Suicide Squad
dir. David Ayer (2016)
Exquisitely pointless. A manipulative government bigwig coerces supervillains into forming a special taskforce. One team member goes rogue and becomes their first target. Much antagonism gives way to beautiful friendship. Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) is the only character with any non-generic personality.
Harley Quinn: Breaking Glass
by Mariko Tamaki; ill. Steve Pugh (DC Comics, 2019)
A bleak origin story painted in washed-out tones with occasional, rebellious splashes of harlequin red. Harley’s capricious personality is played up for all it’s worth, ensconced within a more regular teen flightiness. The affected, fourth wall–breaking side-notes quickly outstay their welcome.