Harley Quinn: Mad Love A Batman Novel – Paul Dini + Pat Cadigan
Science fiction, Harley Quinn, Joker, Batman, comics, Fiction.
Rating 10/10
Harleen Quinzel didn’t have a glorious childhood but she had her mother make the best out of it by helping Harleen achieve a passion in gymnastics. Harleen witnessed her father get mugged and arrested by police, was chased by these thugs, and saw that her dad went to prison only to get out by the time she graduated high school. After graduating, Harleen struggled to find what she was truly passionate enough until she came across psychology and instantly pursued that. After going through college, she got hired at Arkham Asylum. That is where she began her practice in psychology by helping the clinically insane. When she hears about the Joker, and when the Joker hears about her, they both pursue each other. After a few sessions with the Joker, Harleen is convinced that the Joker is just an innocent man who was wronged too many times and tried to make light of the world with his jokes. After his breakout and the Batman returning the Joker, Harleen becomes Harley Quinn and she goes and rescues the Joker out of Arkham Asylum. They spend some time together, committing crimes and running away from Batman, Harley gets caught and sent to Arkham Asylum. Harley gets treated and dons the Harley Quinn persona.
I love Harley Quinn; I have been obsessed with her for the longest of time. However, I don’t like how she fell for the Joker and changed herself to please him. I understand that this was a part of a bigger scheme of things, but I have to say that this is completely based off the comic book series as well as the various other character backstory of Harley Quinn. I want to be open and say this possibly unpopular opinion, I do not condone the manipulative relationship that Harley and Joker had. I really hope that people do not want to be like them in any way shape or form. I’m glad that she decided to leave him after seeing the abuse and manipulation. I liked her with Poison Ivy because I think she grounded Harley to her senses. Not everyone feels the same way but I’m merely sharing my opinion. I did like her from the Batman Animated Series how she kind of had a thing for The Batman, but I strongly gravitated towards her being with Poison Ivy. My passionate obsession with Harley Quinn never wavers. Overall, I love how this novel answered my questions about who Harley Quinn was before she met the Joker. I highly recommend for anyone who is a Harley Quinn lover to read this novel.
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