Harley Quinn #28 – Comic Book Review and Breakdown
Genre
Action, Comedy, Crime, Psychological Drama, Superhero
Fiction
Main Characters
- Harley
Quinn (Harleen Quinzel): Former psychiatrist turned unpredictable
anti-heroine, known for her chaotic charm and surprising depth.
- Red
Tool: A mysterious and heavily armed vigilante with an obsession for
Harley, marked by a blend of lethal skills and awkward romantic
tendencies.
Writer
Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti – A dynamic
duo behind many successful Harley Quinn runs, known for blending humor with
emotional nuance.
Artist
John Timms – Recognized for his expressive character
work and kinetic action sequences that perfectly capture Harley’s manic energy.
Editor Details
Chris Conroy – A seasoned editor at DC Comics, known
for maintaining strong continuity and character consistency in offbeat series.
Publisher and Brand
DC Comics – Under the DC Universe imprint (not
a part of Black Label or The New 52, but within DC's main continuity during
Rebirth-era evolution).
Release Year
2017
Brief Plot Summary
In Harley Quinn #28, Harley finds herself targeted by
the bizarre and unpredictable Red Tool. Unlike her usual enemies, Red Tool is
not only unrelenting but seemingly impervious to pain, shrugging off every
inventive trap Harley throws at him. What begins as another chaotic
confrontation escalates into a deeper psychological struggle, as Harley tries
to decipher whether this relentless pursuit stems from a twisted grudge—or
something disturbingly romantic. As always, Harley's resilience and wit take
center stage as she navigates another bizarre threat in her equally strange
world.
Notable Arcs or Storylines
This issue falls within the broader Harley Quinn (Vol. 3)
arc, co-written by Conner and Palmiotti, which focuses on Harley's efforts to
establish her own sense of identity and autonomy in Brooklyn. The Red Tool
storyline is a recurring subplot, parodying characters like Deadpool, and
highlighting Harley's struggle between chaos and self-empowerment.
Fan Theories or Interpretations
Some fans speculate that Red Tool is a deliberate
meta-commentary on the mercenary anti-hero trope, possibly poking fun at
Marvel’s Deadpool. His obsession with Harley is interpreted as a satirical
inversion of classic superhero romances, making readers question the line
between admiration and harassment. Others suggest that Harley’s unshakable
ability to outmaneuver such threats is a metaphor for her growing emotional
independence.
Review Summary
Harley Quinn #28 delivers exactly what fans expect from this series: an eccentric mix of wild action, punchy humor, and subversive emotional beats. Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti continue their strong run by pitting Harley against a weirdo who’s both a threat and a tragicomic reflection of her past relationships. John Timms’ art complements the chaos with fluid lines and a great sense of comedic timing. The issue is lighthearted on the surface but carries undertones of self-awareness and depth, keeping Harley compelling as both an icon of madness and strength.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
