Friday, July 18, 2014

Harley Quinn Invades Comic-Con International #1

   What could be more natural than a special issue combining the lunacy of Harley Quinn with the chaotic gathering known as Comic-Con International?

   Don't answer too quickly.

   It's a great idea on the surface of it, but in execution it's a very mixed bag - at least for me.

   Part of that is because the issue is struggling with the balance between the real world and the more cartoonish, Warner Brothers cartoon-type action it really calls for.

   Another part of the problem is that the art is supplied by a crazy-quilt collection of artists whose styles don't always mesh - we're talking Paul Pope, Javier Garron, Damion Scott, Robert Campanella, Amanda Conner, John Timms, Marco Failla, Dave Johnson and Stehanie Roux. All talented artists, but to try to mold their efforts into a single coherent story is a bit much (though I admit I'd follow Amanda Conner anywhere).

   Oh, and if you're going to load in lots of in-jokes, how about providing a key at the end of the issue so we can all join in?

   So a good idea for a comic celebrating the premier comics convention and celebration of all things related thereupon - but this issue just didn't work for me. Better luck next year!

Grade: B-

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