Harley Quinn #13 review: He loves her, she loves him not

Harley Quinn #13 is the final installment in the “Joker Loves Harley” storyline and all is not as it seems in Harley’s world right now.

Harley Quinn is a smart girl. She doesn’t miss anything, and though people might underestimate her she’s not one to be fooled. And if nothing else, Harley Quinn is smart enough to know that when something seems too good to be true, it always is.

Harley Quinn #13, the conclusion to the “Joker Loves Harley” story, starts out with a dream. It’s a dream that might have come true in some alternate universe, but it’s not Harley’s dream. We see Harley and Joker falling in love, getting married, having a litter of kids and raising a family. It’s a nice little dream, but that ship sailed a long time ago for Harley. When the Joker regains consciousness, he quickly confronts the fact that he was the one that had been dreaming, and he also realizes that Harley sees through the whole thing.

When the twist is revealed, readers see a side of Harley Quinn that doesn’t come out often. Harley may be erratic and she might enjoy violence on occasion, but Harley lives by a moral code that only she understands. Cross that line and there will be consequences.

Harley Quinn #13 is a classic Harley Quinn story, down to the flock of pecking parakeets that swoop in to offer an assist when Harley needs one. Harley’s crew, including Red Tool, are there to support her, but this is one situation that only Harley can deal with.

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Harley Quinn #13, $2.99
Writers: Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner
Artists: John Timms, Chad Hardin
Layouts: Bret Blevins
Colors: Hi-Fi

Harley will need some time to get over this mess. She might recover quickly, or she might take a while. That’s our lovable, unpredictable Harley for you.

Harley Quinn #14 hits stores in two weeks.