Comic Book Reviews (Week August 25, 2021): Harley Quinn Issue 6, Project Patron Issue 2 & Jon Kent Is Queer Now?

Welcome to my comic book review round-up for the week of August 25, 2021. I talk about Harley Quinn Issue 6, Project Patron Issue 5, the rumor about Jon Kent coming out as a queer character, and more!

Harley Quinn issue 6, titled “Cat & Quinn”, brought with it a change of art. I have to say that it’s going to take me some time to get used to the new art style. Don’t get me wrong, though. Laura Braga’s art is appealing and comedic. However, compared to Rossmo’s work in the previous five issues, Braga’s panels felt a bit static to me. Also, I was a fan of Rossmo’s work on the Harley Quinn solo book. That particular art style, in my opinion, showed how Harley looked at the world. Everything was colorful, a bit abstract, and chaotic. I would have loved to see Rossmo’s take on Catwoman in the actual story. At least, we got her in Rossmo’s cover art.

Anyway, coming to the events that occurred in the sixth issue of Harley Quinn by writer Stephanie Phillips, we saw Harley enter Alleytown and teaming up with Selina to put a stop to the drugs being transported to Hugo Strange. It was nice to see the two women working together. Maybe one day Ivy can join them and we can have a proper Gotham City Sirens reunion. Speaking of Ivy, I was surprised Selina didn’t mention her.

I do feel that Selina could have given Harley a pointer or two on how to balance the good and bad sides of her personality. But I guess, considering the fact Selina’s still trying to figure some things out for herself, she couldn’t offer such a lecture yet. At least she’s glad about Harley being on a journey to correct the wrongs from her past.

One of the best moments occurred when a group of minions decided to run away after realizing they were supposed to fight Catwoman and Harley. I too would have scrammed out of there. Or perhaps asked Catwoman to step on me?… I should stop.

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Recommendation: Pick it up.

Superman: Son of Kal-El Issue 2

There’s a rumor being chirped on Twitter about how DC Comics is deciding to make Jon Kent come out as queer and how, apparently, Superman: Son of Kal-El issue 2 was the beginning of such a change. That’s why I picked up this issue. Having read it, I can see writer Tom Taylor setting things up for such a reveal, but I’m still not sure if it will actually happen.

The current issue, titled “The Truth – Part One” showed Jon trying to live a normal life. He even disguised himself to attend high school but said disguise only lasted a minute because he had to protect students from an unfortunate attack. I liked Jon’s conversation with Clark about wanting to do more. One can argue that Clark can do a lot more to help Earth, but as they say, with great power comes great responsibility. Clark has to remember not to overdo it. He’s not the type of person to boss humanity around. But Jon’s a bit different from his father. He decided to mess with politics and I can’t wait to see him experience the ramifications.

As for the queer stuff, Jay Nakamura is definitely queer. As for Jon being a queer character, too. I wouldn’t be against it. I get that certain people talk about how comic book writers should introduce “new” characters instead of “retconning” already established ones. Well, when it comes to comic books, Jon is, in comparison, a relatively new character. Unlike, Tim Drake’s recent coming out, Jon hasn’t been around long enough for someone to argue about how his sexuality has been cemented. Jon’s first appearance was back in July of 2015 and he spent most of those storytelling years as a little kid. So, Jon Kent being queer could work.

If Jon Kent does come out as a queer comic book character, will it impact the version of Jon in the live-action Superman & Lois TV show? Well, here’s hoping because not having at least one of the sons be queer makes no sense to me from a storytelling perspective. 

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Recommendation: Pick it up.

Made in Korea Issue 4

From writer Jeremy Holt, Made in Korea issue 4 offered me a very unexpected, yet enjoyable, turn of events. I had been wondering about Jesse’s programming and if she had it in her to senselessly hurt humans. Thankfully, she didn’t. I liked seeing her rescue her entire school on her own. The way she broke through brick walls to create escape routes looked very cool. The current issue showed that while Jesse cared about protecting humans, she was incredibly strong and will kill to ensure the safety of others. With Jesse going back to her original maker, I can’t wait to see what happens to her next.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

The Department of Truth Issue 12

From writer James Tynion IV, we got a huge reveal in The Department of Truth issue 12. Ruby needs to go and save Cole. That’s all I will say without spoiling stuff. Also, I liked the opening sequence taking us back to Cole’s childhood and how his mother was coerced into taking a particular deal involving what Cole had gone through.

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

Something Is Killing The Children Issue 19

From writer James Tynion IV, the events that transpired in Something is Killing the Children issue 19 were more or less expected. However, that doesn’t mean this wasn’t an enjoyable issue as Erica had a rematch with the monster that killed her parents and friend. Erica’s been strong from a very young age. No wonder she ended up becoming the type of adult we know in the present.

And while I appreciate Aaron being fleshed out more during the flashbacks, I can’t make myself feel too invested in him because he’s not alive anymore.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

Project Patron Issue 5

I was provided with a free digital copy of Project Patron issue 5 for review. The opinions I have shared are my own.

By writer Steve Orlando, Project Patron issue 5 served as the conclusion to the current run. I’m not sure if Orlando will come back to tell more stories in this world, but here’s hoping because he left the door open. The current issue had the team working together to pilot the mechanical superhero and fight in a very different way the actual Patron would have if he was still alive. However, the team’s victory was short-lived due to a couple of secrets being revealed. As I said, I would like Orlando to return to show the consequences of such a huge change. 

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Recommendation: Pick it up.

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You can read Jessica’s review of Robin issue 5 here.

Which comic books did you pick up this week? What did you think of the art style changing in Harley Quinn issue 6? What are your thoughts about Jonathan Kent possibly being queer?

Let us know.

Author: Farid-ul-Haq

Farid has a Double Masters in Psychology and Biotechnology as well as an M.Phil in Molecular Genetics. He is the author of numerous books including Missing in Somerville, and The Game Master of Somerville. He gives us insight into comics, books, TV shows, anime/manga, video games, and movies.

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