“Harley Quinn X Elvira #5” – Unsure Yet Sizable Adventure

Creative Team

Writers: Jimmy Palmiotti, Amanda Conner
Artists: Amanda Conner, Juan Samu
Colors: Amanda Conner, Walter Pereya

*POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD*

Spacey Writing

Continuing from the previous issue, Harley & Elvira get picked up by the space-faring DC superhero Vartox for a lavish shindig in the stars. This somewhat forces the main plot to take a bit of a backseat, but this doesn’t feel like a massive detriment. In fact, this sidetrack has a potentially massive outcome which I won’t spoil here, as it could have an impact on the main plot in a roundabout way!

Despite the slight sidetracking of the main plot, the writing from Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner remains as witty and sharp as ever! For instance, there are several good sight gags, like a teddy-bear alien race that travels in a ship looking like Elvira’s torso or a human-sized cat just seen off to the side. I especially love the human-sized cat and require a plushie immediately. Along with the sight gags are some inventive fourth wall breaks, specifically a scene involving Kara watching James Gunn’s “Superman”.

Unfortunately, as previously stated, the main plot does take a bit of a backseat here. While there’s a page filling readers in on what’s going on with Elvira’s former employer, that’s as much as we get. As much as I’m enjoying the chaotic nature of things, it feels odd here. While chaos is in character for the pair, it shouldn’t be detrimental to the plot. Though with how this comic ends, I can only imagine how the plot will carry forward.

Artistic Space

Between Amanda Conner doing two pages and the duo of Juan Samu & Walter Preya carrying the rest, I’m in love with the artistry here. There’s so much on display and not a single piece lacks. The usage of color from Preya is simply astonishing and vibes perfectly with Samu’s work. To provide an example, my favorite panel shows Harley from behind, the vibrant colors of a party coming in as the moon shines bright on her face, stars shining.

The work of Samu & Preya pairs perfectly with the two pages of Amanda Conner. The way she commands the space, forgoing panels altogether in favor of visual thought bubbles, is something I’d love to see far more of. Those bubbles are so rich in both design and color that I was completely blown away! Truly stunning work from all parties. The variant covers, most certainly, aren’t anything to scoff at either, with Ben Caldwell’s piece being one I’d love to add to my collection.

Overall Grade – 7.5/10

While the main plot takes a bit of a backseat, Palmiotti & Conner deliver a fun time with an interesting twist, coupled with fantastic artwork! This run overall is so far something special, and I very much look forward to the future!

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Comments

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