does attempt to tie in to the Fear State saga.
Even if none of it matters, Harley's a fun character to follow around and Rossmo's extremely cartoony artwork dials down on the "Harley as a sexpot" vibes, which I appreciated. I'd pick up the next volume for a quick dose of fun.
Hugo Strange has been tasked with reining in the clowns after the Joker War. Harley thinks he's got ulterior motives and, by gum, she's right! With the help of reformed clown Kevin, Harley takes down Strange's operation. There are zero surprises to be had and the whole affair is entirely irrelevant, though it does attempt to tie in to the Fear State saga.
Even if none of it matters, Harley's a fun character to follow around and Rossmo's extremely cartoony artwork dials down on the "Harley as a sexpot" vibes, which I appreciated. I'd pick up the next volume for a quick dose of fun.
January 16, 2023
This was a cute graphic novel of Harley Quinn I do like her in this world she’s definitely different and I like that what more can I say here?! It’s Harley freaking Quinn
December 16, 2021
Annoyingly, this isn't the book I was expecting. Turns out the follow-up to the recent TV show isn't out yet.
But, that said, this was still an enjoyable romp as Harley returns to Gotham to be a Good Guy.
It's a mad, frantic, chaotic romp that only settles down when Catwoman pops in to help out – but it's still one hell of a lot of fun.
But, that said, this was still an enjoyable romp as Harley returns to Gotham to be a Good Guy.
It's a mad, frantic, chaotic romp that only settles down when Catwoman pops in to help out – but it's still one hell of a lot of fun.
December 24, 2021
I like the premise of Harley trying to make amends by lending a hand to former henchman and the idea of Harley taking on Hugo Strange, but otherwise the writing was not good. There were a few funny lines and settings with potential, but the story consistently failed to do anything interesting.
March 7, 2022
The amount of solo Harley (especially queer Harley with Pam) that we get now separate from the Joker makes me so happy. This was really cute and funny, and I definitely want to read more from Phillips.
December 31, 2023
terminer l’année 2023 en feu d’artifice 🎆 harley est mon héroïne, définitivement.
February 5, 2022
There's a lot to like about this new Harley Quinn series. I love the humor. The art took some getting used to, especially because this volume is bookended with issues by a different artist/style as the core story arch, but it definitely fit the tone of the story.
I like the support group for former Joker henchmen concept and I think it deserves to stand on its own. It's a mistake to force Harley into the larger Bat-Family continuity. She's a character that deserves their own plot lines and shouldn't need to be so heavily connected to one of DC's Trinity.
I like the support group for former Joker henchmen concept and I think it deserves to stand on its own. It's a mistake to force Harley into the larger Bat-Family continuity. She's a character that deserves their own plot lines and shouldn't need to be so heavily connected to one of DC's Trinity.
December 3, 2022
I saw this at Barnes & Noble and the cover and art attracted my attention so I checked it out on Hoopla but honestly...it was pretty boring.
May 8, 2022
Harley goes for a fresh start in this new series. She's back in Gotham trying to make amends for all the past shenanigans she was involved in. Hoping for that sweet Bat-cash, Harley doesn't know how the Joker War obliterated his finances. She's a stubborn one though, and she'll make this work come hell or high water.
Harley tries to start fixing things from the ground up. Not something you see the heroes of Gotham do. She even tries putting her psych degree to good use. There's only one problem (maybe two), Hugo Strange is back with huge promises of healing the cities wounds. Can he be trusted? Also, we're on the precipice 'Fear State'. The Scarecrow has to be pulling some strings when he can.
Love the art. It's very loose and sketchy. The writing is solid week to week as well.
Bonus: Kev saves the day...always
Bonus Bonus: How many times does Hugo Strange put on a cowl in the history of Batman comics?
Harley tries to start fixing things from the ground up. Not something you see the heroes of Gotham do. She even tries putting her psych degree to good use. There's only one problem (maybe two), Hugo Strange is back with huge promises of healing the cities wounds. Can he be trusted? Also, we're on the precipice 'Fear State'. The Scarecrow has to be pulling some strings when he can.
Love the art. It's very loose and sketchy. The writing is solid week to week as well.
Bonus: Kev saves the day...always
Bonus Bonus: How many times does Hugo Strange put on a cowl in the history of Batman comics?
February 27, 2022
Harley Quinn is my favorite and I love this version of her. While I love classic villain Harley, I’ve always thought reformed Harley was better.
Phillips gets the story so right. It’s entertaining and light, but yet, I felt through each page how hard Harley tries. And the art is PERFECT for the content.
I can’t wait to keep reading this run. It’s so great.
Phillips gets the story so right. It’s entertaining and light, but yet, I felt through each page how hard Harley tries. And the art is PERFECT for the content.
I can’t wait to keep reading this run. It’s so great.
March 6, 2022
Très sympa !! J'adore le style complètement déluré, plein de couleurs et de morphologies complètement déformées. Ici Harley continue de faire de son mieux pour se racheter une conduite, d'aider les gens autour d'elle et surtout les victimes du Joker. C'est à la fois émouvant et délirant, à l'image du personnage d'Harley !
May 9, 2022
The main story is setting up future events. Unfortunately, it is not really interesting. Another negative is the art work. It is exaggerated to the point that Hugo Strange and Kevin look deformed.
The bonus story at the end with Catwoman is much more enjoyable with a lot better art.
The bonus story at the end with Catwoman is much more enjoyable with a lot better art.
January 31, 2025
ily Harls
July 24, 2023
3.5
Great art, but I think maybe I would’ve liked to feel more immersed in the story. Maybe if the stakes were higher or the story a bit darker? Idk, love harley quinn tho, such a funny bad bitch
Great art, but I think maybe I would’ve liked to feel more immersed in the story. Maybe if the stakes were higher or the story a bit darker? Idk, love harley quinn tho, such a funny bad bitch
December 19, 2021
'Harley Quinn Vol. 1: No Good Deed' - another DC surprise from my local comic book shop. I can almost never resist a 'Harley Quinn' product, and thank goodness, it turned out to be money well spent.
It is the most recent 'Harley' comic I've read, and it is from the current DC comics canon. The story is set after The Joker War, a DC event I'm not that familiar with, and Harley is back in Gotham City, after some incident with Poison Ivy which, again, I'm ignorant of (and the comic won't elaborate on it). Now she wants to move towards the heroine part of her antiheroine reputation, becoming one of Gotham's protectors, much to Batman's wariness and annoyance.
Specifically, she wants to help the clowns - the former henchmen and henchwomen of the Joker during the war, now remorseful and reformed - who are targeted by Gotham's angry citizens. And by Hugo Strange, who has morphed into broken and destroyed Gotham's political darling, and who is pushing to clean up the city of clowns; to "help" and "rehabilitate" them. Personally I don't see how Gotham is any worse than it has ever been before - I mean, hello, it's always been a lawless, toxic shithole - something that Harley points out through a raining-and-growing-with-care metaphor - but anyway: Harley genuinely wants to help these people who, like her, were in a bad and vulnerable place in life when they were taken in by the Joker and his words; they were also manipulated, taken advantage of, driven to do crime. Equally victims as well as criminals, they deserve a second chance, and Harley wishes to befriend them - notably the sad and sweet Kevin, a new bestie - and set them up for a healthy and happy path, such as through a support therapy group.
She is a psychiatrist, after all. She is technically qualified. And it is as much for her benefit, her steps towards redemption, as well.
But Hugo Strange and his goons won't have any of that. They will sabotage her efforts, and torture and obliterate her, Gotham's Clown Queen, at any cost.
Other characters featured include Killer Croc, Solomon Grundy, and Catwoman, in the final, awesome issue where she and Harley team up, similar to the Gotham City Siren days. Good times.
It seems that with 'No Good Deed', with a new writing team, DC has Harley Quinn on a serious, story-driven direction, with actual character development. No more of that tasteless and disgusting "shock humour" nonsense from Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti that desperately tried to emulate Deadpool. Harley deserves better treatment than that. We've seen from brilliant modern comics such as Stjepan Šejić's 'Harleen' the potential, the sheer scope, of what can be taken with her character; in stories that are love letters to her creation, which take her seriously - as an academic-turned-victim-and-villain-turned-tragic-figure - and take her to new, unexplored, clever, dark places. She deserves an arc, and growth that is grounded in reality, alongside funny and witty comments. She's smart, she makes jokes, but she herself isn't the punchline - not the unironic, un-self-aware, battered punchline, the way the Joker would have her be.
FYI: Joker does not appear once in this comic. Harley truly has moved on, as her own independent identity. Her mark on pop culture is cemented: she's a risen star, and has been for years and years.
There is no more queerbaiting, either. Harley and Ivy are a couple, at last. No teasing, no double entendres, no ambiguous interpretations, no retrograde backtracking - in a flashback, they go on a romantic date and rampage, they are sweet with each other and confess their love for one another. They share everything. Ivy gives Harley a young plant to take care of - a symbol of Harley herself and her blossoming relationship with her Pammy. Her Red.
They kiss.
It's official.
I think they're still together, and they will reunite in later books. I hope they do; they are just perfect together. Ivy is what Harley needs, and vice versa.
The art is a little sketchy and cartoony, but it isn't over the top about it. It's fun and colourful. It's appealing even in the serious scenes, of which there are many. It suits Harley and what she's about in the comic. What a beautiful, tragic, sad clown of a gal.
I love Harley Quinn. I've been a fan ever since I began seeing her in her very first appearance, in 'Batman: The Animated Series', some six years ago now. In only under thirty years she's grown staggeringly, outrageously popular in the world of superhero pop culture and mainstream entertainment. There is no medium, no age group, that she hasn't been exposed to, and appealed to greatly. Wherever she goes, she conquers. And she is everywhere. Heck, my four-year-old niece cosplayed as her this Halloween!
It's not really surprising - she's awfully complex, exciting and captivating. She can be interpreted in a whole slew of different ways. The colourful, loud, proud, outspoken, versatile, thrilling, unstoppable, emotionally vulnerable yet available Harley Quinn, a clown lady and former abuse victim who does whatever she wants and says whatever she wants, is who women want to be, and who men want to be with; and who women want to be with, and who men want to be. A queer icon indeed! She is an empowering influence to many differing sorts of people. She is sympathetic and inspiring.
She is so beloved, so adored, that she has joined the rank of the DC Holy Trinity and other superheroes (and villains) in worldwide popularity and historical, cultural significance. This praise is heaped on a female character, too. All things considered - the horrifying reality where, let's face it, most human societies on earth hate women with a deep, primeval, feral and deadly passion - this is meaningful and powerful. A miracle.
Harley Quinn is a miracle, and a gift to the world of pervasive misogyny and general malignance.
I know I'm rambling too much here, but I wish to express how much I love her character.
Harleen Frances Quinzel - A doctor, a psychiatrist, a therapist, a clown princess - and queen - of crime, a villain, a sidekick, a girlfriend, a mallet-nut, a baseball bat-nut, a psychopath, a victim, an antiheroine, a Suicide Squad member, a Gotham City Siren, a Bird of Prey, a girlfriend again - to another woman, a complex LBGTQ idol, a comedienne, a superstar, a leader, a gang leader, a singer, a roller derby champ, a lover of hyenas and other animals, a daughter, a sister, and an Amazon sister. She has been it all.
'Harley Quinn Vol. 1: No Good Deed' is the start of an ongoing storyline, so not everything is developed properly, and it is a rather short volume. It doesn't fill the reader in on what happened in previous interconnected DC events, not really. But it is a vastly enjoyable 'Harley' comic, which I recommend to any fan. Go ahead and read it, as well as other contemporary titles with profound versions of the character like 'Harleen' and 'Breaking Glass'.
It's sweet stuff.
Extra note: Harley obtains - well, steals - a Grundy plushie! From Hugo Strange!
Speaking of plushies, Harley very briefly owns a stuffed unicorn toy in one scene. An intended allusion to Deadpool? I'm not sure how I feel, concerning that.
Final note: I love that the trade title references one of my favourite songs from one of my favourite musicals. It suits Harley and the comic in a lot of ways.
Final Score: 4/5
It is the most recent 'Harley' comic I've read, and it is from the current DC comics canon. The story is set after The Joker War, a DC event I'm not that familiar with, and Harley is back in Gotham City, after some incident with Poison Ivy which, again, I'm ignorant of (and the comic won't elaborate on it). Now she wants to move towards the heroine part of her antiheroine reputation, becoming one of Gotham's protectors, much to Batman's wariness and annoyance.
Specifically, she wants to help the clowns - the former henchmen and henchwomen of the Joker during the war, now remorseful and reformed - who are targeted by Gotham's angry citizens. And by Hugo Strange, who has morphed into broken and destroyed Gotham's political darling, and who is pushing to clean up the city of clowns; to "help" and "rehabilitate" them. Personally I don't see how Gotham is any worse than it has ever been before - I mean, hello, it's always been a lawless, toxic shithole - something that Harley points out through a raining-and-growing-with-care metaphor - but anyway: Harley genuinely wants to help these people who, like her, were in a bad and vulnerable place in life when they were taken in by the Joker and his words; they were also manipulated, taken advantage of, driven to do crime. Equally victims as well as criminals, they deserve a second chance, and Harley wishes to befriend them - notably the sad and sweet Kevin, a new bestie - and set them up for a healthy and happy path, such as through a support therapy group.
She is a psychiatrist, after all. She is technically qualified. And it is as much for her benefit, her steps towards redemption, as well.
But Hugo Strange and his goons won't have any of that. They will sabotage her efforts, and torture and obliterate her, Gotham's Clown Queen, at any cost.
Other characters featured include Killer Croc, Solomon Grundy, and Catwoman, in the final, awesome issue where she and Harley team up, similar to the Gotham City Siren days. Good times.
It seems that with 'No Good Deed', with a new writing team, DC has Harley Quinn on a serious, story-driven direction, with actual character development. No more of that tasteless and disgusting "shock humour" nonsense from Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti that desperately tried to emulate Deadpool. Harley deserves better treatment than that. We've seen from brilliant modern comics such as Stjepan Šejić's 'Harleen' the potential, the sheer scope, of what can be taken with her character; in stories that are love letters to her creation, which take her seriously - as an academic-turned-victim-and-villain-turned-tragic-figure - and take her to new, unexplored, clever, dark places. She deserves an arc, and growth that is grounded in reality, alongside funny and witty comments. She's smart, she makes jokes, but she herself isn't the punchline - not the unironic, un-self-aware, battered punchline, the way the Joker would have her be.
FYI: Joker does not appear once in this comic. Harley truly has moved on, as her own independent identity. Her mark on pop culture is cemented: she's a risen star, and has been for years and years.
There is no more queerbaiting, either. Harley and Ivy are a couple, at last. No teasing, no double entendres, no ambiguous interpretations, no retrograde backtracking - in a flashback, they go on a romantic date and rampage, they are sweet with each other and confess their love for one another. They share everything. Ivy gives Harley a young plant to take care of - a symbol of Harley herself and her blossoming relationship with her Pammy. Her Red.
They kiss.
It's official.
I think they're still together, and they will reunite in later books. I hope they do; they are just perfect together. Ivy is what Harley needs, and vice versa.
The art is a little sketchy and cartoony, but it isn't over the top about it. It's fun and colourful. It's appealing even in the serious scenes, of which there are many. It suits Harley and what she's about in the comic. What a beautiful, tragic, sad clown of a gal.
I love Harley Quinn. I've been a fan ever since I began seeing her in her very first appearance, in 'Batman: The Animated Series', some six years ago now. In only under thirty years she's grown staggeringly, outrageously popular in the world of superhero pop culture and mainstream entertainment. There is no medium, no age group, that she hasn't been exposed to, and appealed to greatly. Wherever she goes, she conquers. And she is everywhere. Heck, my four-year-old niece cosplayed as her this Halloween!
It's not really surprising - she's awfully complex, exciting and captivating. She can be interpreted in a whole slew of different ways. The colourful, loud, proud, outspoken, versatile, thrilling, unstoppable, emotionally vulnerable yet available Harley Quinn, a clown lady and former abuse victim who does whatever she wants and says whatever she wants, is who women want to be, and who men want to be with; and who women want to be with, and who men want to be. A queer icon indeed! She is an empowering influence to many differing sorts of people. She is sympathetic and inspiring.
She is so beloved, so adored, that she has joined the rank of the DC Holy Trinity and other superheroes (and villains) in worldwide popularity and historical, cultural significance. This praise is heaped on a female character, too. All things considered - the horrifying reality where, let's face it, most human societies on earth hate women with a deep, primeval, feral and deadly passion - this is meaningful and powerful. A miracle.
Harley Quinn is a miracle, and a gift to the world of pervasive misogyny and general malignance.
I know I'm rambling too much here, but I wish to express how much I love her character.
Harleen Frances Quinzel - A doctor, a psychiatrist, a therapist, a clown princess - and queen - of crime, a villain, a sidekick, a girlfriend, a mallet-nut, a baseball bat-nut, a psychopath, a victim, an antiheroine, a Suicide Squad member, a Gotham City Siren, a Bird of Prey, a girlfriend again - to another woman, a complex LBGTQ idol, a comedienne, a superstar, a leader, a gang leader, a singer, a roller derby champ, a lover of hyenas and other animals, a daughter, a sister, and an Amazon sister. She has been it all.
'Harley Quinn Vol. 1: No Good Deed' is the start of an ongoing storyline, so not everything is developed properly, and it is a rather short volume. It doesn't fill the reader in on what happened in previous interconnected DC events, not really. But it is a vastly enjoyable 'Harley' comic, which I recommend to any fan. Go ahead and read it, as well as other contemporary titles with profound versions of the character like 'Harleen' and 'Breaking Glass'.
It's sweet stuff.
Extra note: Harley obtains - well, steals - a Grundy plushie! From Hugo Strange!
Speaking of plushies, Harley very briefly owns a stuffed unicorn toy in one scene. An intended allusion to Deadpool? I'm not sure how I feel, concerning that.
Final note: I love that the trade title references one of my favourite songs from one of my favourite musicals. It suits Harley and the comic in a lot of ways.
Final Score: 4/5
February 13, 2022
Harley seeking redemption has been great in the current Bat series, so I was excited to see this solo take on the idea.
Also: disappointed.
Phillips just doesn't have the strong characterization of the Tynion series, so this is largely mediocre. It's not helped by the fact that Harley is burdened with an entirely flat sidekick and that Ivy is constantly teased and never shows up.
The main plot of saving a bunch of Joker-hangers-on isn't that great either, nor is the focus on villain Huge Strange, nor the general tie-ins to the bad Future State–based current Batman continuity.
There are two good issues. A short bit at the start does touch on Ivy (but like everything else, it's a tease); and the last issue crossover with Catwoman is also interesting.
But otherwise: meh.
Also: disappointed.
Phillips just doesn't have the strong characterization of the Tynion series, so this is largely mediocre. It's not helped by the fact that Harley is burdened with an entirely flat sidekick and that Ivy is constantly teased and never shows up.
The main plot of saving a bunch of Joker-hangers-on isn't that great either, nor is the focus on villain Huge Strange, nor the general tie-ins to the bad Future State–based current Batman continuity.
There are two good issues. A short bit at the start does touch on Ivy (but like everything else, it's a tease); and the last issue crossover with Catwoman is also interesting.
But otherwise: meh.
August 16, 2021
This is some of the best Harley Quinn stuff to be put out lately - especially in a monthly book. The art is unique and charming.
February 9, 2025
3 1/2 stars rounded up
Summary:
Following the Joker War, Harley Quinn is back in Gotham and determined to make things right this time. Unfortunately, not everyone is so willing to give the chaotic heroine the chance she deserves.
On the bright side, Batman is willing to step aside and watch what she does. So Harley is going to try and do her best, which means assembling some ex-clowns and helping them find a new path in life. Or getting in the way of Hugo Strange. Whichever.
Review:
Full disclosure: I’ve previously read all of the issues in Harley Quinn Vol. 1, but individually as they were released. I’m re-reading the whole series now to catch up, so this is my second time seeing most of these particular antics.
Harley Quinn’s chaos never gets old. Well, that’s probably not true. I’m sure I’d find her character very tiring if I knew her in real life. But I don’t! So I enjoy the strange brand of chaos Harley’s known for in Harley Quinn Vol. 1.
While I enjoyed Harley’s banter and most of the characters she interacted with, I’m already tired of Hugo Strange’s plot. Maybe it’s because this is my second time reading it, but I’m just not loving it. I’ll be happy when Harley gets a new antagonist to deal with.
Artwork:
I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with the artwork of Harley Quinn Vol. 1. By that, I mean there are times I love it and times when it just doesn’t feel right. The overall vibe of the style fits Harley, though, so I don’t outright hate it.
The artwork in the first issue (Laura Braga) is my favorite, but I was less keen on the rest. That said, the colors for Harley Quinn Vol. 1 were fantastic. It is brand, vibrant, and eye-catching. It’s perfect.
Highlights:
Superhero Comics
Batman Adjacent Storytelling
Harley Quinn Chaos
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Summary:
Following the Joker War, Harley Quinn is back in Gotham and determined to make things right this time. Unfortunately, not everyone is so willing to give the chaotic heroine the chance she deserves.
On the bright side, Batman is willing to step aside and watch what she does. So Harley is going to try and do her best, which means assembling some ex-clowns and helping them find a new path in life. Or getting in the way of Hugo Strange. Whichever.
Review:
Full disclosure: I’ve previously read all of the issues in Harley Quinn Vol. 1, but individually as they were released. I’m re-reading the whole series now to catch up, so this is my second time seeing most of these particular antics.
Harley Quinn’s chaos never gets old. Well, that’s probably not true. I’m sure I’d find her character very tiring if I knew her in real life. But I don’t! So I enjoy the strange brand of chaos Harley’s known for in Harley Quinn Vol. 1.
While I enjoyed Harley’s banter and most of the characters she interacted with, I’m already tired of Hugo Strange’s plot. Maybe it’s because this is my second time reading it, but I’m just not loving it. I’ll be happy when Harley gets a new antagonist to deal with.
Artwork:
I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with the artwork of Harley Quinn Vol. 1. By that, I mean there are times I love it and times when it just doesn’t feel right. The overall vibe of the style fits Harley, though, so I don’t outright hate it.
The artwork in the first issue (Laura Braga) is my favorite, but I was less keen on the rest. That said, the colors for Harley Quinn Vol. 1 were fantastic. It is brand, vibrant, and eye-catching. It’s perfect.
Highlights:
Superhero Comics
Batman Adjacent Storytelling
Harley Quinn Chaos
You Can Also Find Me On:
Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks | Quirky Cat's Comics | Monkeys Fighting Robots | Storygraph | Bookhype | Bookstagram | Tumblr | Reedsy | CBR> | Storylace>
Pango Books Code
April 4, 2022
OHMYGOD! with the vivid colour and slight-mania-that-manifests-in-a-super-fun-and-plot-driving-way that I love so much about Harley, this was a delightful, character-focused start to the new Harley run!!!! I tend to read non canon or side stories because they're typically shorter runs and less confusing, but Harley is my favourite DC character and with a new run starting - with such a gorgeous cover - I had to get on board. I was not at all disappointed. Stephanie does a wonderful job at showing a reformed Harley trying her best to be good, while staying true to what makes her herself - she's not Batman, she's not the Joker, she's not Catwoman (no matter how cool catwoman is) - and that's good! Plus, this book opens on Harley and Ivy on a date and a core part of Harley's redemption is her wanting to deserve to be with Ivy again and I JUST LOVE IT !!!!!! I LOVE GAY PEOPLE !!! these two were probably the first sapphic couple I got emotionally invested in, and it never fails to make me so fucking happy when they're canon. I loved how this book plays into how Ivy does make Harley a better person, and how good they are together. I love the repeated mention of Harley's PHD - the people gotta remember, she knows criminal psychology, because its part of what makes her character so good! I ADORED the harley/bats interaction, genuinely mean it when I say Harley and batman bring out the best in each other, and I never get tired of seeing them be friends.
I always just adore the style of Harley comics, because their brightness compared to Gotham's usual darkness is so fresh and enjoyable - I love Harley as a vehicle to poke fun at DC - why is Gotham always rainy? Why does Batman solely pick teens to join his team? yeah, Batman IS goth - I think it just works so well.
Loved the comic with Catwoman too, their friendship is awesome and SELINA LOOKED SO HOT YAAAS !!!
This book did a really good job of having a lot of focus on Harley's character and redemption whilst also developing a villainous plot that was like a parallel to her character arc - God I love superhero stuff that follows the formula just right!
A fun romp with a lot of humour, some really meaningful moments and sapphic yearning, all gorgeously painted - so excited to keep up with this series.
I always just adore the style of Harley comics, because their brightness compared to Gotham's usual darkness is so fresh and enjoyable - I love Harley as a vehicle to poke fun at DC - why is Gotham always rainy? Why does Batman solely pick teens to join his team? yeah, Batman IS goth - I think it just works so well.
Loved the comic with Catwoman too, their friendship is awesome and SELINA LOOKED SO HOT YAAAS !!!
This book did a really good job of having a lot of focus on Harley's character and redemption whilst also developing a villainous plot that was like a parallel to her character arc - God I love superhero stuff that follows the formula just right!
A fun romp with a lot of humour, some really meaningful moments and sapphic yearning, all gorgeously painted - so excited to keep up with this series.
May 26, 2022
In this volume, we see the beginnings of Harley’s attempts to go straight. She wants to be one of the good guys or at least she’s trying not to be seen as one of the bad ones. But Gotham is not a forgiving place. Even as she protests that she’s not around to harm people, folks see her as a menace.
She’s not the only one in the public’s crosshairs. There were a lot of henchmen who ran with the Joker and the Gothamites want them to pay or simply get the hell out of Dodge. So Harley decides she’s going to start her career as a do-gooder by calling on one of her old skills—psychiatry. She calls a meeting to offer emotional help to former Joker clowns. The first meeting…doesn’t go well.
There’s another person who claims he wants to help the clowns in Gotham. But his agenda is merely to get them off the streets and what he wants to do with them is suspicious indeed. Harley doesn’t trust Hugo Strange and doesn’t think he’s all that reformed. When he tries to collect her and winds up taking a whole lot of other former Jokers instead, she’s hot on his trail.
This book also sees the inclusion of Batman, who was notably lacking in the other recent volumes I’ve read about Harley Quinn. Harley assures Batman she’s reformed and she wants to help. But, unlike supers like Poison Ivy, Wonder Woman and Power Girl, Batman is very much a loner.
The teamup with Catwoman doesn’t go much better. Catwoman makes it clear that she and Harley are on different paths. You sense a new friendship is on the horizon. But it’s obvious Catwoman isn’t the gregarious type.
Harley is very much a social animal but you can’t help but feel she’d be better off taking a little time alone and setting her mental house in order before attempting to forge working relationships with others. When she insists she and Batman are working together, you’re as skeptical about it as her latest charity project Kevin. When Catwoman disappears out a window, you know she doesn’t want to see Harley when she returns.
Harley is trying. But her struggle is in its early stages. She’s got a long way to go.
She’s not the only one in the public’s crosshairs. There were a lot of henchmen who ran with the Joker and the Gothamites want them to pay or simply get the hell out of Dodge. So Harley decides she’s going to start her career as a do-gooder by calling on one of her old skills—psychiatry. She calls a meeting to offer emotional help to former Joker clowns. The first meeting…doesn’t go well.
There’s another person who claims he wants to help the clowns in Gotham. But his agenda is merely to get them off the streets and what he wants to do with them is suspicious indeed. Harley doesn’t trust Hugo Strange and doesn’t think he’s all that reformed. When he tries to collect her and winds up taking a whole lot of other former Jokers instead, she’s hot on his trail.
This book also sees the inclusion of Batman, who was notably lacking in the other recent volumes I’ve read about Harley Quinn. Harley assures Batman she’s reformed and she wants to help. But, unlike supers like Poison Ivy, Wonder Woman and Power Girl, Batman is very much a loner.
The teamup with Catwoman doesn’t go much better. Catwoman makes it clear that she and Harley are on different paths. You sense a new friendship is on the horizon. But it’s obvious Catwoman isn’t the gregarious type.
Harley is very much a social animal but you can’t help but feel she’d be better off taking a little time alone and setting her mental house in order before attempting to forge working relationships with others. When she insists she and Batman are working together, you’re as skeptical about it as her latest charity project Kevin. When Catwoman disappears out a window, you know she doesn’t want to see Harley when she returns.
Harley is trying. But her struggle is in its early stages. She’s got a long way to go.
January 3, 2023
If you had said this was the best Harley Quinn since Bruce Timm, I would have laughed at you judging by the cover of course but the truth is it is. We don't have some Deadpool wannabe instead we have a redemption story of someone trying to make amends with all the bad they've done with life.
The meat of the story follows on from Batman, Vol. 2: The Joker War, it explains it well enough that you don't need to read it. Harley is now working with Batman very loosely and she's trying to help Joker henchmen, though Hugo Strange has other plans. It's a lot of fun and dives into the characters psyche, which is something I've been wanting from a Harley comic for a while being that she was a psychologist.
This is bookended by a Batman Urban Legends story which goes into the recent of retcon of Harley and Ivy having romantic feelings for each other, it's decent but it does feel a bit forced as there is no mention of it anywhere else in the story. The after story I loved for one simple reason Scarecrow he had a chat with Huge Strange and boy was I on the edge of my seat whilst reading it. His sheer presence felt like anyone around him was in danger and that exactly how Scarecrow should be, we get a bit of a team up with Catwoman and Harley to pad it out as well, it's entertaining enough.
As for the art, the cover isn't the best representation of it, the interior is a lot better and it does actually grow on you.
The meat of the story follows on from Batman, Vol. 2: The Joker War, it explains it well enough that you don't need to read it. Harley is now working with Batman very loosely and she's trying to help Joker henchmen, though Hugo Strange has other plans. It's a lot of fun and dives into the characters psyche, which is something I've been wanting from a Harley comic for a while being that she was a psychologist.
This is bookended by a Batman Urban Legends story which goes into the recent of retcon of Harley and Ivy having romantic feelings for each other, it's decent but it does feel a bit forced as there is no mention of it anywhere else in the story. The after story I loved for one simple reason Scarecrow he had a chat with Huge Strange and boy was I on the edge of my seat whilst reading it. His sheer presence felt like anyone around him was in danger and that exactly how Scarecrow should be, we get a bit of a team up with Catwoman and Harley to pad it out as well, it's entertaining enough.
As for the art, the cover isn't the best representation of it, the interior is a lot better and it does actually grow on you.
December 29, 2023
Actual rating: 3.5/5 rounded up because of the potential of Harley Quinn FINALLY being realized aside from the art style
After having caught up with the 2022 run of Poison Ivy, I wanted to learn more about Harley Quinn's story and where she could go. I've read most of the reviews for this comic volume while reading, and I can see the points everyone is making. Where is Harley Quinn going to go from here is the question of the hour.
I think the point is we aren't supposed to know yet. Harley Quinn is a highly underrated and underestimated character in the DCU. I also recently watched Birds of Prey (2020) which didn't get glowingly reviews either, but a lot of the dialogue and scene cuts reminded me a lot of it. Phillips did a great job capturing Harley Quinn's chaotic energy and her uncertainty with moving forward, but her concurrent understanding that SHE gets to define her own future now.
I'm not a comic veteran, but the plot was alright. It served its purpose, allowing for Harley Quinn to interact with Batman and ACTUALLY try to define how she wants to be perceived, even if the general populous isn't onboard yet with her being a hero. Issue #6 was my favorite because of the inclusion of Catwoman. I think the other issues walked so #6 could run.
The one thing I disliked the most was the art style. With the exception of issue #6, I just wasn't vibing with it. The way Batman was drawn especially threw me off. Though, the colors were fun and engaging, serving to illustrate how multifaceted Harley Quinn is and her fun energy.
I'm looking forward to seeing what else Stephanie Phillips has in store for this run of Harley Quinn.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2023
The majority of this book has pretty crappy art. Sure it's a style, but it's terrible, in my humble opinion. Very angular, with tiny feet, big boobs, worse the 60s Barbie waist, big hips, subpar facial features, rather crude color work from the colorist. You get it, not great. Riley Rossmo's art is just sad when compared with Laura Braga whose art opens and closes this volume. Her art is gorgeous with more detail and her colorist knocked it out of the park. Sure the body style is...ideal body type at best, but it is far closer to being more realistic. At the very least the attention to detail is great!
Storywise...it was pretty good. This newer series seems more realistic with Harley freed thanks to her work with the Suicide Squad. Now she's trying to prove that she is turning over a new leaf by helping other joker 'clowns' and trying to stop the crime ring that has been using them for experiments. Hugo Strange, Scarecrow, and Keepsake seem to be the current set of villains.
It's implied the Poison Ivy is off somewhere (or something) and Harley is attempting to prove herself worthy of her. Also, in this series they are blatantly stating (complete with a kissing scene) that Harley and Ivy are/were together as a couple. Rather than the usually 'suggesting' of it.
Don't like the artwork, but the story isn't bad. Might pick up the second one to see what it looks like before I decide if I am going to continue with the series or not.
Storywise...it was pretty good. This newer series seems more realistic with Harley freed thanks to her work with the Suicide Squad. Now she's trying to prove that she is turning over a new leaf by helping other joker 'clowns' and trying to stop the crime ring that has been using them for experiments. Hugo Strange, Scarecrow, and Keepsake seem to be the current set of villains.
It's implied the Poison Ivy is off somewhere (or something) and Harley is attempting to prove herself worthy of her. Also, in this series they are blatantly stating (complete with a kissing scene) that Harley and Ivy are/were together as a couple. Rather than the usually 'suggesting' of it.
Don't like the artwork, but the story isn't bad. Might pick up the second one to see what it looks like before I decide if I am going to continue with the series or not.
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