Harley Quinn #2: Strange Times!

Who does the city of Gotham really consider worthy of second chances? 

Harley brings up the important question that has her surrounded in confusion, why the evil Hugo Strange and not her instead? Gotham is giving him full access to a program called S.A.F.E. aka Secure and Fearless Engagement. The irony being, why would anyone feel safe in a room behind closed doors with Strange. During this announcement she points out the unfairness in how the city gives out free passes to everyone but her. She is ignored when bringing up her qualifications in being a psychiatrist, yet Hugo could easily put his old degree to work with no problem. Phillips makes sure to include how Harley can see by his choice of words in how he isn’t giving the city a real apology. As someone who studies people, she is well aware of his insidious intent to appear genuine.

It’s nice to see the progression of her character wanting to take accountability for her past and knowing that she needs to set things right with a lot of people. Harley is going full My Name Is Earl, and I absolutely love this direction. Harley, as eccentric as she is, doesn’t need the politicians of Gotham’s declaration towards change, instead she is willing to do all of that on her own. 

We do get a very sad scene of Harley’s new sidekick Kevin. He reflects on his past, and the instant regret he felt in the moment of a huge mistake that cost someone their life. We see a character who took accountability, and even though he still feels guilty he is willing to work with Harley to one day become a hero like her. 

With the next scene, we get a scene of Hugo Strange torturing someone into confessing for a crime they never committed. He isn’t willing to listen to a single word of his plea and continues to punish the poor man until he can get a false admission. He has a very twisted perception of holding people accountable. 

I love the fun vibe that this art fulfilled with the issue. Rossmo delivers with the exciting tone that Harley can bring in any scene she enters. A lot of titles in Gotham normally tend to have a dark and serious emotion to it. While the coloring from Plascencia does keep the dark feeling with the background it balances out perfectly with the colorful and joyful nature of Harley and Kevin.