In this review of Harley Quinn #63, Batquinn is on the run from the GCPD and is forced to face the memories that terrify her the most.
Harley Quinn #63 main cover by Ted Brandt and Ro Stein (DC Comics)
HARLEY QUINN #63
Written by ELLIOTT KALAN
Art by CARLOS OLIVARES
Main Cover: BRANDT&STEIN
Variant Covers: DAVID NAKAYAMA, TERRY & RACHEL DODSON, DERRICK CHEW, STEPHEN BRYNE
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: 6/24/26
This review contains spoilers
Harley Quinn #63 begins as Batquinn is targeted by the GCPD after last issue’s televised acts of violence. Philo Charles, AKA the Monochromatic Man, directs the GCPD’s efforts as Batquinn proves quite formidable against the officers on the roof of the local TV station. Charles finally steps in and his strange power wreaks havoc with Batquinn’s already fractured psyche. Reeling from the effects (or possibly Charles’ origin story), Batquinn tumbles to the ground and leads the GCPD on a merry chase.
Batquinn requests asylum from Sam, owner of the local burger joint, but Sam refuses after witnessing Batquinn’s violent overreaction at the station. Batquinn realizes her attempts to justify herself is pointless, so she hijacks a police car and sends it careening into a group of oncoming squad cars. Batquinn bails as Philo Charles tracks her in a police helicopter. Batquinn arrives at Althea Klang’s and begs for help but is again refused.
Batquinn retreats into the sewer system and is forced to recall the recent traumatic breakup between Harley and new Gotham City mayor Pamela Isley (Poison Ivy). Beaten down, battered and emotionally spent, Batquinn resurfaces at the home of Harley Quinn’s landlady, Mrs. Grimaldi. She pleads for help and is surprisingly welcomed (after being hosed down).
Harley Quinn #63 ends as the wall to Mrs. Grimaldi’s apartment explodes, injuring the pair as the all-new Harley Quinn Revenge Squad makes their entrance (classy).
Analysis
Harley Quinn #63 focuses primarily on Batquinn, while also exploring how Harley has affected the lives of her friends and neighbors in Throatcutter Hill (which Batquinn is quickly burning down). Through the grim and grittiness of Batquinn’s anti-hero inner monologue, flashes of the original Harley Quinn begin to return as readers witness the shattering Harley and Ivy breakup scene. Writer Elliot Kalan puts Harley (and Batquinn) through the emotional wringer, (along with assorted bumps and bruises).
Batquinn also finally appears emotionally vulnerable in Harley Quinn #63, possibly through the effects of Philo Charles’ powers, the rejection from Harley’s friends, or the collapse of the absorbed Alpha Energy (that created the splitting of Harley into different aspects to begin with).
Batquinn’s stoic and heroic observations are less amusing this go around, and it’s possible that the so-called Monochromatic Man’s powers might have added new depth and dimension to the one-note Batquinn (honestly, that is a much more desired result than the grueling side effects Charles promised would happen). Hopefully this is a breakthrough that will bring Harley back soon. Batquinn is exhibiting the worst instincts of Harley Quinn’s time with the Joker mixed with the Red Hood’s (Jason Todd) penchant for violence.
Carlos Olivares truly gets to cut loose in Harley Quinn #63, with hand-to-hand combat against multiple opponents, multi-car police chases, dazzling parkour moves, stunning martial arts and gymnastic combos and an excursion through the sewers. Olivares also nails the heart-rending Harley/Ivy break up scene (that wilting plant) and the mix of humor and heart from the always enjoyable Mrs. Grimaldi.
Olivares’ use of heavy shadows in the sewers evokes Batquinn’s mood, while the tight close-ups put the reader near the action. That epic fiery explosion at the end of Harley Quinn #63 is a special effects masterpiece courtesy of Olivares, colorist Marissa Louise and letterer Lucas Gattoni.
Final Thoughts
Harley Quinn #63 delivers an impressive new chapter, adding much need depth and dimension to Batquinn, while providing a dazzling and emotionally fueled police chase across the outskirts of Gotham City.
