Welcome to an all-new edition of Parlay Points, the comic book review blog for the ODPH Podcast!

For this entry, we’re checking out a DC Comics Series that presents one of its’ superstar characters in a different space. The “Black & White” brand is a unique format where creators can tell short stories that fit outside the normal continuity with primarily black and white coloring.

Originally, this format made it’s debut in 1996 with “Batman: Black and White”. From it’s popularity, it has grown into a creator’s playground to share stories that feature the lead in a different perspective.

Harley Quinn: Black, White and Red made its debut in 2020. Fans raved about the fresh takes on one of the most popular DCU characters. With that success, a new series made it’s debut in July 2023. Coming off the heels of a strong debut, issue #2 looks to leave a lasting impression.

Harley Quinn: Black White and Redder #2 by Kelly Thompson, Annie Wu, Clayton Cowles, Ro Stein & Ted Brandt, Andrea Shea, Ryan Parrott, Luana Vecchio, Becca Carey, and Matthew Levine delivers three great stories for readers to check out. Let’s take a closer look at what is unfolding here, shall we?

*** POTENTIAL SPOILER WARNING ***

Due to the lengths of stories, the overview of each tale will be shorter than usual reviews.

Thompson and Wu’s story opens the issue. Zatanna has been kidnapped by Harley. She’s brought to the penthouse home shared by Quinn and Poison Ivy. After some convincing buy Ivy, Harley frees Zatanna and explains her reasoning for kidnapping. Harley wants Zatanna to use her powers to give her a new origin.

Next up is Brandt & Steins turn. At Gotham’s Pet Club annual show, The League of Super-Pets are being awarded with a prestigious honor. Representing them is Robin. However, someone disputes their claim to the award. Harley arrives with her hyenas along with…THE LEGION OF DOOMINALS! The competition is on for who is the best in show amongst DC’s super-powered animals!

Closing this issue out is Parrott and Vecchio. Jim Gordon and Harley are sitting in a diner. The place has been wrecked. Harley is in handcuffs. Gordon is letting her have some pie and a discussion is sparked that readers will not want to miss.

Each story stands on its’ own and exemplifies why this series is such a hit with fans and creators equally.

Thompson and Wu’s tale is one that plays into a factor which has followed Harley no matter where she goes. The sense of identity crisis is a major factor in Harley’s daily life. Thompson poses this theme with an entertaining backdrop. The various origin stories are brought to life with Wu’s fantastic art. There are two full page “transformation sequences that make an impact of how things begin in Harley’s quest for self-independence. The ending leaves readers with a fitting ending that is 100% all Harley. Seeing Thompson’s take here should get fans more excited for the new Birds Of Prey series coming in the fall. FINAL POINT: 9

Brandt and Stein dive into the more over-the-top side of Harley’s world with their take. The setting is centered around fun with the pets stealing the spotlight. Having the “friendly competition” go off the path is everything readers want and expect when Harley’s leading the charge. The art is excellent and pair with great moments like stolen bank accounts and a rescue gone awry. There’s a great near-full page shot of all hell breaking loose that is a crowd-pleaser. Great closing moment to cap things off. FINAL POINT: 8

The story with Parrott and Vecchio might be the show-stealer for this issue. Parrott gives readers an in-depth moment between the uneasy acquaintances. What would normally be an open and shut case turns into a odyssey into what’s the motives on why Harley and Gordon do what they do. Parrott touches upon Harley’s psychology background in a stand-out moment that brings a new look to the image of Commissioner Gordon. Vecchio’s art captures the reactions and emotions of the conversation perfectly. The panels are very grounded in their reflections but pay off huge when readers arrive at the conclusion. FINAL POINT: 10

OVERALL ISSUE FINAL POINT: 9 OUT OF 10

The world of DC’s Miscreant of Mayhem is spotlighted with three incredible stories that will not escape readers after reading. Each one dives into a differing element of what makes Harley Quinn such a fascinating character. This issue needs to be added into your comic collection on New Comic Book Day without question.

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know what you thought of Harley Quinn: Black, White and Redder #2. Thanks for reading.