![]() Book name: Harleen Author: Stejpan Sejic Genre: Comics, Graphic Novels Goodreads: Link Storygraph: Link Harleen is comic/graphic novel by Stejpan Sejic published under DC comics black label imprint which takes a fresh look at some of classic DC heros and villains from a fresh perspective. The novel tracks the origins of Dr. Harlene Quinzel and her transformation into Harley Quinn who first made her Debut in the Batman Animated series. In many of her portrayals she is usually presented as the love interest of the Joker who is infatuated with him. The novel takes a fresh look at this character and fleshes it out giving more depth and complexity to the character. While The novel is told from Harley's point of view and tracks her journey from a struggling psychologist, her chance encounter with The Joker, and her work at Arkham Asylum and the psychological and emotions challenges she faced. As a psychologist who comes to work at Arkham Asylum she mild fascination with the Joker grows into an all consuming obsession where the Joker starts inhabiting her dreams and every waking moment and you are never really sure how much of what you are seeing is happening for real or things she is imagining given her struggles with insomnia, alcoholism, and a deep seated need to prove herself. The author stated that he modeled him on the Androgenous look of David Bowie and so the The joker has never looked this seductive and its not hard to imagine how Harley could have fallen for the Joker. The story of Harley is also interspersed with that of Harvey Dent and his transformation for Two Face While Batman is very much playing a side role and is reduced to a few scenes, when he does appear its always with a bang and is a memorable moment that is conveyed so impactfully through the art work. It is also interesting that what distinguishes Batman from the rest is he is the only character who remains who sees hope in Harley to written to the right side of the law which mirrors the Joker's belief that anyone who has a bad enough day can crossover the line to darkness. The novel does not require alot of prerequisite knowledge about Batman and his rogue gallery and is quite accessible even to someone who has a very vague idea of the characters, fans of the comics can also appreciate the little references and cameos made by many of the characters from the Franchise. Overall really enjoyed this one and quite recommend it.
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AuthorAvid reader of Historical fiction, High fantasy novels, Comics & Graphic Novels. Passionate about teaching & the future of education in general. Categories
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December 2023
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