Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner have been giving us a refreshingly funny and over the top comic with HARLEY QUINN. Chad Hardin's art with Alex Sinclair's colors make a great comic even better.
With Valentine's Day happening this month, Palmiotti and Conner decided to subject poor Harley to the day for lovers during a time when she's feeling a little down. We asked Jimmy some questions about how the day affects her plus what we can expect in her personal and professional life in the coming months.
COMIC VINE: It seems like being around Harley during Valentine's Day could be dangerous. Would this be correct?
JIMMY PALMIOTTI: For different reasons than you might think. Our girl is feeling a little left out in the cold as far as the love department goes and because of a little gift left behind from a close friend, all hell breaks loose. This really is a case of love hurting. Thank God this holiday happens just once a year.
CV: Obviously Harley's very fixated on Joker, despite sometimes realizing he may not be what's best for her. Could it ever be possible for Harley to enter another relationship?
JP: Since the Joker is off the grid these days, she will have to find love somewhere else. She has a lot of animal friends that fit the bill somewhat, but really falling head-over-heels over a new person would be dangerous for everyone involved. That said, look out for someone new to make his or her way into her heart some time soon. A gal got to move on.
CV: Poison Ivy's always been a good friend to Harley. She's been in a couple issues so far. Will she continue to make appearances or does she have her own business to take care of?
JP: Best friends hang out with each other, so Ivy will never be too far away. They have a very special relationship, and for us, storytelling wise, its fun to see Harley thru Ivy’s eyes now and again. Ivy will be helping Harley with one of her major problems very soon around issue 7 and it's a all girls adventure that involves a slumber party.
CV: Will we see more roller derby?
JP: Yes, we will be seeing more of her in roller derby action and getting to know the girls in the team, as well as Harley's other job. We set up the series so Harley is never ever bored and always has the next thing to go to. Issue 4 and 5 shows this to the extreme. Harley herself is hyper, a bit crazy and always looking for something fun to do, so we make sure to give her what she wants. The roller derby is a perfect pace for her to get out her frustration. I feel for the opposing team. Big time.
CV: We have to assume Batman is aware where she's at. I mean, we're seeing a bunch of killers able to find her. Is Batman okay with where she's at, for now, since she's not causing problems in Gotham? He is kind of busy.
JP: Batman is busy because just look at all the books he is in! He has so much on his plate right now and now more adventures weekly that Harley is barely on his radar. We have some plans down the line that involve Harley traveling a bit and getting into trouble back home, but a lot is happening before that. I would love to hear what other characters the fans of the book would like Harley to interact with. Maybe they can post some idea below this interview.
CV: Harley's supporting cast seems to be growing (new neighbors in issue #4). Will she become protective of them because of all the danger she's attracting?
JP: She is protective to a point. Remember, she is also dangerous, and not always on purpose. We are having fun with the new cast and Big Tony will be building Harley something that we think will be talked about for years for Harley. It will be located on her roof. That's all I can say for now. Even though Amanda couldn't do this interview, I can hear her telling me to be quiet about it.
CV: Is she still determined to keep all the animals she recently rescued?
JP: Sure. Could you get rid of any of yours? She took them in and is a semi-responsible parent.
CV: What would be the best and worst gift someone could give Harley for Valentine's Day?
JP: The best thing would be a get out of jail card. The worst, making her feel claustrophobic. Something about cornering Harley…it just isn’t safe.
HARLEY QUINN #3 is now on sale. Issue #4 is on sale March 19. Be sure to put your suggestions below as to who you'd want to see Harley run into future issues.