Review: Harley Quinn Vol. 4- Surprise, Surprise

Quick Summary

Pros: The character interactions are well-written throughout the book and range from satisfyingly comedic to downright emotional. Much of the book has a wonderful feel-good vibe to it. The artwork looks solid and works well with the story.

Cons: The narrative throughout this book is not as compelling as before. Some of the book’s final stories are lackluster.

Overall: Though not as successful as its predecessors, this is still a fun and entertaining collection. The stories told here focus on Harley and her relationships with the people in her life, leading to interactions that are both funny and meaningful. The main conflict isn’t quite as captivating as it is in other volumes from the series, but some stories still manage to capture some success. Readers who enjoy this series will probably enjoy this volume as well.

Story

Harley Quinn Vol. 4: Surprise, Surprise, by Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti, is still a pleasant read but has a problem that prevents it from being as good as it could have been. The majority of the collection has everything the Harley Quinn series is known for. It contains charming moments between characters, great emotions, and plenty of jokes. The combination of these factors leads to a collection that is even more wholesome than usual. However, a lackluster approach to conflict leaves the collection without much tension or excitement. Overall, the book is still good but not quite as good as other volumes in the series.

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As mentioned above, the main problem in Surprise, Surprise comes from the conflict. This book has Harley stop a robbery, briefly fight Harley Sinn, and face off against a group of assassins. However, none of this conflict is that interesting. Instead, it ends up feeling forced and ends up distracting from the character-centric storyline. Even the fight against the Unconquerable 25, which is the book’s most action-packed sequence, never feels that dangerous. This is particularly disappointing because the previous volume sets up all of these threats in a way that made them feel like they would be a serious threat for the heroes.

Luckily, what Surprise, Surprise lacks in thrills and excitement it makes up for in charming character interactions. Harley’s parents are present for most of the collection and their presence allows for a ton of satisfying moments. Some involve heartfelt conversations between Harley and her parents, giving all parties a chance to show their love and appreciation for one another. This extends into the present, where Harley tries to show her parents that she has been on the right path recently. Other moments involve simply learning about Harley’s past and seeing how this past has influenced her present. Seeing Harley interact with her parents is not something I expected to happen when this series began but is something I am glad happened anyway.

Other charming interactions occur when Harley’s friends throw her a birthday party. Watching Harley go from being happy to help throw a party for her friend to realizing that her friends were actually throwing a party for her is both wholesome and entertaining. This joy continues on for the rest of the story arc, which has Harley over the moon about everything.

Finally, Surprise, Surprise closes with a few shorter stories that vary in quality. Some of these are great. Paul Dini’s flashback to Harley’s past reminds readers how terribly the Joker treated her while also reminding them that Ivy has always been there for her. Meanwhile, Chip Zdarsky’s flashback shows that, even when Harley was a villain, she was never as “bad” as some people believed.

However, not all of these shorter stories are that great. Frank Tieri’s chapter is fun but contains a pretty lackluster conclusion. In addition, Daniel Kibblesmith’s take on Harley, Ivy, and Swamp Thing is pretty forgettable. Though these are low points for this collection, the number of bad stories is ultimately outweighed by the number of good ones. 

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Art

The artwork in Surprise, Surprise, like the artwork throughout this series, is mostly positive. Visuals from John Timms look as good as ever. The bold lines and bright colors, mostly from Alex Sinclair, allow Harley and her allies to pop on nearly every page. In addition, Chad Hardin returns to the series and brings some characteristically pleasing artwork with, especially in the Harley Quinn 25th Anniversary Special. This special issue also contains some solid work from Joe Quinones, which really helps in bringing one wacky story to life.

The only downside in this collection is that there are a few pages in the Anniversary Special and one regular chapter that don’t look quite as nice. Luckily, less appealing pages are firmly in the minority throughout this book.

Continuity

Harley Quinn Vol. 4: Surprise, Surprise continues the story from Harley Quinn Vol. 3: Red Meat (Review).

The story here continues in Harley Quinn Vol. 5: Vote Harley (Review).

This volume also references other comic books, detailed below:

• The history between Harley Quinn and Harley Sinn is detailed across Harley Quinn and Her Gang of Harleys (Review).
• Harley, Ivy, and Catwoman’s trip out to the west coast took place in Harley Quinn Road Trip Special #1, collected in Harley Quinn Vol. 4: A Call to Arms (Review).