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Harley Quinn: 30 Years of the Maid of Mischief: The Deluxe Edition
Celebrate three decades of madcap fun with DC’s breakout antihero-Harley Quinn! Packing a mallet and a PhD, this Gotham City Siren isn’t afraid to dish out some punishment or insightful psychotherapy when needed. Whether she’s making a ruckus in Gotham City for good ol’ Bats and Mr. J or living it up in Coney Island with her motley crew of pals, adventure and absurdity are never far behind.
Featuring more than a dozen tales of anarchic antics spanning Harley’s comics career, this deluxe hardcover collection is sure to crack some sides and heads.
Collects stories from The Batman Adventures #12, Detective Comics #831, The Batman and Robin Adventures #18, Batman: Gotham Adventures #10, Batman: Gotham Knights #14, Harley Quinn #3, Gotham City Sirens #20-21, Harley Quinn Holiday Special #1, Harley Quinn: Be Careful What You Wish For Special Edition #1, Harley Quinn 25th Anniversary Special #1, Harley Quinn: Make ’em Laugh #3, Harley Quinn Black + White + Red #14, Batman #98, and a brand-new story from Harley Quinn 30th Anniversary Special #1.
Featuring more than a dozen tales of anarchic antics spanning Harley’s comics career, this deluxe hardcover collection is sure to crack some sides and heads.
Collects stories from The Batman Adventures #12, Detective Comics #831, The Batman and Robin Adventures #18, Batman: Gotham Adventures #10, Batman: Gotham Knights #14, Harley Quinn #3, Gotham City Sirens #20-21, Harley Quinn Holiday Special #1, Harley Quinn: Be Careful What You Wish For Special Edition #1, Harley Quinn 25th Anniversary Special #1, Harley Quinn: Make ’em Laugh #3, Harley Quinn Black + White + Red #14, Batman #98, and a brand-new story from Harley Quinn 30th Anniversary Special #1.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 6, 2022
11 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Kelley Puckett
249 books39 followersKelley Puckett is a comic book writer. He is the creator of the character Cassandra Cain, the Batgirl who succeeded Barbara Gordon and who was succeeded herself by Stephanie Brown, as well as the second Green Arrow, Connor Hawke.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 29, 2023
Harley Quinn is such a terrific character - fun, dynamic, unpredictable.
Every author/artist team seems to bring something new to the table with her. Is she a villain? An antihero? A hero? Is she bombastic off-the-wall nonstop fun or is she a tragic figure? It is really interesting to read through this collection and see how different creative teams have envisioned the character throughout the last 30 years.
I think it's a little weird that "Mad Love" wasn't included in this, being such an iconic origin story. Also, the genie story went on way too long for what it was. I also wish more Harley/Ivy stories were included. However, overall I enjoyed this collection quite a bit.
Ending on that gorgeous Stjepan Sejic piece was a stroke of genius.
I also really enjoyed Somewhere Its Green and Escape Therapy and I maaaay have to check out the full Joker War after reading the snippet included here.
Every author/artist team seems to bring something new to the table with her. Is she a villain? An antihero? A hero? Is she bombastic off-the-wall nonstop fun or is she a tragic figure? It is really interesting to read through this collection and see how different creative teams have envisioned the character throughout the last 30 years.
I think it's a little weird that "Mad Love" wasn't included in this, being such an iconic origin story. Also, the genie story went on way too long for what it was. I also wish more Harley/Ivy stories were included. However, overall I enjoyed this collection quite a bit.
Ending on that gorgeous Stjepan Sejic piece was a stroke of genius.
I also really enjoyed Somewhere Its Green and Escape Therapy and I maaaay have to check out the full Joker War after reading the snippet included here.
December 13, 2023
It's rare to find a solid 5-star collection, but I fully endorse this one as a Harley fan. There are a few repeats in here that I already have in another book or two, but that's bound to happen when collecting the "best of" for a character and there are plenty of new ones as well. What I love about this nice, hardcover edition is that it is full of a wide variety of stories that encompass the full arc of her timeline, ranging from the start of her career in the Animated series days with Paul Dini still writing all the way up to more recent runs, like the Joker War. (Just like with anything, that one received mixed reviews but I loved it.) And there are really nice sections throughout from some of the writers about their experiences with the character and how grateful they were to contribute to the book.
These are well curated comics and show how effective the character is when she is written properly. (Though obviously, I love her pretty much anytime, anyplace.) She's interesting, funny, more complex than she seems and can be either tragic or heroic depending on the situation. The collection contains stories about her unfortunate relationship with the Joker, (and her bad behavior is on full display in some cases), but then you get to see the growth afterwards when she goes solo and, after some frustrating missteps, finally wises up. But she never loses her sense of humor or tendency to become unhinged. I really do think there's something here for everyone, narrative-wise. And all of the art styles are wonderful! After my immense disappointment with "Harley Screws Up the DCU," this book was such a joy. I will be returning to it very often, even though a few of the stories were legit tear-jerkers. (On a scale of 1 to Aaron Cash, how tragic is your life?!) But there's so much fun and silliness to balance out the serious stuff, too. This really is a well-rounded, beautiful book and I would recommend it to anyone looking to read up on Harley.
These are well curated comics and show how effective the character is when she is written properly. (Though obviously, I love her pretty much anytime, anyplace.) She's interesting, funny, more complex than she seems and can be either tragic or heroic depending on the situation. The collection contains stories about her unfortunate relationship with the Joker, (and her bad behavior is on full display in some cases), but then you get to see the growth afterwards when she goes solo and, after some frustrating missteps, finally wises up. But she never loses her sense of humor or tendency to become unhinged. I really do think there's something here for everyone, narrative-wise. And all of the art styles are wonderful! After my immense disappointment with "Harley Screws Up the DCU," this book was such a joy. I will be returning to it very often, even though a few of the stories were legit tear-jerkers. (On a scale of 1 to Aaron Cash, how tragic is your life?!) But there's so much fun and silliness to balance out the serious stuff, too. This really is a well-rounded, beautiful book and I would recommend it to anyone looking to read up on Harley.
October 11, 2023
Some stories I liked more, some less, the same goes for the artwork - but overall this was a really pleasant, humour-packed volume fuuuuull of Harley <3 It's amazing to see how over the years, she broke free from Joker's abuse and became an empowered, strong woman. The book is perfect as a gift for any Harley Quinn enthusiast (I received it as a present, too xD)
February 2, 2024
A great overview of Harley’s history. Could use some more from her character defining series by Conner, Palmiotti and Tieri.
January 14, 2023
Thirty years.
Of this amazing pop culture icon.
Really, what can I say that I haven't already, a hundred times, about the Clown Queen of Crime, Gotham's Grand Duchess of Destruction, The Dicey Dame of Pain, the doctor and psychiatrist of mayhem, the ultimate antiheroine, the goof, the genius, the beauty, the tragedy, the abuse survivor, the fascinating feminist icon, the eclectic, eccentric Harlequin of absurdity, madness... and hope and freedom?
The Maid of Mischief?
The "happy accident" (quote Paul Dini)? The "lightning in a bottle" (quote Jordie Bellaire)?
The comic stories collected in 'Harley Quinn: 30 Years of the Maid of Mischief' are all entertaining, barely a dud in sight.
The first issue, 'Batgirl: Day One - Act One: Ladies Night', one of Harley's first comic appearances spun off from 'Batman: The Animated Series' (oh, and RIP, Kevin Conroy, best Batman ever), has Harley in a hideous red domino mask for some reason, and she's not in it much. But it's still good, with plenty of Batgirl and Catwoman and Poison Ivy action. There are more of Harley's earlier, and hilarious, cartoony adventures and antics, until we get to some of the official DC comics canon issues.
'The Bet', which I read in another 'Harley Quinn' collection, is included. Ditto 'Kind of Like Family', which I swear is in every 'Harley' comic collection ever. 'Fixer-Upper' from 'Harley Quinn Black + White + Red' is inserted near the end.
The 'Gotham City Sirens' stuff is very good, very well written, and harrowing and tragic. However, it also further cements one of my reasons for not liking the 'Gotham City Sirens' series: there is no female camaraderie. No support between women. Or at least, it's the Harley and Ivy show, and Catwoman is treated like an intruder. No one trusts each other. I know they're technically villains, but they should still show that they like each other every now and then.
Even the Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti comics I found to be genuinely super funny here, for the most part. There're a lot of them, and inevitably the humour is hit-and-miss, but they are fabulously entertaining (I surprisingly don't mind the gross-out, toilet humour - what sorcery is this!? Who am I!?). They're colourful, and can be cute. I adore 'Killin' Time', the New Years special. And look out for Power Girl!
There's a big, long-ass genie story (we're still on the Conner & Palmiotti content) - let Harley's chaos reign on a cosmic level! The Vegas issue - 'Diva Las Vegas' - is mad, balls-to-the-walls fun, and it made me think of things I wish to put on my bucket list (such as spraying whipped cream on a ripped guy's nipples).
*ahem*, moving on:
Harley also gets her surprise birthday party in 'Birthday Blues', which is the only good birthday in her life (courtesy of Ivy, of course), and it's so nice to see Harley, Ivy and Catwoman be happy friends together for a change!
As well as this collection being a funhouse for not only Harley, but for Batgirl, Catwoman, and Ivy, these guys drop in, too: Swamp Thing, practically all of Batman's rogues gallery, and a new character, Punchline, who is like a goth Harley. She's obsessed with the Joker, and is in an abusive relationship with him...
...
...
...
Okeydokey. Dark, shadow counterpart and all that.
I personally prefer Crush (daughter of Lobo) myself, in the new punk rock, gothic DC girl department.
Oh and last but definitely, assuredly not least, is a Stjepan Šejić issue, 'Submissive'. It's as great as you'd expect, if too short, and it ends on a teasing, queerbaiting cliffhanger.
I may have went overboard with this review. But I had fun writing it; matching how much fun I had reading 'Harley Quinn: 30 Years of the Maid of Mischief'. This anniversary collection truly is a celebration of the icon. The authors of the stories clearly love her as much as the rest of her fans do. They respect her, and understand the many, many fascinating facets to her character.
It's eclectic, erratic, versatile, and, well, fun. There's no other word to describe it. With the addition of the strong female presence throughout - Batgirl, Ivy, Catwoman, and others - it is a huge, feminist hit.
Happy thirtieth, Harley!
May you last as long as all the DC greats. You deserve it.
Final Score: 4/5
Of this amazing pop culture icon.
Really, what can I say that I haven't already, a hundred times, about the Clown Queen of Crime, Gotham's Grand Duchess of Destruction, The Dicey Dame of Pain, the doctor and psychiatrist of mayhem, the ultimate antiheroine, the goof, the genius, the beauty, the tragedy, the abuse survivor, the fascinating feminist icon, the eclectic, eccentric Harlequin of absurdity, madness... and hope and freedom?
The Maid of Mischief?
The "happy accident" (quote Paul Dini)? The "lightning in a bottle" (quote Jordie Bellaire)?
The comic stories collected in 'Harley Quinn: 30 Years of the Maid of Mischief' are all entertaining, barely a dud in sight.
The first issue, 'Batgirl: Day One - Act One: Ladies Night', one of Harley's first comic appearances spun off from 'Batman: The Animated Series' (oh, and RIP, Kevin Conroy, best Batman ever), has Harley in a hideous red domino mask for some reason, and she's not in it much. But it's still good, with plenty of Batgirl and Catwoman and Poison Ivy action. There are more of Harley's earlier, and hilarious, cartoony adventures and antics, until we get to some of the official DC comics canon issues.
'The Bet', which I read in another 'Harley Quinn' collection, is included. Ditto 'Kind of Like Family', which I swear is in every 'Harley' comic collection ever. 'Fixer-Upper' from 'Harley Quinn Black + White + Red' is inserted near the end.
The 'Gotham City Sirens' stuff is very good, very well written, and harrowing and tragic. However, it also further cements one of my reasons for not liking the 'Gotham City Sirens' series: there is no female camaraderie. No support between women. Or at least, it's the Harley and Ivy show, and Catwoman is treated like an intruder. No one trusts each other. I know they're technically villains, but they should still show that they like each other every now and then.
Even the Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti comics I found to be genuinely super funny here, for the most part. There're a lot of them, and inevitably the humour is hit-and-miss, but they are fabulously entertaining (I surprisingly don't mind the gross-out, toilet humour - what sorcery is this!? Who am I!?). They're colourful, and can be cute. I adore 'Killin' Time', the New Years special. And look out for Power Girl!
There's a big, long-ass genie story (we're still on the Conner & Palmiotti content) - let Harley's chaos reign on a cosmic level! The Vegas issue - 'Diva Las Vegas' - is mad, balls-to-the-walls fun, and it made me think of things I wish to put on my bucket list (such as spraying whipped cream on a ripped guy's nipples).
*ahem*, moving on:
Harley also gets her surprise birthday party in 'Birthday Blues', which is the only good birthday in her life (courtesy of Ivy, of course), and it's so nice to see Harley, Ivy and Catwoman be happy friends together for a change!
As well as this collection being a funhouse for not only Harley, but for Batgirl, Catwoman, and Ivy, these guys drop in, too: Swamp Thing, practically all of Batman's rogues gallery, and a new character, Punchline, who is like a goth Harley. She's obsessed with the Joker, and is in an abusive relationship with him...
...
...
...
Okeydokey. Dark, shadow counterpart and all that.
I personally prefer Crush (daughter of Lobo) myself, in the new punk rock, gothic DC girl department.
Oh and last but definitely, assuredly not least, is a Stjepan Šejić issue, 'Submissive'. It's as great as you'd expect, if too short, and it ends on a teasing, queerbaiting cliffhanger.
I may have went overboard with this review. But I had fun writing it; matching how much fun I had reading 'Harley Quinn: 30 Years of the Maid of Mischief'. This anniversary collection truly is a celebration of the icon. The authors of the stories clearly love her as much as the rest of her fans do. They respect her, and understand the many, many fascinating facets to her character.
It's eclectic, erratic, versatile, and, well, fun. There's no other word to describe it. With the addition of the strong female presence throughout - Batgirl, Ivy, Catwoman, and others - it is a huge, feminist hit.
Happy thirtieth, Harley!
May you last as long as all the DC greats. You deserve it.
Final Score: 4/5
May 21, 2025
Some old and new comics w/ creator and curator Paul Dini having a small foreword about how Harley was a spur of the moment creation w/o much thought of where she’d go ever. She wasn’t even nec Joker’s GF at first, just part of the henchmen. Harley trying to cheer J up by trapping Bat and Robin in seltzer or prancing their own goons w/ napalm. I could swear I seen the parking ticket comic done shorter with a dif beginning plot or gag and it not being her shown to write the ticket.
Comic where she throws a party in her new digs that’s very gossipy and annoying. One where she’s going to write a book after declared sane (funny, classic, but gets sad). Lots of same issues as Harley Loves Joker. A bunch of modern filler slop by Amanda Connor. Finally, a nice-ish issue w/ the Joker tho he kinda looks like worse Megamind.
Random late Joker’s War and kinky Ivy comics, Snippets from Black White + Red, one about a hurricane coming to NY. Though the art gets better as it goes along, the writing gets worse. So many try hard and bodily jokes.
Comic where she throws a party in her new digs that’s very gossipy and annoying. One where she’s going to write a book after declared sane (funny, classic, but gets sad). Lots of same issues as Harley Loves Joker. A bunch of modern filler slop by Amanda Connor. Finally, a nice-ish issue w/ the Joker tho he kinda looks like worse Megamind.
Random late Joker’s War and kinky Ivy comics, Snippets from Black White + Red, one about a hurricane coming to NY. Though the art gets better as it goes along, the writing gets worse. So many try hard and bodily jokes.
April 30, 2023
Just loved it and love that there was some never before stories that I never read like the genie and Harley making all those wishes , it was a great experience and I can't imagine what comes next😘😘❤❤❤
September 19, 2023
This was a blast. Harley Quinn according to different drawers, colorists and writers. The book kept it's focus on Harley with all the twists and turns and other powerful characters. Humor and sadness inwined.
December 11, 2022
I loved this special edition of Harley Quinn. I adore her and all of her adventures. Looking forward to exploring more of her other titles.
December 24, 2022
4/5 - Graphic Novels
5/5 - Anthology
4/5 - Characters
3/5 - Story
4/5 - Rating
5/5 - Anthology
4/5 - Characters
3/5 - Story
4/5 - Rating
September 24, 2024
I love Harley but have not read a whole lot of her comics, this collection is great to have an overview of her character!
It made me want to read much more with her in it!
It made me want to read much more with her in it!
November 30, 2024
It was a decent collection, and I now want to read the joker's war. I just wonder why some particular titles were chosen.
April 20, 2025
I loved it
September 27, 2023
I will always love Harley Quinn and when i saw this at B&N i had to pick it up. It has some pretty good stories but i felt like it was lacking too. Wish there was more poison Ivy and catwoman and Harley’s relationships with others. Still, good stuff.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews