Harley Quinn Black + White + Red #4: The Fresh Princess of Brooklyn

Ever thought you’d see Harley Quinn in a rap battle? Well get ready for Harley Quinn Black + White + Red #4, the latest issue in the DC Digital first series that explores just how expansive Harley’s range as a character really is. I never thought we’d see her participating in the underground rap battle scene, but Seeley and company take readers on a lighthearted romp that knows how to have fun in this issue.

This issue leans heavily into the Harley/Joker dynamic, bringing Ivy into the mix yet again in just a friendship capacity. I was very happy to see the series start from Sejic with a look into bringing Harley and Ivy closer together and breaking down the “friendship” barrier that DC seems so adamant about maintaining. While Harley Quinn Black + White + Red #4 falls back into the friend zone approach for the two, at most showing the two with their arms around one another, it does utilize the complicated dynamic between Harley and Joker in an interestingly hilarious way.

There really isn’t a lot of substance in this story, and that’s okay. It really isn’t meant to be overly complex or deeply insightful. The fun is in the spectacle of the rap battle and the wacky artwork that re-imagines rappers as some of Gotham’s most notorious villains. The absolute star of design choices comes from Ivy, who is tattooed and strikes a very casual vibe. Harley’s look is predictably wild, with a bit of an 80’s influence, but together they make for quite a whimsical appearance. Juan Ferrerya pulls off some stunning visuals that ultimately make the entire issue feel more worthwhile. With the help of Wands solid and distinct lettering, the execution is spot on.

Seeley’s humor comes through in nearly every panel in this issue, and it does work for the most part. Joker’s humiliation was a fun enough twist that turns the tables on how predictable some of the stories can be when involving Harley versus Joker. This issue didn’t really push the character to new boundaries like the previous ones have, but it’s still an enjoyable issue that is worth the money for both new and longtime fans of Harley Quinn. It would be great to see what this creative team could do with a more comprehensive story, but for what it is, the rap battle extravaganza issue is a great time.

Plus, if you needed any confirmation of Harley being a fan of K-Pop, this is your issue! Don’t miss out on this digital first series, it continues to be more fun than it ever had to be.