Harley Quinn: Preludes and Knock-Knock Jokes #[nn]

Mar 2009 · DC · 19.99 USD; 23.99 CAD

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About this Collection

This softcover collection brings together the first four issues of the 2009 Harley Quinn series, written by Karl Kesel and drawn by Terry Dodson. The story follows Harley Quinn as she attempts to go straight after leaving the Joker, only to find herself drawn into a new life of crime and chaos in Coney Island. It's a lighthearted, action-packed romp that captures Harley's unique voice and her struggle between villainy and independence.

In "An Harley Quinn Romance," Harley Quinn assembles a crew to spring her beloved hyenas from the zoo, all while being narrated by Lester—a self-proclaimed mastermind with zero criminal record but a flair for dramatic delusion. Written by Karl Kesel and illustrated by Terry Dodson, with inks by Rachel Dodson, colors by Alex Sinclair, and letters by Ken Lopez, this 2009 tale blends chaotic energy with a surprisingly earnest voice. The cover by Terry Dodson and Rachel Dodson captures the story’s mix of mischief and melancholy.

Contains 7 stories

An Harley Quinn Romance

38 pp · Superhero

Harley QuinnPoison Ivy (guest)Joker (guest)Martin (guest, death)Lewis LeBeau (guest)Buster (guest)Jack Happi (guest)Di Happy (guest)Bruce Wayne [Batman] (villain)Commissioner Gordon (villain)Fake Versions of Batman (cameo)Robin (cameo)Joker (cameo)Catwoman (cameo)

In "An Harley Quinn Romance," Harley Quinn storms Arkham Asylum with a mission: to free the Joker, only to find him already plotting a twisted new ride—literally—where he turns his obsession into a deadly spectacle. As the gang builds a rollercoaster fueled by his madness, the Joker delivers a final, cold decision: their relationship is over.

A Heart Broken in Two!

23 pp · Superhero

Harley QuinnPoison IvyTwo-FacePenguinOscar CartwrightAnya CartwrightMr. ZedMr. AbleKennedy Two-BearNixon Two-BearFrank SurleyBo DonnerJack HappiJoker (cameo)

Welcome to the Party!

22 pp · Superhero

Harley Quinn (feature)Catwoman (guest)Poison Ivy (guest)Body Doubles [Bonnie HoffmanCarmen Leno] (guests)Hope (guest)Mercy (guest)Jewelee (guest)Frank Surley (guest)Bo Donner (guest)Carrie Chispazo (guest)Jack Happi (guest)Thorn [also as Pagan] (villain)Female Furies (cameos)

In "Welcome to the Party!" from Harley Quinn: Preludes and Knock-Knock Jokes, Harley Quinn throws a wild girls' night in, gathering her gal pals for a high-stakes game of "Truth or Dare" — with the pizza boy serving as the reluctant spinner. The energy is electric, the laughs are loud, and the stakes are anything but ordinary.

The Wilde Life

22 pp · Superhero

Harley QuinnQuinntets [Lewis LeBeauBusterKennedy Two-BearNixon Two-BearLester Wilde (Death)]

In "The Wilde Life," Harley Quinn pulls off a wild zoo heist to free her beloved hyenas, all while narrated by Lester—a self-proclaimed criminal genius who’s never actually committed a crime but insists he’s the Joker’s long-lost twin. With chaotic energy and a touch of delusional flair, the story unfolds as a riotous, offbeat caper that’s as much about identity and obsession as it is about escape.

Larger Than Life

22 pp · Superhero

Harley Quinn (origin)Lewis LeBeauBusterKennedy Two-BearNixon Two-BearBradFrank SurleyBo DonnerCarrie ChispazoJoker (flashback)Two-Face (cameo flashback)Poison Ivy (cameo flashback)Dr. Arkham (cameo flashback)Batman (cameo flashback)

Who Wants to Rob a Millionaire?

21 pp · Superhero

Harley QuinnThe RiddlerQuelleLewis LeBeauBusterKennedy Two-BearNixon Two-BearMargot Wachsler (Death)Bruce Wayne [Batman] (villain)Sasha Bordeaux (villain)Oracle (villain)Robin (cameo)Nightwing (cameo)Black Canary (cameo)Batgirl (cameo)Big Barda (cameo)

Gods and Mobsters

22 pp · Superhero

Harley QuinnRiddlerLewis LeBeauBusterKennedy Two-BearNixon Two-BearQuelleFrank SurleyBo DonnerCarrie ChispazoOdin MarkusBig Barda (villain)Oracle (villain)