With Valentine’s Day coming up, it’s no surprise DC is releasing an anthology dedicated to love with DC’s Harley Quinn Romances, edited by Andrew Marino, Michael McCalister, Ben Meares, and Katie Kubert. Despite the name, which is a play on the Harlequin romance books, this issue features plenty of DC characters beyond Harley, although she does feature in two of the eight stories.
Overall, DC’s Harley Quinn Romances is one of DC’s stronger anthology one-shots by some of DC’s most exciting creators. It has a fair balance of mainstream couples (Harley and Ivy) and more niche characters like Fire and Ice to appeal to casual readers and die-hard DC fans.
Fire and Ice’s “Dating App Disaster,” by writers Raphael Draccon and Carolina Munhôz, artist Ig Guara, colorist Ivan Plascencia and letterer Becca Carey, stands out as one of the strongest stories in the anthology. Fire is looking for a Valentine’s Day date on a superhero dating app with Ice’s support. The concept of a superhero dating app is a novel one with plenty of room for satirizing heroes and poking fun at online dating. Draccon and Munhôz focus on Ice and Fire’s friendship. Draccon and Munhôz’s dialogue establishes the two as close friends and confident heroes, while Guara’s art highlights how in sync they are — particularly when they’re fighting. Guara also captures the more tender moments of their friendship, particularly in the last panel. DC’s Harley Quinn Romances makes readers want to see more of Fire, Ice, and this creative team.
Another more unconventional Valentine’s story is “Here’s to Jack, Here’s to Molly” by writer Zipporah Smith, artist Will Robson, colorist Andrew Dalhouse, and letterer Steve Wands. While Batman has several love interests for Valentine’s Day, this story is not his romance. Instead, the titular couple’s proposal is disrupted when a villain attaches a bomb to Jack, and it’s up to Batman to save the day. By making two civilians the focal point of the story, Smith highlights Batman’s dedication to the people of Gotham. While he has a cynical view of the holiday, this couple reminds him of the difference he can make in people’s lives.
The art and colors in DC’s Harley Quinn Romances’ “Here’s to Jack, Here’s to Molly” is a major selling point. Robson’s paneling is evocative and draws the readers’ attention to the fear in Jack and Molly’s eyes. Meanwhile, Dalhouse incorporates warm colors throughout the story and cleverly finds a way to shroud the couple in a Valentine’s Day red via the lighting in the Batmobile. Overall, the art and colors feel like classic Batman, but Dalhouse and Robson find unique ways to play with the whimsy of the holiday.
Writer Amanda Delbert, artist Adriana Melo, colorist John Kalisz, and letterer Carey’s “Power Girl and the All-American Boy” delivers a classic conflict for Power Girl as she tries to balance her love life with her superhero responsibilities. Luckily, Superman wants to help, and the Man of Steel sets her up with Jimmy Olsen. This story shines because of Delbert’s character development. In just a few pages, Jimmy wins over readers and Power Girl with his genuine charm. Meanwhile, readers empathize with Power Girl as she puts the needs of others over her own. Melo’s art — specifically when Power Girl is happy or in awe — captures a vulnerable and bright side of the hero that is welcomed. Kalisz brings a soft, comforting hue to this bittersweet love story but ends on a cool yet delightful note.
From classic rom-com tropes between Harley and Ivy to a unique take on Batman: The Animated Series’ “Almost Got ‘Im,” there is something for everyone in DC’s Harley Quinn Romances. There’s a lot of love in this one-shot anthology, as well as a lot to love. Each creative team presents a fun, heart-warming story featuring some of DC’s greatest characters.
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