DC K.O.: HARLEY QUINN VS. ZATANNA #1 (DC COMICS)
The fate of the DCU will be in one person’s hands. It will not be given. The title will be earned through combat.
Darkseid is coming. After creating the Absolute Universe, the former lord of Apokolips wants more. It was revealed an Absolute Champion must be crowned to face off against the upcoming evil. This is no easy task. Heroes and villains have now been put into a deadly tournament. As it progresses, the challenges do not get easier. The latest round presents quite the showdown.
On one side is a Miscreant of Mayhem who unstable nature proves to be her strength. Opposing her is the Mistress of Magic in the DCU who’s not afraid to take the fight into deep realms.
DC K.O.: HARLEY QUINN VS. ZATANNA #1 by Leah Williams, Mirka Andolfo, Romulo Fajardo Jr., & Steve Wands (DC Comics) continues its’ “All Fight Month” movement.
Let’s get ringside for all the action.
DC K.O.: HARLEY QUINN VS. ZATANNA #1 by Leah Williams, Mirka Andolfo, Romulo Fajardo Jr., & Steve Wands (DC Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Williams gives readers a fun match-up with some heart behind it. The opening pages build up the showdown with a dramatic flare. Instantly, the combat begins with a smart cheap shot by Quinn. The writing showcases the importance of the fight. It also shows Quinn’s fight IQ knowing she has no real chance of winning fair so anything goes. Readers watch as the first round plays out very safe in comparison to what’s next.
Much like every second round match-up, the writers have had some fun in where they take the combatants. Williams follows that outline with much success. This round plays into Harley’s strengths while forcing Zatanna to step her aggression up. In a sense, this round is meant to light a fire under the powerful magician. The show-stealer in all of this is round three. Harley’s dialogue is perfect for what’s unfolding here. It packs an emotional punch. This is needed to push the winner into the spotlight. Once the final bell rings, one character stands tall and is now ready to win the whole thing!
Andolfo and Fajardo Jr. start out with a slow build to let readers assess the mysterious background. A full shot of Harley rampaging forces the tempo to pick up in the book. The reactions of Zatanna seeing Harley are the last ones of innocence here. Readers watch as the action starts kicking into gear. It’s a very steady fight until the round conclusion goes huge. A full page shot of Harley delivering the knockout blow gets the spotlight. It gives the story a great transition point to go into the other rounds,
Readers see many familiar looks form Harley in this portion. It allows for the fight to get more vicious with each strike. The images mirror Harley’s instance in revving up the anger. It hits its’ high notes before changing tune in the 3rd round. The art reflects how important the stakes are here. There’s plenty of emotion on display here, esp. from Quinn’s point of view. This helps elevate the fight to a different space. Once the winner is declared, the fallout pulls out all the stops. It is a heartfelt message being delivered. The art amplifies this with two back to back full pages. Each sent a clear message: worry for who’s next in the winners way. They won’t survive.
FINAL GRADE: 8.6
Pitting Quinn’s unorthodox methods against DC’s most dangerous magician proves to be the hidden fight that may make or break the tourney. Williams pens a deep rooted brawl with much tough love behind it. Andolfo and Fajardo Jr. leave it all on the pages with amazing art. This fight is one not to be missed when it hits the LCS! Check it out!
Let me know your thoughts on DC K.O.: HARLEY QUINN VS. ZATANNA #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
