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DC Backstories
Harley Quinn: Wild Card
Who is Harley Quinn? How did she go from being the Joker's sidekick to joining the Suicide Squad? Will she ever side with the good guys or is she a Super-Villain through and through? In this biography--complete with black-and-white illustrations, timelines, and character profiles--readers will learn the complete history of the Maiden of Mayhem.
128 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 1871
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145 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 5, 2017
I came across this book while at the bookstore looking for a different title as a Christmas present for my daughters. But as soon as I saw this one I picked it up, flipped it over and read the back. I was hooked. I did not even bother opening but immediately bought the eBook version. I read it in one setting after getting my kids down to bed, and bought 2 more in the series. I even reached out to the publisher to verify I had a full list of books available in the series.
This book and the other two I have checked out have a similar format. A forward written by the subject of the profile. Then a section of Friends, Foes, and Family brief profiles of a number of characters. A time line of the character and then a number of chapters, followed by a section of Fun Facts, a Glossary and a very extensive index. Interspersed throughout the chapters are a number of full page illustrations, clippings or news reports and profile boxes. The profiles are of people, places or events. These profile pages would make an amazing set of collector cards. But the difference with this book and the others I have checked out is that this one has hand written annotations by Harley throughout the book.
I must admit Harley was one of my favourite characters in the DC universe, or at least my favourite villan. But there was a lot of information in this book that I was not aware of. There are some great facts, and it is an easy read. It looks like it will be an awesome series.
I have already started reading this with my oldest daughter and my youngest wants me to read it to her as well. One of the things I appreciate about this book is it stays close to the traditional story lines. As opposed to the Super Hero High where Harley is a hero. The illustrations are wonderful and really add to the book.
An excellent read in what looks to be an amazing series.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books in the Backstories series.
This book and the other two I have checked out have a similar format. A forward written by the subject of the profile. Then a section of Friends, Foes, and Family brief profiles of a number of characters. A time line of the character and then a number of chapters, followed by a section of Fun Facts, a Glossary and a very extensive index. Interspersed throughout the chapters are a number of full page illustrations, clippings or news reports and profile boxes. The profiles are of people, places or events. These profile pages would make an amazing set of collector cards. But the difference with this book and the others I have checked out is that this one has hand written annotations by Harley throughout the book.
I must admit Harley was one of my favourite characters in the DC universe, or at least my favourite villan. But there was a lot of information in this book that I was not aware of. There are some great facts, and it is an easy read. It looks like it will be an awesome series.
I have already started reading this with my oldest daughter and my youngest wants me to read it to her as well. One of the things I appreciate about this book is it stays close to the traditional story lines. As opposed to the Super Hero High where Harley is a hero. The illustrations are wonderful and really add to the book.
An excellent read in what looks to be an amazing series.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books in the Backstories series.
February 7, 2017
I wasn't sure how they would handle this story for younger readers, because Harley Quinn has some ... "colourful" history with the Joker. Plus, her outfits :) However, I was pleasantly surprised by the age appropriate tone and content.
Basically, the book weaves together Harley Quinn's life story and provides an overview of the major periods in her life: family life in Brooklyn, achievements in school and as a gymnast, academic development and interests in university and medical school, her time as Dr. Quinzel treating criminals, her friendships with Poison Ivy and the Joker, her relationship with the Joker and her ongoing efforts to prove herself ... etc. until her final release from Arkham when she receives the gift of a 4-story building in Coney Island from an anonymous donor.
Harley's exploits are told in engaging detail but minimal violence (along the lines of "she had no trouble knocking him down" pg. 81), and the story highlights her strong friendships with Poison Ivy and Catwoman. It also handles the twisted psychology well by explaining in an accessible way the motivations behind the transformation into "Harley Quinn". Moreover, the story emphasizes Harley's recognition of her mistakes, specifically concerning the Joker.
Neat features include a timeline of Harley Quinn's life, Harley's scribbled comments throughout the book, mini profiles & backstories of the various characters, and a glossary (to explain words such as "countertransference" and "harlequin").
A possibly objectionable aspect of the book (for younger readers) is its portrayal of female villains, who are drawn with stereotypical voluptuous curves.
Basically, the book weaves together Harley Quinn's life story and provides an overview of the major periods in her life: family life in Brooklyn, achievements in school and as a gymnast, academic development and interests in university and medical school, her time as Dr. Quinzel treating criminals, her friendships with Poison Ivy and the Joker, her relationship with the Joker and her ongoing efforts to prove herself ... etc. until her final release from Arkham when she receives the gift of a 4-story building in Coney Island from an anonymous donor.
Harley's exploits are told in engaging detail but minimal violence (along the lines of "she had no trouble knocking him down" pg. 81), and the story highlights her strong friendships with Poison Ivy and Catwoman. It also handles the twisted psychology well by explaining in an accessible way the motivations behind the transformation into "Harley Quinn". Moreover, the story emphasizes Harley's recognition of her mistakes, specifically concerning the Joker.
Neat features include a timeline of Harley Quinn's life, Harley's scribbled comments throughout the book, mini profiles & backstories of the various characters, and a glossary (to explain words such as "countertransference" and "harlequin").
A possibly objectionable aspect of the book (for younger readers) is its portrayal of female villains, who are drawn with stereotypical voluptuous curves.
August 29, 2017
What a great version for kids! It condenses 25 years of Harley into a small paperback. While it glosses over darker moments like abuse it does mention codependency and how toxic her relationship with the Joker was. An excellent way to get the facts and the attitude of Harley Quinn. It leads right into Amanda Conner's comics too!
February 2, 2018
I LOVE THE WOMEN OF DC
They are intelligent, strong, opinionated, sassy, and can definitely take care of themselves.
Catwoman, Poison Ivy, Zatanna, Wonder Woman and Harley are my top 5.
Perfectly appropriate for Middle grade children. Great for Reluctant readers and DC Comic lovers.
They are intelligent, strong, opinionated, sassy, and can definitely take care of themselves.
Catwoman, Poison Ivy, Zatanna, Wonder Woman and Harley are my top 5.
Perfectly appropriate for Middle grade children. Great for Reluctant readers and DC Comic lovers.
September 6, 2019
I started to really like Harley Quinn after watching Suicide Squad and wanted to read more about her and read her comics. When I saw this at my library I thought I should pick this up. Love all of her quirkiness. She is probably one of my favorite villain next to Poison Ivy.
July 13, 2017
So, the first time that I ever hear about Harley Quinn was when the "Suicide Squad" first came out in theaters and everyone decided they had to be her (dress like/act like her). Personally, I thought that it was childish and uncalled for, and I couldn't find any goodness in this character.
Enter in my son's love for Batman. Enter in the books, movies, and TV shows. After a couple of months of my child talking about how amazing everyone was, my husband had me sit down to watch everything I had been missing out on.
Harley Quinn is crazy, as you will learn in her short-story, but she has brains to her as well that no one really sees. She's just not the clothes and attitude, this novel shows how she became who she is.
Batman novels by Super DC Heroes are clean and wholesome. I never have to worry about what my child my hear and learn when reading these novels to him, they never disappoint and I am always able to say that justice prevails through every trial that the hero must face.
Enter in my son's love for Batman. Enter in the books, movies, and TV shows. After a couple of months of my child talking about how amazing everyone was, my husband had me sit down to watch everything I had been missing out on.
Harley Quinn is crazy, as you will learn in her short-story, but she has brains to her as well that no one really sees. She's just not the clothes and attitude, this novel shows how she became who she is.
Batman novels by Super DC Heroes are clean and wholesome. I never have to worry about what my child my hear and learn when reading these novels to him, they never disappoint and I am always able to say that justice prevails through every trial that the hero must face.
April 1, 2020
Before reading this, I knew very little about Harley. The graphic novel provided a great backstory of her life: a brief introduction to her family life, her background in psychiatry, and her “transformation” from Harleen to Harley.
This was a nice story of self discovery. Harley discovering who she is outside of the Joker and more interestingly, finding the middle ground between helping people and being a criminal.
As someone who didn’t grow up reading the comic books, it was a nice addition to have brief character and setting profiles of those that appeared in the story.
Overall, I found it to be a very enjoyable read and it was a good story of getting to know Harley for who she is as a whole rather than just a villain.
This was a nice story of self discovery. Harley discovering who she is outside of the Joker and more interestingly, finding the middle ground between helping people and being a criminal.
As someone who didn’t grow up reading the comic books, it was a nice addition to have brief character and setting profiles of those that appeared in the story.
Overall, I found it to be a very enjoyable read and it was a good story of getting to know Harley for who she is as a whole rather than just a villain.
November 8, 2017
Harley Quinn's popularity has recently spiked thanks to a certain Suicide Squad movie. She gets the DC Backstories treatment here in a very watered down history of her time as a psychiatrist and then the Joker's sidekick and final solo vigilante. Because this series is aimed at a younger audience, Harley's story is heavily censored to not focus on the abuse she faced. I liked that it was a little more interactive as Harley jumps in with her own commentary occasionally. It was a kid-friendly version of a complex character. It favors the New-52 origins of her story and briefly touches on her time with Task Force X (Suicide Squad)
February 13, 2018
This Backstory was actually pretty good--better than the one about Batman! It really gets to the origin of this character who is super intelligent, falls into some situations that lead her to a life of crime, and eventually redemption to become a hero--well, sometimes! If I could sum her up, I'd say she is very fun, and gets into trouble because of it! She values friendships highly, and has learned that there are those who would take advantage of her, like Joker, who would exploit that to his advantage. Overall, this is very good, and 4th-6th graders will love it!
August 13, 2018
Interesting. But I, personally, wonder if Harley Quinn is a fit subject for younger readers. I was surprised to see that this was part of Scholastic. While this is somewhat tamer than her comic appearances, there is very little that isn't mentioned: for example, Harley's time in the Suicide Squad as well as clear mention of the time bomb implanted in her neck by Amanda Waller. Parents, just be aware.
March 25, 2020
I got this from Archive.org without knowing anything about it, and was surprised to see that this is writing like an actual book, with illustrations and annotations "from Harley" throughout. This is actually a super cute, quick way to learn Harley's entire backstory in less than an hour. If you aren't usually a comics fan but liked Harley from Birds of Prey, this could be a fun simple read for you!
January 29, 2023
It's for children, but i'm pretty easily entertained so it doesn't bother me. It's fast paced and intriguing, it would be a great gift to children, or an amazing book to read with children. The pictures are excellently drawn and would probably excite children especially children with an artistic appeal, (or at least me as a child). To get to the point, I would recommend.
December 11, 2018
This is a nice, easy, quick read into the background of one of DC Comics best characters. Harley is a very education woman, who makes a few bad decisions that land her in prison/asylum. She is good/bad/and some where in between.
April 29, 2019
I absolutely love it, it tells you the story of Harley from A-Z, I love her craziness and simplistic character, she is my favorite super villain, I enjoyed the book so much, very light fast novel for a short break.
August 16, 2024
This backstory of Harley Quinn is a fairly quick read. While I was aware of Harley's interactions with the Joker, I did not know about her childhood. My favorite part was seeing the "notes" and "edits" that Harley made to the story.
June 8, 2017
Cute chapter book for young readers.
July 11, 2017
I loved it
December 5, 2017
It was amazing!
December 30, 2017
it wad funny
September 19, 2018
I've loved Harley Quinn since I saw Suicide Squad. This was a fun book to catch up with Harlequin and to get to know her backstory.
April 1, 2020
Short, easy & fun read.
Captures the spirit of Harley perfectly!
I loved the illustrations, & style of the story.
Captures the spirit of Harley perfectly!
I loved the illustrations, & style of the story.
March 22, 2021
Fun read, great illustrations! I really enjoyed reading this book. Short and sweet.
May 27, 2023
Harley Quinn is my favorite villain
December 30, 2020
12/29/20
Read this to my son who enjoyed it immensely. :)
Read this to my son who enjoyed it immensely. :)
May 17, 2021
I think this is a cool introduction to Harley Quinn for younger readers/viewers. It introduces her as herself from her past to her present hitting all the important milestones in her story. It doesn't shy away from crime or even murder at some points. Also mental health as Harley and others are seem as patients in Arkham Asylum. I especially love how it showcases Harley and Joker's "relationship" as harmful and bad but in a way that children can understand it without being explicit.
February 22, 2017
I said before how much I love Harley Quinn.This one like it says is backstories.i really enjoyed this book.It was a lot of fun.If you enjoy a fast read and just some fun in a book then I recommend this one.
Read
June 16, 2016Will be reviewing along with the other "Backstories" books for the 24 Panels Per Second website. Short version: surprisingly good, particularly how author Liz Marsham has to work around and tweak the problematic elements of Quinn's history without outright ignoring them.
Withholding rating, as I am unsure how to rate it within the context of the target audience/overall genre it sits within.
Withholding rating, as I am unsure how to rate it within the context of the target audience/overall genre it sits within.
December 14, 2016
Harley Quinn is my favorite DC Comic character! So even if this book was a geared more towards kids, it was still a fun read. It doesn't go into depth on any particular subject, but a brief overview of the making of Harley Quinn.
July 15, 2016
this was spot on, i loved it!
July 27, 2016
Quick overview. I knew nothing about this character before but what I read here lined up with information from another source. I love this line of books for kids/teens who love superheroes/villains.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews