What do you think?
Rate this book
Batman Adventures
Batman Adventures: Mad Love Deluxe Edition
Written and drawn by the masterminds behind the critically acclaimed Batman: The Animated Series, Paul Dini and Bruce Timm, this Batman one-shot reveals the origins of Harley Quinn as she proves her love to the Joker by trying to eliminate the Dark Knight on her own!
Batman Adventures: Mad Love Deluxe Edition collects the comics debut of Harley Quinn, one of the most popular—and controversial—characters in the DC Universe. Though seemingly a comic made for children, within the pages of this now-classic book is a complex tale written by two storytellers that transformed a simple cartoon about the Dark Knight into a deeply layered noir television series. Don’t be fooled by it’s appearance—Batman Adventures: Mad Love Deluxe Edition is one of, if not the finest Harley Quinn story ever written.
Batman Adventures: Mad Love Deluxe Edition collects the comics debut of Harley Quinn, one of the most popular—and controversial—characters in the DC Universe. Though seemingly a comic made for children, within the pages of this now-classic book is a complex tale written by two storytellers that transformed a simple cartoon about the Dark Knight into a deeply layered noir television series. Don’t be fooled by it’s appearance—Batman Adventures: Mad Love Deluxe Edition is one of, if not the finest Harley Quinn story ever written.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published December 14, 1993
About the author
Paul Dini
735 books726 followersPaul Dini is an American television producer of animated cartoons. He is best known as a producer and writer for several Warner Bros./DC Comics series, including Star Wars: Ewoks, Tiny Toon Adventures, Batman: The Animated Series, Superman: The Animated Series, The New Batman/Superman Adventures, Batman Beyond and Duck Dodgers. He also developed and scripted Krypto the Superdog and contributed scripts to Animaniacs (he created Minerva Mink), Freakazoid, Justice League and Justice League Unlimited. After leaving Warner Bros. In early 2004, Dini went on to write and story edit the popular ABC adventure series Lost.
Paul Dini was born in New York City. He attended the Stevenson School in Pebble Beach, California on an art scholarship. He attended Emerson College in Boston, where he earned a BFA degree in creative writing. (He also took zoology classes at Harvard University.)
During college, he began doing freelance animation scripts for Filmation, and a number of other studios. In 1984, he was hired to work for George Lucas on several of his animation projects.
The episodes of the He-Man and the Masters of the Universe cartoon that were written by Dini have become favorites amongst the show's fans over the internet, although despite this as well as contributing to interviews on the released box sets of the series, Dini has made no secret of his distaste for Filmation and the He-Man concept. He also wrote an episode of the Generation One Transformers cartoon series and contributed to various episodes of the Ewoks animated series, several of which included rare appearances from the Empire.
In 1989, he was hired at Warner Bros. Animation to work on Tiny Toon Adventures. Later, he moved onto Batman: The Animated Series, where he worked as a writer, producer and editor, later working on Batman Beyond. He continued working with WB animation, working on a number of internal projects, including Krypto the Superdog and Duck Dodgers, until 2004.
He has earned five Emmy awards for his animation work. In a related effort, Dini was also the co-author (with Chip Kidd) of Batman Animated, a 1998 non-fiction coffee table book about the animated Batman franchise.
Dini has also written several comics stories for DC Comics, including an acclaimed oversized graphic novel series illustrated by painter Alex Ross. (A hardcover collection of the Dini and Ross stories was published in late summer 2005 under the title The World's Greatest Superheroes.) Other books written by Dini for DC have featured his Batman Animated creation Harley Quinn as well as classic characters Superman, Batman, Captain Marvel and Zatanna.
Best known among Dini's original creations is Jingle Belle, the rebellious teen-age daughter of Santa Claus. Dini also created Sheriff Ida Red, the super-powered cowgirl star of a series of books set in Dini's mythical town of Mutant, Texas. Perhaps his greatest character contribution is the introduction of Harley Quinn (along with designs by Bruce Timm) on Batman: The Animated Series.
In 2001 Dini made a cameo appearance in Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back during the scene in which Jay and Silent Bob wear ridiculous looking costumes for a film being directed by Chris Rock, in which Dini says to them "you guys look pretty bad ass".
In 2006, Dini became the writer for DC Comics' Detective Comics. That same year, he announced that he was writing a hardcover graphic novel starring Zatanna and Black Canary. In 2007, he was announced as the head writer of that company's weekly series, Countdown. Paul Dini is currently co-writing the script for the upcoming Gatchaman movie. Dini is also currently writing a series for Top Cow Productions, based in a character he created, Madame Mirage.
Paul Dini is an active cryptozoologist, hunter and wildlife photographer. On a 1985 trip to Tasmania, he had a possible sighting of a Thylacine. He has also encountered a number of venomous snakes, a Komodo Dragon and a charging Sumatran Rhi
Paul Dini was born in New York City. He attended the Stevenson School in Pebble Beach, California on an art scholarship. He attended Emerson College in Boston, where he earned a BFA degree in creative writing. (He also took zoology classes at Harvard University.)
During college, he began doing freelance animation scripts for Filmation, and a number of other studios. In 1984, he was hired to work for George Lucas on several of his animation projects.
The episodes of the He-Man and the Masters of the Universe cartoon that were written by Dini have become favorites amongst the show's fans over the internet, although despite this as well as contributing to interviews on the released box sets of the series, Dini has made no secret of his distaste for Filmation and the He-Man concept. He also wrote an episode of the Generation One Transformers cartoon series and contributed to various episodes of the Ewoks animated series, several of which included rare appearances from the Empire.
In 1989, he was hired at Warner Bros. Animation to work on Tiny Toon Adventures. Later, he moved onto Batman: The Animated Series, where he worked as a writer, producer and editor, later working on Batman Beyond. He continued working with WB animation, working on a number of internal projects, including Krypto the Superdog and Duck Dodgers, until 2004.
He has earned five Emmy awards for his animation work. In a related effort, Dini was also the co-author (with Chip Kidd) of Batman Animated, a 1998 non-fiction coffee table book about the animated Batman franchise.
Dini has also written several comics stories for DC Comics, including an acclaimed oversized graphic novel series illustrated by painter Alex Ross. (A hardcover collection of the Dini and Ross stories was published in late summer 2005 under the title The World's Greatest Superheroes.) Other books written by Dini for DC have featured his Batman Animated creation Harley Quinn as well as classic characters Superman, Batman, Captain Marvel and Zatanna.
Best known among Dini's original creations is Jingle Belle, the rebellious teen-age daughter of Santa Claus. Dini also created Sheriff Ida Red, the super-powered cowgirl star of a series of books set in Dini's mythical town of Mutant, Texas. Perhaps his greatest character contribution is the introduction of Harley Quinn (along with designs by Bruce Timm) on Batman: The Animated Series.
In 2001 Dini made a cameo appearance in Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back during the scene in which Jay and Silent Bob wear ridiculous looking costumes for a film being directed by Chris Rock, in which Dini says to them "you guys look pretty bad ass".
In 2006, Dini became the writer for DC Comics' Detective Comics. That same year, he announced that he was writing a hardcover graphic novel starring Zatanna and Black Canary. In 2007, he was announced as the head writer of that company's weekly series, Countdown. Paul Dini is currently co-writing the script for the upcoming Gatchaman movie. Dini is also currently writing a series for Top Cow Productions, based in a character he created, Madame Mirage.
Paul Dini is an active cryptozoologist, hunter and wildlife photographer. On a 1985 trip to Tasmania, he had a possible sighting of a Thylacine. He has also encountered a number of venomous snakes, a Komodo Dragon and a charging Sumatran Rhi
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 727 reviews
January 21, 2026
(A) 87% | Extraordinary
Notes: Wherein love is blind (the toxic kind) and truth is candy-coated: repeated hurt will not divert the hopelessly devoted.
*Progress updates: Preamble ◦ First Half ◦ Second Half ◦ Bonus Content
Notes: Wherein love is blind (the toxic kind) and truth is candy-coated: repeated hurt will not divert the hopelessly devoted.
*Progress updates: Preamble ◦ First Half ◦ Second Half ◦ Bonus Content
July 2, 2021
Mad Love is Harley Quinn's original origin story.
It's a story about a psychotic chick in love with an abusive clown, and it knows that it's a story about a psychotic chick in love with an abusive clown.
In the foreword, Dini talks about how this is his version of that unhealthy, obsessive love that you usually experience at least once in your lifetime. Most of us learn our lesson and move on to better things, but a foolish few hang on with their toenails to someone who clearly doesn't love them back.
Also, this was written back in the days before Harley was a beloved anti-hero who was splattered all over the place.
So, she's a dick.
She's still goofy comedy relief but she's not a good person underneath it all. She's a manipulative asshole in love with a bigger manipulative asshole, but it still has that cartoony don't worry folks, there's no real danger here feeling to the story.
And the way Dini and Bruce Timm treads the line between adult content in a cartoon setting without getting too dark is a big part of what makes this a good story.
I'm not a fan of DC saturating the market with Harley Quinn, so it surprised me that I enjoyed this older incarnation of her so much.
Recommended.
It's a story about a psychotic chick in love with an abusive clown, and it knows that it's a story about a psychotic chick in love with an abusive clown.
In the foreword, Dini talks about how this is his version of that unhealthy, obsessive love that you usually experience at least once in your lifetime. Most of us learn our lesson and move on to better things, but a foolish few hang on with their toenails to someone who clearly doesn't love them back.
Also, this was written back in the days before Harley was a beloved anti-hero who was splattered all over the place.
So, she's a dick.
She's still goofy comedy relief but she's not a good person underneath it all. She's a manipulative asshole in love with a bigger manipulative asshole, but it still has that cartoony don't worry folks, there's no real danger here feeling to the story.
And the way Dini and Bruce Timm treads the line between adult content in a cartoon setting without getting too dark is a big part of what makes this a good story.
I'm not a fan of DC saturating the market with Harley Quinn, so it surprised me that I enjoyed this older incarnation of her so much.
Recommended.
June 28, 2017
Harley Quinn's origin as only her "fathers" could tell it!
Creative Team:
Writer: Paul Dini
Illustrator: Bruce Timm
DON'T YA WANNA REV UP YOUR HARLEY?
When Harley Quinn did her first appearance in the episode "Joker's Favor" from the now iconic Animated TV series Batman: The Animated Series, in 1992, hardly her "fathers", Paul Dini & Bruce Timm, would being able to imagine the HUGE impact that her creation would make not only in the animated format, but also in comic books and now even in live-action productions.
Hey, Mister J!
It's clear that they hadn't figure out her origin since the beginning, due a comment that Harley does when she's arrested by Batman about that it wasn't a good idea leaving the beauty school. She was just another member of Joker's band and it's very likely that she won't appear much later, but audience got in (mad) love with her at once, and two years later, she was easily one of the most popular animated characters of all time.
Banzai!
So, she deserved a worthy origin, and what better than being done by her "fathers", Paul Dini & Bruce Timm, in this now iconic "one-shot" comic book, winner of an Eisner and Harvey Awards for "Best Single Story" in 1994, and that it got so popular that it was the only story from the tie-in comic book title of The Batman Adventures that got a TV animated adaptation.
NOW IT ALL WORKS!
Then, Harley Quinn, from a secondary animated character with a loosely non-disclosure background as beautician...
...she became Dr. Harleen Frances Quinzel, PhD, rising young psychologist that she started her promising career at the infamous Arkham Asylum, where she thought that an easy way to success in her field was to make a study in one of the criminally insane residents...
...The Joker.
Poor Harleen never knew how bad call was that one and how her life wouldn't be the same anymore!
Puddin'!
And Gotham City wouldn't be the same anymore neither...
...it would became better and funnier!!!
Thank you, Paul and Bruce, for creating such wonderful character!
Creative Team:
Writer: Paul Dini
Illustrator: Bruce Timm
DON'T YA WANNA REV UP YOUR HARLEY?
When Harley Quinn did her first appearance in the episode "Joker's Favor" from the now iconic Animated TV series Batman: The Animated Series, in 1992, hardly her "fathers", Paul Dini & Bruce Timm, would being able to imagine the HUGE impact that her creation would make not only in the animated format, but also in comic books and now even in live-action productions.
Hey, Mister J!
It's clear that they hadn't figure out her origin since the beginning, due a comment that Harley does when she's arrested by Batman about that it wasn't a good idea leaving the beauty school. She was just another member of Joker's band and it's very likely that she won't appear much later, but audience got in (mad) love with her at once, and two years later, she was easily one of the most popular animated characters of all time.
Banzai!
So, she deserved a worthy origin, and what better than being done by her "fathers", Paul Dini & Bruce Timm, in this now iconic "one-shot" comic book, winner of an Eisner and Harvey Awards for "Best Single Story" in 1994, and that it got so popular that it was the only story from the tie-in comic book title of The Batman Adventures that got a TV animated adaptation.
NOW IT ALL WORKS!
Then, Harley Quinn, from a secondary animated character with a loosely non-disclosure background as beautician...
...she became Dr. Harleen Frances Quinzel, PhD, rising young psychologist that she started her promising career at the infamous Arkham Asylum, where she thought that an easy way to success in her field was to make a study in one of the criminally insane residents...
...The Joker.
Poor Harleen never knew how bad call was that one and how her life wouldn't be the same anymore!
Puddin'!
And Gotham City wouldn't be the same anymore neither...
...it would became better and funnier!!!
Thank you, Paul and Bruce, for creating such wonderful character!
March 14, 2020
English & Arabic Review :
The Birth of Harley Quinn xD
Amazing story , writing , craziness and as usual from Harley & joker FUN , the story after Harley Quinn and her dream of getting rid of batman and start a family with The Joker.
when we talk about The joker and Harley Quinn , there is two point of views Nolan's Joker Heath Ledger who was phenomenal , one of it's kind of course but wasn't from the comics at all .
Davil Ayer Joker Jared Leto who was in my opinion didn't take his chance yet and his own movie but was amazing in 13 min he appeared in the movie coz it was the Joker from the Comics the crazy mob gangster joker .
Most Of the scenes in suicide squad between The Joker & Harley came from this comics and it was fascinating .
اول ظهور ل هارلى كويين
الولادة الحقيقة لشخصية هارلى كويين من الرائعين بروس تيم و بول دينى الذى ابدع فى سلسلة بات مان الكرتونية المميزة فى التسعينات .
قصة رائعة ب رسومات ممتازة و كوميديا و كيمياء بين الجوكر و هارلى من اول ظهور و كان معظم اللقطات بينهم فى الفيلم الاخير الفرقة الانتحارية مقتبس من هذا الكوميكس .
ك قارئ للكوميكس استطيع ان اجد الفارق بين جوكر نولان هيث ليدجر الظاهرة , جوكر ديفيد آير جاريد ليتو , معظم المشاهدين ل فيلم الفرقة الانتحارية الاخير و ظهور الجوكر مخالف ل هيث ليدجر جعلهم يكرهوا جاريد ليتو ك جوكر فاشل و لكن من قرأ الكوميكس يعلم ان جاريد ليتو جسد جوكر الكوميكس المحبب رجل العصابات السادى المجنون ليس الجوكر الفيلسوفى الذى لا وجود له الا فى عالم و ثلاثية نولان التى لن ياتى مثلها .
The Birth of Harley Quinn xD
Amazing story , writing , craziness and as usual from Harley & joker FUN , the story after Harley Quinn and her dream of getting rid of batman and start a family with The Joker.
when we talk about The joker and Harley Quinn , there is two point of views Nolan's Joker Heath Ledger who was phenomenal , one of it's kind of course but wasn't from the comics at all .
Davil Ayer Joker Jared Leto who was in my opinion didn't take his chance yet and his own movie but was amazing in 13 min he appeared in the movie coz it was the Joker from the Comics the crazy mob gangster joker .
Most Of the scenes in suicide squad between The Joker & Harley came from this comics and it was fascinating .
اول ظهور ل هارلى كويين
الولادة الحقيقة لشخصية هارلى كويين من الرائعين بروس تيم و بول دينى الذى ابدع فى سلسلة بات مان الكرتونية المميزة فى التسعينات .
قصة رائعة ب رسومات ممتازة و كوميديا و كيمياء بين الجوكر و هارلى من اول ظهور و كان معظم اللقطات بينهم فى الفيلم الاخير الفرقة الانتحارية مقتبس من هذا الكوميكس .
ك قارئ للكوميكس استطيع ان اجد الفارق بين جوكر نولان هيث ليدجر الظاهرة , جوكر ديفيد آير جاريد ليتو , معظم المشاهدين ل فيلم الفرقة الانتحارية الاخير و ظهور الجوكر مخالف ل هيث ليدجر جعلهم يكرهوا جاريد ليتو ك جوكر فاشل و لكن من قرأ الكوميكس يعلم ان جاريد ليتو جسد جوكر الكوميكس المحبب رجل العصابات السادى المجنون ليس الجوكر الفيلسوفى الذى لا وجود له الا فى عالم و ثلاثية نولان التى لن ياتى مثلها .
August 6, 2016
4.5 stars
The only reason I took away 0.5 stars is that I prefer the New 52 Suicide Squad origin story. I love my Harley Quinn with bleached skin and funky hair. It's more dramatic than going out and stealing a jester suit.
Anyway, I can never get enough of Harley and the Joker. I love them together, their dynamic. The Clown Prince of Crime did an amazing job of unleashing dr. Quinzel's craziness. And I love how it is implied that Harley is smarter than Mr. J. She actually caught Batman and had a real shot at killing him until Puddin' stepped in. You go, girl!
In her own way, Alfred, Harley Quinn's as crazy as the Joker. Her playful exterior hides an obsessive and dangerous mind.
The only reason I took away 0.5 stars is that I prefer the New 52 Suicide Squad origin story. I love my Harley Quinn with bleached skin and funky hair. It's more dramatic than going out and stealing a jester suit.
Anyway, I can never get enough of Harley and the Joker. I love them together, their dynamic. The Clown Prince of Crime did an amazing job of unleashing dr. Quinzel's craziness. And I love how it is implied that Harley is smarter than Mr. J. She actually caught Batman and had a real shot at killing him until Puddin' stepped in. You go, girl!
September 24, 2019
(Link: http://imgur.com/gallery/PwTvR )
How true. Dear Harley...but the problem is, the guy you are madly in love with obviously doesn't care about you! Plus it really is saying something when Batman can appreciate your cleverness more than the Joker, who is so, so jealous of your success and can't stand you outsmarting him!
I really just can't stand the Joker's ego! He gets upset by the thought of Harley Quinn taking the credit of killing Batman and the other male supervillains (e.g. Two-Face, the Riddler etc) laughing at him for this!
So, here we go, one of the Harley Quinn's origin stories, I read two similar but slightly different stories about how she becomes Harley Quinn, not to mention the new Harley Quinn's origin story in the New 52.
The story line of Mad Love is similar with the Batman anime series from the 1990s. I remember watching a bit of this anime series when I was a child, but back then I wasn't interested in Batman and I barely understood the story because I knew little English when I was very young.
If you had watched the 1990s Batman anime series, you will know how the story will go. The artwork is a bit on the children-friendly side (I almost want to say 'childish' but it isn't what I want to say) but I guess it's fitting for the audience it means to impress?
In the end, we all know Harley isn't going to break up with the Joker any time soon (although I wish she would!) and this 63 pages short story really does show how harmful a toxic love relationship like this can be for a girl, though some might argues that the domestic violence had been made comical by the artwork and the story telling.
Review: Red Hood: Outlaw vol. 1 https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Review: Batman: Battle For the Cowl: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Review: Batman: Life After Death: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Review: Batman & Robin: Batman Reborn https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Book Review: Batman: The Long Halloween https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Review: The Greatest Batman Stories Ever Told Vol. 1 (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...)
Review: Batman: A Death in the Family https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Batman and Robin by Peter Tomasi & Patrick Gleason Omnibus https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
February 2, 2016
If you're a fan of the 90s animated series and haven't read this collection then what's wrong with you? Don't be like me and wait years and years to crack the pages of this glorious book.
Contained within this compilation is the headlining, "Mad Love" in which we're treated to the origin story of Harley Quinn, Joker's obsessive girlfriend. After many flashbacks, Harley plans to once and for all end the one constant distraction in her relationship with the clown prince of crime - Batman!
Mad Love is spectacular! It felt like I had stepped into a time machine when I started reading. It took me back to the tender age of eight as I sat on my living room floor watching Batman take out the bad guys in the animated series. This was a group of adventures and stories that I had never known!
The other stories are also excellent including a particularly heartbreaking Two Face story as well as an awesome Christmas tale! I very much doubt that the average Batman fan can find anything within these pages to dislike, especially when you have writer Paul Dini once again teaming with artist Bruce Timm.
Contained within this compilation is the headlining, "Mad Love" in which we're treated to the origin story of Harley Quinn, Joker's obsessive girlfriend. After many flashbacks, Harley plans to once and for all end the one constant distraction in her relationship with the clown prince of crime - Batman!
Mad Love is spectacular! It felt like I had stepped into a time machine when I started reading. It took me back to the tender age of eight as I sat on my living room floor watching Batman take out the bad guys in the animated series. This was a group of adventures and stories that I had never known!
The other stories are also excellent including a particularly heartbreaking Two Face story as well as an awesome Christmas tale! I very much doubt that the average Batman fan can find anything within these pages to dislike, especially when you have writer Paul Dini once again teaming with artist Bruce Timm.
August 27, 2017
Pretty good! So this serves as the original but also the best origin story for Harley Quinn and it also looks at Jokers and Harley's toxic relationship! This story was first a comic and then would be an episode in Batman: The Animated series; because of that the artwork is basically the same as the animation for the cartoon, which I like so it was nice to see! If you want to know about this story, it depends whether you wanna watch or read, because they are almost identical. The Comic is probably the more 'Adult' version, as it has certain things they couldn't show in the cartoon, but the changes are very minor and don't really affect the story. But overall I really enjoyed this comic, its a good origin for Harley Quinn; the stuff they did in the Batman cartoon really had a big impact on the comics, which us something I'm always grateful for!
February 20, 2013
Paul Dini created Harley Quinn and in "Mad Love", together with artist Bruce Timm, he writes the origin story of the character where we find out she was a psychologist at Arkham who fell for the Joker's charms in a Stockholm-syndrome kind of way. The "other stories" in the title feature a variety of villains such as the short-lived "Roxanne `Roxy Rocket' Sutton", a jewel thief who flies around on a rocket with an old-timey ray gun, the Ventriloquist, Scarecrow, Catwoman, Two-Face, Poison Ivy, Clayface, as well as Ra's Al-Ghul, Talia, and Etrigan who feature in the second long story arc.
The book is great fun to read and, as a fan of the animated series from the 90s, it felt like I was reading episodes from that series, especially as Dini and Timm basically ran that series for years. Harley Quinn is a fine villain and has developed into a more interesting character over time but it's still good to see where it all began and "Mad Love" is a must-read for all Batman fans. Just don't expect the overly dark Batman of today in this book as the stories are cartoony and light (most of the time).
The book is great fun to read and, as a fan of the animated series from the 90s, it felt like I was reading episodes from that series, especially as Dini and Timm basically ran that series for years. Harley Quinn is a fine villain and has developed into a more interesting character over time but it's still good to see where it all began and "Mad Love" is a must-read for all Batman fans. Just don't expect the overly dark Batman of today in this book as the stories are cartoony and light (most of the time).
October 4, 2020
Pretty much the best version of Harley Quinn ever written; but for her momentary lapse of confidence she would have been the one to bring down the Batman.
October 27, 2011
Mad Love is the headliner in this collection of Batman stories that seem to share only a Batman: The Animated Series aesthetic. Mad Love is, of course, the origin story of Harley Quinn, and it's by far the best of the lot. It was eventually adapted into an episode of the cartoon series, with only slight changes. It's pitch-perfect, even if a little frantic in pacing. The dialog was dead-on for all of the characters. Far and away the best story in the collection by me. But I'm a huge fan of Batman:TAS, and especially of that version of Joker, so I've got a major bias.
The other stories are pretty good, but honestly no match for Mad Love. There's a mini-anthology about various members of the Rogue's Gallery trying and failing to go legit. It's solid, even if framed around the relativey weak Roxy character. The best of these is the Ventriloquist's vignette. Next is a Batgirl-focused Christmas story, and then a teamup with Etrigan. Both are good, if not particularly memorable stories. Last is a story from Batman Black and White, a heartbreaking Two-Face story that is nearly as good as Mad Love.
Everything that is good and right about TAS is right here. There's a reason why this was the next Batman story I read after All-Star Batman and Robin. This take on Batman, and all of the assorted characters, remains my favorite.
A few more notes: the book also includes some commentary by Dini and Timm, about Mad Love and the other stories, and includes some altered sequences. (Barbara changing into her Batgirl costume while in the middle of a holiday shopping crowd was... ill advised. Glad they changed that one.) Some of the dialog between Harley and Joker was used, almost verbatim, in the amazingly good Arkham Asylum game.
The other stories are pretty good, but honestly no match for Mad Love. There's a mini-anthology about various members of the Rogue's Gallery trying and failing to go legit. It's solid, even if framed around the relativey weak Roxy character. The best of these is the Ventriloquist's vignette. Next is a Batgirl-focused Christmas story, and then a teamup with Etrigan. Both are good, if not particularly memorable stories. Last is a story from Batman Black and White, a heartbreaking Two-Face story that is nearly as good as Mad Love.
Everything that is good and right about TAS is right here. There's a reason why this was the next Batman story I read after All-Star Batman and Robin. This take on Batman, and all of the assorted characters, remains my favorite.
A few more notes: the book also includes some commentary by Dini and Timm, about Mad Love and the other stories, and includes some altered sequences. (Barbara changing into her Batgirl costume while in the middle of a holiday shopping crowd was... ill advised. Glad they changed that one.) Some of the dialog between Harley and Joker was used, almost verbatim, in the amazingly good Arkham Asylum game.
December 2, 2016
Also available on the WondrousBooks blog.
*** 3.5 stars ***
Okay, let's start with this: I'm pretty sure you know what got me to this story.
Having previously said that I'm not a Batman girl, I never really feel any specific urge to read yet another famous Batman novel. But everyone, to one degree or another, was interested by the Harley/Joker romance in Suicide Squad. Even a bunch of people who don't know what a comic book is managed to get into it. (I would say that the latter could be explained with an entire series of psychological issues, among which hardcore daddy issues, but that's another topic of conversation.)
So naturally, from everywhere, I started hearing about Mad Love. THE Harley/Joker novel, it seems. And to be honest, I was impressed with how they related some of the moments to the screen. Arguably, Suicide Squad was edited and cut up enough to lose coherency, but nevertheless, I enjoyed how they included so much of the lore.
Long story short, here I am, having read Mad Love. And I would say that it's one of the Batman stories that I've enjoyed the most. The reasons are as follows:
1. Batman is not even a main character in this. P.S. Batman sucks. Enough of this gloomy sociopath already.
2. This book is seemingly very lighthearted and funny, while also being deep and disturbing, especially in the aspects of Harley and the Joker's abusive relationship.
3. This is the first time I actually cared about Harley Quinn. She is such a famous character/villain, but I've never really been interested in her. Villains usually go in to categories: crazy evil and coaxed into being evil. She is neither. Harley, as we see in this book, and as I believed for the first time, is truly mentally unstable. And that was actually cool to read about, as it made her more original and interesting.
4. The Joker is not almighty. He's not much of a mastermind either. She actually outsmarts him, even though she's crazy so it doesn't really count as much.
And in all honesty, there were a lot of conflicting emotions in me while reading Mad Love. The more I thought about it, the more upsetting it became, albeit making me even more impressed with Dini's novel. Because there are many moments in the book where I was like "Ha-ha-ha... oh wait..."
Which brings me to the last part of my review: it's okay to see disturbed people in comic books. It's 80:20 of crazies:normals, and a lot of the crazies are the heroes themselves.
It is, however, upsetting to see how many young people want to be a part of a relationship like this. Many men, especially young ones, see themselves as Jokers, usually guys who want to be cocky and impressive; but more so, it's worse when girls feel like Harley Quinn is a role model. Because not only is she crazy and murderous, but she is in an abusive relationship with a psychopath.
And in reality, I even personally know girls who want to, as the song from Suicide Squad "eloquently" puts it, "meet a gangster to treat them better than the others do." (or something). We all know that the issue here is that a lot of young women want to be special to the one guy who would kill everyone, but love them more than anyone, and treat them special... But if you are a girl who thinks that, and is reading this post: Get your shit together, darling. The most you would get is a special slap, because your boyfriend is an abusive creep.
*** 3.5 stars ***
Okay, let's start with this: I'm pretty sure you know what got me to this story.
Having previously said that I'm not a Batman girl, I never really feel any specific urge to read yet another famous Batman novel. But everyone, to one degree or another, was interested by the Harley/Joker romance in Suicide Squad. Even a bunch of people who don't know what a comic book is managed to get into it. (I would say that the latter could be explained with an entire series of psychological issues, among which hardcore daddy issues, but that's another topic of conversation.)
So naturally, from everywhere, I started hearing about Mad Love. THE Harley/Joker novel, it seems. And to be honest, I was impressed with how they related some of the moments to the screen. Arguably, Suicide Squad was edited and cut up enough to lose coherency, but nevertheless, I enjoyed how they included so much of the lore.
Long story short, here I am, having read Mad Love. And I would say that it's one of the Batman stories that I've enjoyed the most. The reasons are as follows:
1. Batman is not even a main character in this. P.S. Batman sucks. Enough of this gloomy sociopath already.
2. This book is seemingly very lighthearted and funny, while also being deep and disturbing, especially in the aspects of Harley and the Joker's abusive relationship.
3. This is the first time I actually cared about Harley Quinn. She is such a famous character/villain, but I've never really been interested in her. Villains usually go in to categories: crazy evil and coaxed into being evil. She is neither. Harley, as we see in this book, and as I believed for the first time, is truly mentally unstable. And that was actually cool to read about, as it made her more original and interesting.
4. The Joker is not almighty. He's not much of a mastermind either. She actually outsmarts him, even though she's crazy so it doesn't really count as much.
And in all honesty, there were a lot of conflicting emotions in me while reading Mad Love. The more I thought about it, the more upsetting it became, albeit making me even more impressed with Dini's novel. Because there are many moments in the book where I was like "Ha-ha-ha... oh wait..."
Which brings me to the last part of my review: it's okay to see disturbed people in comic books. It's 80:20 of crazies:normals, and a lot of the crazies are the heroes themselves.
It is, however, upsetting to see how many young people want to be a part of a relationship like this. Many men, especially young ones, see themselves as Jokers, usually guys who want to be cocky and impressive; but more so, it's worse when girls feel like Harley Quinn is a role model. Because not only is she crazy and murderous, but she is in an abusive relationship with a psychopath.
And in reality, I even personally know girls who want to, as the song from Suicide Squad "eloquently" puts it, "meet a gangster to treat them better than the others do." (or something). We all know that the issue here is that a lot of young women want to be special to the one guy who would kill everyone, but love them more than anyone, and treat them special... But if you are a girl who thinks that, and is reading this post: Get your shit together, darling. The most you would get is a special slap, because your boyfriend is an abusive creep.
June 9, 2021
Honestly? This one had the potential to be putrid. It was not. This volume of collected short stories is heavily inspired and very reminiscent of the Batman Animated cartoon. The art style and the overall feel of the book put the reader in the middle of one of those episodes. If this intrigues you, then you will enjoy this volume.
It is a collection of stories revolving around love, or obsession in this case, and how it affects the various characters in the Batman world. While none of the stories were amazing, the only story that wasn't good was the Batgirl/Clayface story. Everything else was pretty good, in the context of the style of the entire volume.
Most of the stories are by Paul Dini and he seems to get the "feel" of the Animated Series. While not the greatest collection, this was a rather interesting volume. The animated series-themed art and story made for a "different" type of Batman GN. WHile this is hardly rave worthy, it is an interesting addition to my collection.
It is a collection of stories revolving around love, or obsession in this case, and how it affects the various characters in the Batman world. While none of the stories were amazing, the only story that wasn't good was the Batgirl/Clayface story. Everything else was pretty good, in the context of the style of the entire volume.
Most of the stories are by Paul Dini and he seems to get the "feel" of the Animated Series. While not the greatest collection, this was a rather interesting volume. The animated series-themed art and story made for a "different" type of Batman GN. WHile this is hardly rave worthy, it is an interesting addition to my collection.
August 17, 2020
Nice. Harley gets the drop on Batman, suspends him inverted over a tank of piranha -- so Bats can see the poor fish "turn their frowns upside-down", as it were. How will the Caped Crusader ever get free?
September 6, 2014
Me encanto. Lo leí en español y debo decir que no me lleve un chasco con la traducción.
Harley es uno de mis personajes favoritos en el mundo de gotham, su interminable amor por el Joker la hace tonta. Pero es eso lo que precisamente hace el amor ¿no?
Las fantasías de Harley con el Joker son algo típicas y ella cree que matando a Batman al fin se harían realidad.
Harley usa un antiguo plan del Joker para llevar acabo el homicidio de batman. Batman cayo en la trampa que harley le puso para atraparlo. Batman logra manipulara a Harley para que se de cuenta de como el Joker la usa, Batman la manipula para que llame al Joker y le cuente lo que esta apunto de hacer. El joker furioso va hacia donde Harley tiene capturado a Batman y lo libera porque él y solo él matara a Batman.
''Pero desde el principio... Harley Quinn no era ningún ángel. En su adolescencia gano una beca de Gimnasia para entrar a la universidad de ciudad gótica. Pero su meta verdadera... Era un titulo del prestigioso departamento de la universidad, sin mencionar que quería obtenerlo sin estudiar. No necesito decir que sus planes han cambiado desde entonces.''
Harley es uno de mis personajes favoritos en el mundo de gotham, su interminable amor por el Joker la hace tonta. Pero es eso lo que precisamente hace el amor ¿no?
Las fantasías de Harley con el Joker son algo típicas y ella cree que matando a Batman al fin se harían realidad.
Harley usa un antiguo plan del Joker para llevar acabo el homicidio de batman. Batman cayo en la trampa que harley le puso para atraparlo. Batman logra manipulara a Harley para que se de cuenta de como el Joker la usa, Batman la manipula para que llame al Joker y le cuente lo que esta apunto de hacer. El joker furioso va hacia donde Harley tiene capturado a Batman y lo libera porque él y solo él matara a Batman.
-Sabia que tu gigantesco ego no le daría el ''honor'' a nadie de matarme. Aunque debo admitir de que ella estuvo más cerca de lo que tú nunca has estado....... Pastelito.
April 23, 2020
Harley Quinn is one of the most popular comic book characters right now. She was created by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm, originally for the animated series, and this book marks her introduction to the comic book universe.
When Paul Dini and Bruce Timm collaborate, things rarely go wrong. In the book, the origin of Harley Quinn is explored and the readers can also get a brief glimpse of the dysfunctional relationship that Joker and Harley have. Bruce Timm has drawn the comic book in the style of the animated series and every page is a beauty to look at. The action scenes are extremely well done.
This book never forgets to be fun, which is a factor that most current comic book writers have forgotten entirely.
When Paul Dini and Bruce Timm collaborate, things rarely go wrong. In the book, the origin of Harley Quinn is explored and the readers can also get a brief glimpse of the dysfunctional relationship that Joker and Harley have. Bruce Timm has drawn the comic book in the style of the animated series and every page is a beauty to look at. The action scenes are extremely well done.
This book never forgets to be fun, which is a factor that most current comic book writers have forgotten entirely.
August 22, 2020
batman jogando na cara do coringa que a harley chegou mais perto de matar ele do que o coringa jamais chegou e ainda chamando ele de puddin no final mesmo sabendo que o coringa odeia: tudo pra mim!!!!!!! iconic!!!!! queen!!!!!!!
(ps: mds batman classic animated series que saudades!!!!)
(ps: mds batman classic animated series que saudades!!!!)
January 19, 2020
It’s not easy to be in love with The Joker 🃏 ...
May 5, 2018
Harley, why you so obsessed with this psychopath?! Homeboy's not even impressive haha
This definitely felt like a throwback to Batman: The Animated Series. There is lightness here that you don't always get with Batman, especially nowadays. I always like reading about Harley's background, how awesome she (*cough* she got closer to killing Batman than you did, Joker. *cough* Even he said it *cough*), and the fact that she's in her original costume! Yes, it is very form fitting but at least her skin is covered.
Her relationship with the Joker will always make me cringe but here it is not portrayed in a romantic light. The struggle of wanting and not wanting out of an abusive relationship comes through a bit.
The dialog fits all the characters perfectly and the artwork makes me feel like I'm watching the cartoon again. Shut up, I know I'm a child! :P
This definitely felt like a throwback to Batman: The Animated Series. There is lightness here that you don't always get with Batman, especially nowadays. I always like reading about Harley's background, how awesome she (*cough* she got closer to killing Batman than you did, Joker. *cough* Even he said it *cough*), and the fact that she's in her original costume! Yes, it is very form fitting but at least her skin is covered.
Her relationship with the Joker will always make me cringe but here it is not portrayed in a romantic light. The struggle of wanting and not wanting out of an abusive relationship comes through a bit.
The dialog fits all the characters perfectly and the artwork makes me feel like I'm watching the cartoon again. Shut up, I know I'm a child! :P
September 20, 2016
Read this one because I wanted to see how Bruce Timm's art looks like on paper. Great artwork. If you're a fan of the animated series you'll definitely like it. In fact this story was later adapted into an episode of the same name in The New Batman Adventures.
The story explains the origin of Harley Quinn and her relationship with the Joker. Seeing her Puddin' fail again and again at the hands of Batman, she executes one of Joker's plans for killing him while giving it a twist from her side.
It's a quick read, and if you are in the mood for a good old humorous Joker book then this is the one for you.
March 25, 2017
Oh Harley, you never learn!
The issue was so much fun and had a lot of adventure. Also, amazing artwork. If you're a fan of the animated series (I am!) you'll definitely like this. In fact, this story was later adapted into an episode of the same name in The New Batman Adventures.
If you don't know anything about Joker's and Harley's relationship and history (I doubt that!), this is a great start for you.
The issue was so much fun and had a lot of adventure. Also, amazing artwork. If you're a fan of the animated series (I am!) you'll definitely like this. In fact, this story was later adapted into an episode of the same name in The New Batman Adventures.
If you don't know anything about Joker's and Harley's relationship and history (I doubt that!), this is a great start for you.
December 3, 2020
Review to follow...
December 6, 2022
I had high hopes for this one having read in various places that it is considered a real modern classic and the origin story for Harley Quinn. I was not enamored with the artwork which felt like stills from the Batman Animated Series, and the story while interesting was actually not all that engaging. Plus, I bought the Deluxe edition hoping to get some stories before and after this one to contextualize it, but the edition only brought tons of alternative drafts of the final version. Oh well...
October 15, 2015
"Face it, Harl. You´re a certified nutzo wanted by the law in two dozen states...an hopelessly in love with a murderous, psychopathic clown.
At what point did my life go looney tunes?
How did it happen? Who´s to blame?
Batman, that´s who! Batman! It´s always been Batman!!
Coming between me and my puddin´ from the very beginning..."
Um Joker ihre wahnsinnige Liebe zu beweisen, will Harley Batman für ihn zur Strecke bringen. Aber sie hat Mr. J´s Narzissmus nicht bedacht, denn es kann nur einen geben, der Batman zur Strecke bringen darf.
Egal, ob man noch vom letzten schlechten Buch frustriert ist oder vom Herbstwetter: MAD LOVE gibt die unbändige Freude am Leben zurück: Quietschbunt, grell, überdreht, irrsinnig witzig - Paul Dini und Bruce Timm sind ein Traumteam und MAD LOVE das Beste, das einem an einem grauen Tag passieren kann!
Zur Ausgabe selbst: Die Deluxe Edition beinhaltet die Story mit einem Vorwort von Dini und einem Nachwort von Timm, die original Layouts in s/w sowie die original Color Guides jeweils für das gesamte Comic.
At what point did my life go looney tunes?
How did it happen? Who´s to blame?
Batman, that´s who! Batman! It´s always been Batman!!
Coming between me and my puddin´ from the very beginning..."
Um Joker ihre wahnsinnige Liebe zu beweisen, will Harley Batman für ihn zur Strecke bringen. Aber sie hat Mr. J´s Narzissmus nicht bedacht, denn es kann nur einen geben, der Batman zur Strecke bringen darf.
Egal, ob man noch vom letzten schlechten Buch frustriert ist oder vom Herbstwetter: MAD LOVE gibt die unbändige Freude am Leben zurück: Quietschbunt, grell, überdreht, irrsinnig witzig - Paul Dini und Bruce Timm sind ein Traumteam und MAD LOVE das Beste, das einem an einem grauen Tag passieren kann!
Zur Ausgabe selbst: Die Deluxe Edition beinhaltet die Story mit einem Vorwort von Dini und einem Nachwort von Timm, die original Layouts in s/w sowie die original Color Guides jeweils für das gesamte Comic.
August 3, 2016
Dialogue: A
Artwork: A+
Plot: A
Characters: A
I rated all those categories very well, but I just can't rate this a four. I think the three star/"liked it" is most appropriate because I did like this. Maybe it's just too short and a little too comical for a four star rating.
But I loved the artwork in this. It was the 1990s cartoon artwork, and it just really worked for this story. It made some of the scenes that would have maybe been violent or dark in any other art seem a little comical. On one hand, this was a good thing and I liked the mood it gave off. On the other hand, it made Harley Quinn's origin story more of a joke. I mean, she loves the Joker so it seems fitting, but she actually has a pretty rough and depressing origin story.
At the end of this, Bruce Timm (illustrator) wrote that Harley's origin story was inspired by a female friend of his that was struggling in an abusive relationship until she finally left "her Joker." That was pretty cool and a little known fact, I imagine.
Overall, I don't know that I would consider this mandatory reading aside from the fact that I believe it's Harley Quinn's origin story.
Artwork: A+
Plot: A
Characters: A
I rated all those categories very well, but I just can't rate this a four. I think the three star/"liked it" is most appropriate because I did like this. Maybe it's just too short and a little too comical for a four star rating.
But I loved the artwork in this. It was the 1990s cartoon artwork, and it just really worked for this story. It made some of the scenes that would have maybe been violent or dark in any other art seem a little comical. On one hand, this was a good thing and I liked the mood it gave off. On the other hand, it made Harley Quinn's origin story more of a joke. I mean, she loves the Joker so it seems fitting, but she actually has a pretty rough and depressing origin story.
At the end of this, Bruce Timm (illustrator) wrote that Harley's origin story was inspired by a female friend of his that was struggling in an abusive relationship until she finally left "her Joker." That was pretty cool and a little known fact, I imagine.
Overall, I don't know that I would consider this mandatory reading aside from the fact that I believe it's Harley Quinn's origin story.
January 1, 2022
Me leí Batman: Amor Loco en su edición en inglés hace algo más de dos meses y me encantó, así que cuando me compré esta edición bolsillo de ECC no me lo pensé a la hora de releerla.
Amor Loco es maravillosa. Dini y Timm se unieron para darle un origen a Harley Quinn y no decepcionaron. Es también un ejemplo perfecto de lo que es estar en una relación tóxica, por mucho que en los últimos años las jovencitas de medio mundo hayan idealizado la relación entre el Joker y Harley. Y qué voy a decir del dibujo, si a estas alturas ya he dicho mil veces que me encanta el estilo de la serie de animación de Batman.
Esta edición cuenta además con varias historias más del Caballero Oscuro. En ellas hacen aparición personajes tan conocidos como Hiedra Venenosa, Dos Caras, Catwoman, el Espantapájaros, etc.
Un mini tomo que, por su precio, merece muchísimo la pena comprar si quieres tener en tu estantería la historia más icónica de Harley Quinn.
Amor Loco es maravillosa. Dini y Timm se unieron para darle un origen a Harley Quinn y no decepcionaron. Es también un ejemplo perfecto de lo que es estar en una relación tóxica, por mucho que en los últimos años las jovencitas de medio mundo hayan idealizado la relación entre el Joker y Harley. Y qué voy a decir del dibujo, si a estas alturas ya he dicho mil veces que me encanta el estilo de la serie de animación de Batman.
Esta edición cuenta además con varias historias más del Caballero Oscuro. En ellas hacen aparición personajes tan conocidos como Hiedra Venenosa, Dos Caras, Catwoman, el Espantapájaros, etc.
Un mini tomo que, por su precio, merece muchísimo la pena comprar si quieres tener en tu estantería la historia más icónica de Harley Quinn.
May 16, 2015
More like 2.5 stars. Seriously NOT a fan of the artwork in this one, though I can see why many people would be. It's basically cut right from an episode of Batman: The Animated Series. Not my thing though. I did like seeing Harley as a semi-complex character, instead of a childish, dumb and oversexualized bimbo with some sort of split personality disorder (how else do you explain her former life as a doctor in the New 52?) yet to be identified. Overall, fun, but more for kids or fans of the show from ye olden days (which are also known as the 90s in some circles).
August 12, 2016
The stories here are nice and sweet, but a bit too campy for my taste. I never watched Dini's Batman animated series, so I don't have any nostalgic feelings about this kind of stories, and I am more used to the more realistic and darker Batman. Still, it was a pretty fun and refreshing read, especially after the travesty that was the Suicide Squad movie. It's like, each time DC releases yet another shitty movie, I at least feel obligated to read a better comic, so that's something, eh?
As a side note, no way in hell am I going to watch Hack Snyder's Justice League. Fool me thrice, DC.
As a side note, no way in hell am I going to watch Hack Snyder's Justice League. Fool me thrice, DC.
October 15, 2021
Divertidísimo.
Con lo mucho que me gusta Harley tendría que habérmelo leído mucho antes pero bueno, dicen que mejor tarde que nunca.
Aw, c'mon, Puddin', don't ya wanna rev up' your Harley?
Vrrooom, vrrooom.
Con lo mucho que me gusta Harley tendría que habérmelo leído mucho antes pero bueno, dicen que mejor tarde que nunca.
Aw, c'mon, Puddin', don't ya wanna rev up' your Harley?
Vrrooom, vrrooom.
September 7, 2018
Beautiful drawings with many good stories specially
Batman Black & White: Two of A Kind 5/5 introducing Harvey Dent
Mad Love 5/5 Joker And the birth of his Queen Harley Quinn <3
Batman Black & White: Two of A Kind 5/5 introducing Harvey Dent
Mad Love 5/5 Joker And the birth of his Queen Harley Quinn <3
Displaying 1 - 30 of 727 reviews