Review by Ian Keogh
This follows the pattern of Batman: Black and White by allowing assorted creators to work on a brief Harley Quinn story without committing themselves to a long run. Of course, Harley’s stories are generally funnier as well, although that’s not etched in stone. Originally presented as digital content, nineteen contributions are featured here, with more to follow in Black + White + Redder.
Perhaps on the basis of being the only contributor to make use of the word “red” being in the title, Stjepan Šejić opens the collection (sample art left). Then again, it might be because he’s an incredible artist known for his alluring depictions of people. Either way, it’s not just the therapist Harley will have guessing by constantly defining the word “red”. Šejić is also a rare contributor for treating Harley as a serious character, almost tragic.
Šejić is among several contributors writing and drawing their stories (Mirka Andolfo, Katana Collins, Dani, Erica Henderson, Joe Quinones, Riley Rossmo), and the best of them, although Rossmo comes close with a clever script about Harley’s life. That’s also the route taken by Collins, looking at a reformed Harley, while Dani’s Frank Miller impression is nice, although not always as clear as you might like.
Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner writing for Chad Hardin is a creative team with some Harley pedigree (start with Hot in the City), and theirs is among the funniest contributions with Harley costuming a new super team. Simon Spurrier and Otto Schmidt work on a clever story of Harley’s ideas on how to disable DC’s premier heroes, and Patrick Schumacker and Eleonora Carlini’s thoughts on a more woke group of super villains is also funny and smart.
A few creators reflect on Harley’s time with the Joker, the best of those being the poignancy provided by Jordie Bellaire and Greg Smallwood (sample art right), but more take on the not always smooth relationship between Harley and Poison Ivy. The best of them also use another repeated theme: Christmas. Liz Erickson’s initial rhyming narrative is funny, Tom Derenick draws a great seedy Santa, and there’s the heartwarming ending you want. It’s even better than Adam Hughes drawing David Mandel’s story about Hannukah.
The selection closes with Harley’s co-creator Paul Dini’s story of a Vegas heist. As drawn by fellow Batman animated show alumni Kevin Altieri it’s just too busy and crowded, but it’s gloriously silly.
The art ranges from wild cartooning to a form of realism, and it’s all good if for allowing for the occasional problem with clarity. There’s solid entertainment to be had here.
