Batman: Mad Love and Other Stories - DC Comics Graphic Novel Collection | Superhero Action & Romance | Perfect for Comic Fans & Collectors | Great Gift for Batman Lovers

Most of the characters that appeared in Batman: The Animated Series were taken from Batman's long history in comic books. But one of the most popular, Harley Quinn, was created specifically for the show. So it was something of an event when Dini and Timm decided it was time to bring Harley off of the screen and into print for the first time. The result was Mad Love, which tells how an ambitious young psychiatrist falls in love with the Joker and turns to a life of crime. The story not only tells Harley's origin, but also covers her attempt to eliminate what she thinks is the one obstacle to a long and happy life with "Mistah J" by killing the Batman.I have to admit that I prefer Harley in her original TV form to seeing her in the comics. The reason, quite simply, is that her bombastic personality and high energy persona can never come across to their fullest extent in a series of static images and word balloons. Does that mean that Mad Love is a failure? Not hardly. The essence of both Harley and the Joker are on full display here and Batman is the third leg of their not-quite-romantic triangle. Dini and Timm spent years on B:TAS proving that they understand the Batman mythos as well as anyone and better than most and that knowledge is put to good use here with spot-on characterizations and a story that balances humor with tension, and never fails to entertain.In addition to Mad Love, there are a number of other stories culled from the Batman Adventures comic. One highlight is Jolly Ol' St. Nicholas which shows Harvey Bullock undercover as a department store Santa Claus. It's a classic comedy that also spotlights the Barbara Gordon version of Batgirl. The other standout is Two of a Kind. Two Face is cured of his deformity by a beautiful plastic surgeon and is released from Arkham. He plans to marry his doctor and live happily ever after but you just know it won't be that easy for him, but I won't give away any of the major plot developments from there. Suffice to say that it's a well done short story with plenty of pathos at the end.Mad Love is an excellent story that is a must have for any Harley Quinn fan. To get the original comic book costs several times the price of this new edition and the additional stories make the value of this collection even more compelling. The book should appeal to nearly anyone who enjoys Batman or Joker as well Harley. Who wouldn't like it? Someone who can only be happy looking for a dark and gritty Batman: The Dark Knight Returns type of story. Everyone else can dive in and enjoy.