In this review of Harley Quinn #52, it’s a thrilling, action-packed…city council meeting? When Harley takes to the podium, chaos ensues. Also discover the secret origin of the enigmatic figure known as “Chicken Fingers”.
Harley Quinn #52 main cover by Elizabeth Torque (DC Comics)
HARLEY QUINN #51
Written by ELLIOTT KALAN
Art by MINDY LEE
Cover by ELIZABETH TORQUE
Variant Covers: DAVID NAKAYAMA, NOOBOVICH, BETSY COLA, ROBIN HIGGINBOTTOM
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: June 25, 2025
This review contains spoilers
Harley Quinn #52 begins en media res (what, nobody took Latin?) as the Gotham City Council (District 16) hears from disgruntled citizens in a public comment session, including Harley Quinn. It turns out that Harley’s homicidal nemesis/potential love interest Althea Klang’s new public service kiosk installation has caused havoc in the Throatcutter Hill neighborhood, better known as NOWEGOSOE (I have no idea, go look it up). Also, it turns out that lodging an official complaint was Harley’s second choice (guess what was first).
It turns out that in her zeal to help her neighbors, Harley might have tried destroying the monstrosity with a baseball bat, but to no avail as both of her bats are destroyed. Harley catches sight of Ravager (Deathstroke’s nepo baby) on the roof and confronts her about shooting her bats to splinters, but also targeting Harley’s landlady. Harley’s recounting of the incident is suddenly interrupted by Althea Klang who has her own version, as does Ravager. Chaos ensues behind the podium.
Depending upon whom is telling the story, either Harley or Ravager are the victor or the ‘fraidy cat of the rooftop brawl. At one point another fight breaks out between Harley and Ravager during the council session (one of two actually). The council chair call for order, and Harley explains how her unhoused vigilante sidekick Chicken Fingers suggested that she raise the issue of the new kiosk in the public forum.
A second fight between Harley and Ravager erupts in the chamber, but order isn’t called as Harley has stolen the gavel. Chicken Fingers unexpectedly bursts in and things quiet down as he explains his presence. It turns out that CF was the former district council president named Chester Figueroa (this almost makes sense now). Unfortunately, Chester succumbed to the siren call of his position (okay, he took bribes and resigned in disgrace).
The shocking part about his tale isn’t his sordid past, but that CF wants the kiosk to stay in NOWEGOSOE, as it has benefits for the unhoused. Harley is taken aback by her friend’s admission, but relents once she sees things from CF’s point of view.
Harley Quinn #52 ends in somewhat surprising fashion as Harley’s sworn enemy Althea finally asks her out on a date. What took her so long? What will Poison Ivy think? Will Throatcutter Hill survive the experience?
Harley and Ravager prepare to come to blows… (DC Comics)
Analysis
Harley Quinn #52 is totally bonkers, in a good way. The shifting points-of-view, the out of character characterizations, plus the multiple brawls erupting inside and outside the council chamber continue this series’ trend of clever slapstick storytelling. Harley as the title character has depth and vulnerability that work to counter her typical over-the-top antics in her effort to do good for her neighborhood.
Writer Elliot Kalan tees up another winning issue with Harley Quinn #52 , utilizing an unorthodox storytelling approach that might only work with Harley’s heightened sense of reality. The script is full of clever observations and witty one-liners that illustrate even civilians’ deadpan response to the chaos commonly erupting around Harley. Chicken Fingers’ checkered past with the city council fleshes out the enigmatic sidekick enough that we know at least know his real name and about his quest for redemption.
Harley’s long-simmering romantic tension with neighborhood nemesis Althea Klang comes to a head in Harley Quinn #52. But what about Harley’s relationship with Poison Ivy? Apparently Ivy has had her own romantic misadventures in her critically acclaimed solo title. Should these two nemeses find a love connection, it can make for an interesting story arc, but then what? Also Harley hasn’t said yes yet.
Series artist Mindy Lee returns in time to unpack Kalan’s wild, imaginative script with a cartoony style that belies an emotional depth, slapstick and cartoonish, exaggerated action. Lee’s knack for exaggerated facial expressions is on full display in Harley Quinn #52, encapsulated with large, expressive eyes for every character, regardless of the mood. Lee’s panel angles and figure poses are thrilling, while she also throws in sight gags that might require a reread to catch.
Even letterer Lucas Gattoni gets in on the fun with some wildly expressive and unique sound effects (onomatopoeia?) that reinforce the exaggerated nature of Harley’s comic book world.
Final thoughts
Harley Quinn #52 continues the series’ streak of energetic, imaginative and humorous storytelling that makes full use of the unique comic book format. Come for the public listening session, stay for the high-quality story and art.
Final Thoughts
Harley Quinn #52 continues the series' streak of energetic, imaginative and humorous storytelling that makes full use of the unique comic book format. Come for the public listening session, stay for the high-quality story and art.
Adam Koppel
Who strikes fear into the darkest of hearts in Gotham City? Not me, I'm too busy reading comics and writing reviews.
English (US) · 