Harley Quinn #57 Comic Book Review

In this review of Harley Quinn #57, this is it; the first meeting, and final battle between Harley Quinn and the dreadful Deconspirator (wait, what?) Celebrate Harley’s 200th issue with a pair of titanic tales that trace the paths that lead the anti-heroine to her current life.

HARLEY QUINN #57
Written by ELLIOTT KALAN
Art by TERRY DODSON, CARLOS OLIVARES
Main Cover: YANICK PAQUETTE
Variant Covers: DAVID NAKAYAMA, INHYUK LEE, JESSICA LUNA, TERRY DODSON
Page Count: 32 pages
Release Date: 12/24/25

This review contains spoilers 

Harley Quinn #57 chapter one begins with an exhausted Harley dozing in the car as her new frenemies the Gunbuddies (and Convoy) head back to Gotham City and Harley’s Throatcutter Hill neighborhood. Harley soon “wakes up” to find herself in a weird parody of “This is Your Life”, with the Deconspirator as her guide. The villain spouts lyrical nonsense (and enough meta commentary to get slapped with a cease-and-desist from Deadpool), which Harley seems to take all in stride.

Deconspirator attempts to convince Harley that her life is not one of her own making, but rather is conceived by a cohort of comic book creators adding new elements to her backstory as needed. Deconspirator claims that this entire conversation and his own exposition comes from those same conspiratorial creators. Harley’s not buying it though, but she appears to enjoy the trip down memory lane (so many outfits), but now she decides it’s time to wake up.

Chapter two begins with Harley back in the waking world as she and her new allies see the mayhem Deconspirator has wreaked upon Throatcutter Hill. Costumed blowhards with a sense of entitlement trade punches as fires and explosions erupt around them. Harley and the Gunbuddies make short work of the troublemakers (with more explosions). Harley finds Dolores, one of her neighbors, who confesses to killing another neighbor, but Harley comforts Dolores, realizing that the Deconspirator manipulated her.

The Gunbuddies find Althea Klang and Harley confronts her over hiring the Deconspirator. The pair admit to their growing mutual attraction as they traverse the dangerous hellscape that was Throatcutter Hill.  The pair arrive at Harley’s home and confront Deconspirator inside Mrs. Grimaldi’s apartment. Harley’s landlady managed to shake off Deconspirator’s influence, but her grandson Richie is still in his thrall.

Harley and Mrs. G rough up Deconspirator but he refuses to participate in the brawl. Harley then points out that he failed in his efforts as she made allies with her former captors (which is either a healthy move or Stockholm Syndrome).

Harley Quinn #57 ends as Harley drops a logic bomb at Deconspirator’s feet, alleging that his corruption of others to reject connections has actually manipulated people into aligning with his world view and the coup de grace comes as Harley mentions that his bodily organs work in collusion with one another. Shocked, Deconspirator collapses and dies. Althea enters and Harley tells her she will go out with Althea, but that first she needs to leave the neighborhood.

Analysis 

Harley Quinn #57 celebrates her 200th issue in style, with a lot to digest as writer Elliot Kalan wraps up numerous plot threads from the past year and sets the table for the next story arc. It was a clever move to introduce Harley to Deconspirator in the dreamscape (what would you call it?) as it gets the introductions out of the way as Harley and the Gunbuddies head back from their California adventure.

Deconspirator revisiting Harley’s DC Comics origin, and her evolution as a character is a helpful introduction to new readers and allows longtime fans a chance to marvel at the last twenty-six years of storytelling. The meta/fourth-wall breaking “we are in a comic book” isn’t an original conceit, but Kalan adds his own clever spin through Deconspirator to deconstruct the concept of free will, destiny and storytelling as a conspiracy.

Kalan’s rapid-fire one-liners ripple throughout the extra-sized issue, but their purpose is more than just for comedy, there is truth through humor in Harley’s social commentary and observations.   illuminate Harley’s world view. The two-act structure works as set-up and showdown as an entire event within a single oversized comic (Robert Kirkman did something similar in an issue of Invincible).  Even without previous knowledge of the series, Harley Quinn #57 is a complete story for readers to enjoy.

Kalan also continues to portray Harley as a human being, rather than just a wacky cartoon character, for instance when she comforts her traumatized neighbor Dolores

Artist team Terry and Rachel Dodson return to Harley Quinn after helping to launch her original ongoing series back in 2000. Their clean, fluid and dynamic art style is a welcome addition to this anniversary tale as they revisit Harley’s origin story (while showcasing her many costume styles from the past quarter century). Harley’s dreamscape trip down memory lane (including a menacing glimpse of the Joker) suits the Dodson’s talents.

Series artist Carlos Olivares tackles chapter two, and the artist revels in the unchecked mayhem of Throatcutter Hill’s descent into mayhem that was unleashed by Deconspirator’s powerful influence. The air is thick with smoke, flames and bits of floating debris. Olivares’ style lends itself to the chaotic closing chapter with exaggerated facial expressions, energetic body slams and wide eyed mania.  Olivares provides wide screen style action with a mob of enraged citizens and Convoy’s timely arrival (on a big rig truck) among other things.

Final Thoughts

Harley Quinn #57 is a fitting tribute, celebrating the anti-heroine’s 200th issue (and enduring popularity) in high quality style, with amazing character moments, plot development, gorgeous artwork and plenty of laughs.

Adam Koppel

Who strikes fear into the darkest of hearts in Gotham City? Not me, I'm too busy reading comics and writing reviews.