The unholy union we never knew we needed has arrived. Harley Quinn X Elvira #1 from Dynamite Entertainment and DC Comics is a collision of chaos, comedy, and cleavage that feels exactly like the wacky crossover Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner were meant to write. The creative power couple, renowned for defining Harley’s most popular years, reunite for a madcap Halloween-themed romp that is light on logic but heavy on laughs.
The story kicks off in Coney Island with Harley Quinn recovering from an unsettling dream that she believes is a classic frustration dream she needs to resolve. Her frustration stems from missing her big Halloween bash last year due to a nasty bout of the flu that left her cuddling with the toilet. Harley decides the only way to resolve this loss is to throw the Biggest Halloween Bash Ever in Brooklyn. The icing on the cake? Recruiting her favorite celebrity, the Mistress of the Dark, Elvira, as co-host.
Meanwhile, Elvira’s own life has just hit a snag. Her TV show on Channel 51 is being canceled after the station was bought by a company that makes “felt puppets, and evangelizing vegetables who sing and dance”. Her producer, Sid Shellman, sold out Elvira and her crew, firing everyone and leaving Elvira jobless and soon-to-be homeless, losing her stunning penthouse with a bidet to “die for.”
Elvira tracks Sid to his home in Newark, New Jersey, only to be thwarted by his security guards. Just as Elvira is ready to concede the fight, in comes Harley Quinn, riding in a candy and novelties truck with her crew. Harley, an enormous Elvira fan, offers her the Party Crasher shoulder-mounted rocket launcher for a little impromptu revenge on Sid’s house. The issues end with pie and promise a more chaotic partnership to come.
The writing, a collaborative effort between Palmiotti and Conner, leans heavily into their signature cartoony, over-the-top silliness. The plot is a series of non-stop, zany events, including Harley’s conversation with her stuffed beaver, Bernie, and a disastrous attempt to get a Minty Slims cookie from Boy Troopers. While some elements of Harley’s character, such as her motivation, feel a bit generic, the comedy is high-energy.
Visually, the book is a treat. Amanda Conner provides the art and colors for the opening pages, showcasing her clean, expressive style. The bulk of the interiors are handled by Juan Samu, with colors from Walter Pereyra. The different art styles blend well, maintaining a cohesive, cartoony aesthetic that fits the tone of the book. Samu, known for his work on Elvira Meets Vincent Prince, captures Elvira’s iconic look and sass with style. The exaggerated expressions and physical comedy truly make the artwork shine, landing jokes even when the writing slightly stumbles. Dave Lanphear’s lettering ties everything together, handling the varied voices from Harley’s signature unhinged dialogue to Elvira’s dry wit.
Harley Quinn X Elvira #1 is exactly what you should expect from this creative team and pairing: a chaotic, rubbery, and incredibly fun joyride. It’s a ridiculous, colorful start to what promises to be one of the wackiest crossovers of the year.
‘Harley Quinn X Elvira’ #1 is a Bombastic, Bazooka-Fueled Bash
Harley Quinn X Elvira #1 is exactly what you should expect from this creative team and pairing: a chaotic, rubbery, and incredibly fun joyride. It’s a ridiculous, colorful start to what promises to be one of the wackiest crossovers of the year.
