A sequel to Harley Quinn: Black + White + Red, Harley Quinn: Black + White + Redder sees a collection of writers, artists, letterers, and editors come together to share short stories all in a black, white, and red theme – extremely fitting for the character as she goes on countless adventures with her signature colors.
I have missed this series, and I am delighted they are doing another run of great mayhem and mischief. I think these short stories are a great way to cover all sides of Harley’s personality in quick succession. We can have a chaotic and unserious Harley, then we can have an emotional and in-depth Harley – it’s a one size fits all, whichever version of Harley is your favorite.
It’s also a great opportunity for writers to experiment with a character that is not as predictable as superheroes. I enjoy different writers bringing forward new perspectives and topics for Harley. I always find it enduring to read how other people view her. It’s a balanced mix of characteristics.
Paul Scheer and Nick Giovannetti are back again for “Get Gaggy” – they co-wrote the Harley story “It’s A Horrible Life” in DC’s Very Merry Multiverse. I’m also a fan of Paul’s work on Big Mouth. The art is by Tom Reilly who also gave us an incredible variant that has gone straight to my collection. It’s an enjoyable read.
In the “Get Gaggy” short, there is a recurring gag with Gaggy, Joker’s past henchman, who was his number one until Harley came about – making a reappearance – I’ve always had a soft spot for Gaggy in Gotham City Sirens, and its apparent other people do too. He’s been refrenced several times throughout the years in Harley’s stories. I think some throwbacks are a real highlight, especially for a long-term Harley fan like myself.
My personal story stealer was “Push Through The Pain” as it showcases what Harley has possibly been like in gymnastics with a slightly sinister twist. You can’t have Harley without some twisted events. Leah Williams has done previous work with Harley, including Knight Terrors: Harley Quinn and the Harilvy story for DC Pride 2023. I enjoy her writing style – she manages to keep Harley’s bad side blended well with her good. She did a great job on the Knight Terrors story, and her story for Black + White + Redder #1 was my favorite.
Chip Zdarsky is always a promising name to see paired with any comic, especially Harley Quinn for his story “Man of Steel”. He’s well-experienced and always delivers a fun punchline to each story. The story reminded me of the Harley Quinn: The Animated Series episode “Thawing Hearts”. Something about Harley wanting to annoy Mr.Freeze is an event I can’t pass up.
Speaking of punchlines, the three tales for Harley Quinn: Black + White + Redder #1 deliver satisfactory conclusions that fit well within her character. It’s a no-brainer I will be following and collecting this run, as it’s too good not to want a book filled with Harley Shorts. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!