Review: Harley Quinn - Holiday Special #1

(DC Comics, 2015)

Art by: John TimmsDarwyn Cooke
Cover by: Amanda Conner
Variant cover by: Amanda Conner
Written by: Jimmy PalmiottiAmanda Conner

It’s Christmas time! And, it’s time for all of the holiday themed TV shows, movies, and comic books. Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti have put together a wonderful issue of Harley Quinn as she explores the wonders of Christmas in three short stories. Remember the old Looney Tune cartoons that were broken into two or three eight minute episodes? This is the format that Harley’s Holiday Special is formatted. It is an absolutely, wonderful read and one that is filled with the right amount of jeer, cheer, and destruction.

Conner brings a very interesting twist to Harley Quinn that allows her to maintain her psychotic, pyrotechnic lifestyle, yet somehow come across as a comic book character that you almost want your child to read. The artwork by John Timms and Darwyn Cooke in this Holiday Special features both colorful and exciting. The toon-ish feel holds to the rest of the Harley Quinn New 52 stories that makes this issue a true joy to read.

In the first episode of this special, Harley finds herself having to give away all of her adopted animals because of a slight obsession that has caused her to go over the top. The way that she proceeds to do this is by hiding them in “reputable peoples” shopping carts as they leave the shopping mall. One cute little pug that she loves so much, finds his way into the home of a little girl that is as crazy as Harley herself. After deciding to check in on her furry friend, Harley finds herself as a temporary babysitter for the little hellcat. What a fun story!

Screen Shot 2014-12-10 at 16.20.41
Have you ever wondered where Christmas music comes from or how aging works? Thank goodness that Harley Quinn explores both of these topics. Following the first story are two short stories that feature Harley discovering a Humbug in her ear singing Christmas songs and the search for Father Time. With no spoilers to the eggnog, just know that they are worth the read. Ms. Quinn has the full opportunity to wish the world of Long Island a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year with a literal bang. She even shows that she has a loving “family-side”.

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Take a step away from all the DC and Marvel mayhem to enjoy this fun Holiday Special. Again, major stocking stuffers should be given to the staff at DC on this issue. This comic is truly a gift that keeps on giving with laughter and enjoyment after every read. Have a wonderful Christmas season!

Reviewed by Galen Garner


GalenGarner-biopic-small

Galen is a Graphic Designer in Wake Forest, NC. He is the husband of a wonderful Oklahoma girl and dad of a future Marvel Comics fan. He enjoys comic-related anything, the Boston Red Sox and sharpening his axe for the zombie apocalypse.

Twitter - @bamaredsox

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