Detective #831: Kinda Like Family Main stars: Harley Quinn Scarface & Sugar Batman Writer: Paul Dini Penciller: Don Kramer Colourist: John Kalisz Synopsis: Harley Quinn is itching for parole, but when her case comes up for review, she is once again turned down by Bruce Wayne, an executive member of the Asylum Board. But her woes just get worse when she is forcibly kidnapped from Arkham only to find herself face to face with Scarface and his paramour, Sugar. They want Harley’s help and unique acrobatic skills to help them pull off one heck of a heist. But will it really be that simple to get Harley back into a life of crime? The Good: Paul Dini has a way of bringing Harley to life that few other writers do. This makes sense, since she is his baby after all. He is a master of the self-contained and satisfying story as well, which makes this an enjoyable, brisk-moving story. Harley is in top form here, her cute and sassy self, letting people think she’s a brainless bimbo as usual but with the cogs and wheels whirring fast inside that cute little head of hers – one thing Harley has learned to do very well is take advantage of people underestimating her smarts. Harley also demonstrates her essentially sweet nature in this story. I always had a soft spot for Arnold Wesker and Harley has always been loyal to those she counts as friends – so while I am terribly sad about Arnold’s passing, I’m glad Harley honours his memory. I also appreciate that Dini explores, however briefly, just how frightening and horrible an experience being incarcerated in a mental institution would be. It’s also wonderful to see Harley in costume again! Looking great, Harls! The art is pretty gorgeous too. I don’t know that Kramer has quite mastered Harley’s face out of costume, but her hair looks great and in costume she is as stunning as ever. The visual narrative has a smooth and expressive flow to it, which makes reading it a treat, and the colouring is vivid and lively. The Bad: Not a lot, to be honest, and what I would say is “bad” is a very, very subjective thing. Firstly, as sassy and perky Harley is, whenever she is “rehabilitated” she is always far too well adjusted for my liking. I mean, she wasn’t just a nutty criminal. She was in a D/s relationship with the world’s most feared and dangerous sociopath. Now, I believe in Harley’s resiliency, and I believe in her ability to mask some of the darker emotions she’d be going through, but I’d like to see a little more exploration of what’s going on underneath. The other thing is on page 16 when Harley refers to her previous belief in Joker’s love as “insane rationalisations” and “desperate denials”, suggesting that she is once and for all “over” Joker. Some will be cheering, but it breaks my heart. I still want to see them back together, more than just about anything else. I don’t believe an obsession and love like Harley’s ever can truly die, and I do think it takes away from her character if that’s how they’re going to play it from now on. Nonetheless, earlier in the issue Batman is under the impression Harley’s been nabbed by Joker and states that seeing her man in need will be something she can’t resist. Harley also refers to Joker as ‘Mr. J’ once. So Dini isn’t eliminating it altogether – and it’s possible Harley is suppressing her true feelings in her desire to be free or to be healed. At least, I hope so. Overall: 4/5 Recommended? Most definitely! BACK