What do you think?
Rate this book
Harlequin Valentine
In this modern retelling of a classic commedia dell' arte legend of tomfoolery and hopeless, fawning love, creators Neil Gaiman (Sandman) and John Bolton ( Batman) update the relation of Harlequin and Columbine. A buffoon burdened with a brimming heart, Harlequin chases his sensible, oblivious Columbine around the streets of a city, having given his heart freely. Consumed with love, the impulsive clown sees his heart dragged about town, with a charming surprise to bend the tale in a modern direction. Gaiman's writing is poetic and as loopy as the subject matter. Bolton's art, a combination of digitally enhanced photo-realism and dynamic painting provides sensational depth with bright characters over fittingly muted backgrounds. Those who have spent Valentine's Day alone know that the cold February holiday can be hard to swallow. Gaiman and Bolton want you to know that all it takes is a steak knife, a fork, and a bottle of quality ketchup.Contains an additional 8-page backup feature written by Neil Gaiman and illustrated by John Bolton on the history of commedia dell' arte!
40 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 1999
16 people are currently reading
2117 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
May 7, 2020
I read this in Fragile Things, but it is in another collection and published separately. It's an old Commedia dell'arte retelling, a love story if you will. The prose is like poetry and this was one of the better stories in the collection in my opinion. I would love to see the artwork.
I had fun reading this.
I had fun reading this.
December 7, 2017
The Neil Gaiman's Telling Tales book series by John Bolton and Neil Gaiman begins with “Harlequin Valentine.” I am not sure of the exact purpose of this series, but Harlequin is a version of a story also published by Gaiman in Fragile Things (1999). It was first published as a graphic novel in 2001, illustrated by the very talented John Bolton, and is reprinted here as a way of kicking off this series, such as it is.
The story is based on an old Commedia dell'arte and Harlequinade pantomime, which it could be useful to know about before you read it, but it reads fine—if maybe a little too brief and strange--without knowing any of the literary/historical connections. Gaiman puts a couple of his spins on it, of course, one of them not surprisingly a turn to his particular brand of horror. Horror and romance? The territory of vampire-neck-sucking? Not here, exactly, but that might put you in the right direction of this romantic horror mash-up: A harlequin gives an actual heart to lonelyheart Missy, his “Columbina” based on the old tale. A couple twists and turns happen that are kinda fun, including the conclusion. It’s good, as story and art, and they work pretty well together.
At the back of the book is Gaiman's essay, "Notes on a Harlequinade," which tells us a little about the old harlequin stories of the Italian Commedia dell'arte and the English Harlequinade.
Gaiman’s Tragical Comedy of Mr. Punch, which I may or may not have read, is another old pantomime written for today.
The story is based on an old Commedia dell'arte and Harlequinade pantomime, which it could be useful to know about before you read it, but it reads fine—if maybe a little too brief and strange--without knowing any of the literary/historical connections. Gaiman puts a couple of his spins on it, of course, one of them not surprisingly a turn to his particular brand of horror. Horror and romance? The territory of vampire-neck-sucking? Not here, exactly, but that might put you in the right direction of this romantic horror mash-up: A harlequin gives an actual heart to lonelyheart Missy, his “Columbina” based on the old tale. A couple twists and turns happen that are kinda fun, including the conclusion. It’s good, as story and art, and they work pretty well together.
At the back of the book is Gaiman's essay, "Notes on a Harlequinade," which tells us a little about the old harlequin stories of the Italian Commedia dell'arte and the English Harlequinade.
Gaiman’s Tragical Comedy of Mr. Punch, which I may or may not have read, is another old pantomime written for today.
December 22, 2020
The art is good but there's not much story here. It's a retelling of an old story I'd never heard of. Meh.
December 27, 2021
This was an ok Neil Gaiman. And there aren’t that many ok stories by him. They are usually rather brilliant.
The artwork in this story was amazing.
The artwork in this story was amazing.
October 29, 2017
Interesting story. I didn't know much about Harlequin before I read this graphic novel. However, the graphic was a bit so-so. Can't say I did like the art very much and if the story had not been so engaging would I probably have given Harlequin Valentine a lower rating.
October 3, 2019
I get that this is supposed to be a modern retelling of the Harlequinade stories, but it falls flat in my opinion. It's rather depressing, honestly, since I generally love Gaiman's work. The artwork being ghastly certainly doesn't help.
The interview at the end, explaining the history for those who don't already know, was interesting at least.
[Edit: I'm looking at the reviews for the first time and apparently a lot of people love the artwork. Perhaps my tastes are unsophisticated? Ehn.]
The interview at the end, explaining the history for those who don't already know, was interesting at least.
[Edit: I'm looking at the reviews for the first time and apparently a lot of people love the artwork. Perhaps my tastes are unsophisticated? Ehn.]
March 8, 2020
Sevgililer gününde yalnız olanlar için daha anlamlı olabilecek, kısmen buruk, ziyadesiyle kısa bir okumalık.
7/10
7/10
June 25, 2011
Would you give your heart to someone for Valentines’ Day—literally? Neil Gaiman’s buffoonish Harlequin certainly will. In this romantically twisted re-imagining of Comedia dell’Arte and the British Pantomime, Gaiman once again proved that he is a wizard of storytelling. Couple that with John Bolton’s adroit hands with a palette of colors and what you get is a little literary treasure that will leave a lingering feeling in you after you turn the last page.
Harlequin Valentine follows the story of the Harlequin, who nails his heart to the door as a valentine gift for his Columbine, Missy. The contrast between the characters is like black and white: Harlequin is very romantic and fickle, while his Columbine is practical and sensible. Bolton’s amazing depiction of the juxtaposition is spot-on, since his illustrations really resonate with the personalities of the characters. I like how he blends some bright photo-realism to his actual paintings and contrast them with the subdued backdrop. Columbine tries to figure out what she will do to the heart as she puts it in a sandwich bag; Harlequin meanwhile stalks her and falls more deeply in love. The storyline becomes more interesting as it becomes peppered with characters from the Comedia and the Pantomime, including Doctor and Pantaloon, and of course Pierott. This is like role-assigning actually, since the Harlequin only thinks of the characters in the people he is encountering during his little adventure.
I’ve read Gaiman’s longer works, and what I’ve noticed is that he has different attitudes in writing them compared to the short stories. His novels are riveting, leaving an ecstatic hangover to those who read them. Mostly Gaiman takes time in unveiling all the parts of the story, like carefully putting down the parts in the safe places in the middle of a mine field and guiding the readers to them. He said so himself, he’s not the kind of writer who pens stories that should be done in one-sitting. In writing short stories he is quite the opposite—brevity after all doesn’t favor that process. He deftly builds the plot with a touch of elegance, yet in the end drops it with a bomb that will leave the readers reeling at the end. It’s not the “I’m shocked” kind of bomb though—it’s the “It’s effect is still on me” kind. For something so short, the effect is surprisingly long-term.
That’s the effect of Harlequin Valentine on me.
I think this will be not enjoyed by people who are not entirely familiar with the Comedia/Pantomime. Even if there's a comprehensive sort-of guide that came with this format, I think readers will still be confused.
Anyway, as for the whole idea of "switches" (spoilery so I'll say nothing more than that), I'm not sure if this is the first story where he applied that concept. I mean, I've seen it in American Gods and a short film, who knows if there's an earlier work where he used that? Not that it's much an issue of originality. It's still his idea though. *shrugs*
Four stars for a great read.
Harlequin Valentine follows the story of the Harlequin, who nails his heart to the door as a valentine gift for his Columbine, Missy. The contrast between the characters is like black and white: Harlequin is very romantic and fickle, while his Columbine is practical and sensible. Bolton’s amazing depiction of the juxtaposition is spot-on, since his illustrations really resonate with the personalities of the characters. I like how he blends some bright photo-realism to his actual paintings and contrast them with the subdued backdrop. Columbine tries to figure out what she will do to the heart as she puts it in a sandwich bag; Harlequin meanwhile stalks her and falls more deeply in love. The storyline becomes more interesting as it becomes peppered with characters from the Comedia and the Pantomime, including Doctor and Pantaloon, and of course Pierott. This is like role-assigning actually, since the Harlequin only thinks of the characters in the people he is encountering during his little adventure.
I’ve read Gaiman’s longer works, and what I’ve noticed is that he has different attitudes in writing them compared to the short stories. His novels are riveting, leaving an ecstatic hangover to those who read them. Mostly Gaiman takes time in unveiling all the parts of the story, like carefully putting down the parts in the safe places in the middle of a mine field and guiding the readers to them. He said so himself, he’s not the kind of writer who pens stories that should be done in one-sitting. In writing short stories he is quite the opposite—brevity after all doesn’t favor that process. He deftly builds the plot with a touch of elegance, yet in the end drops it with a bomb that will leave the readers reeling at the end. It’s not the “I’m shocked” kind of bomb though—it’s the “It’s effect is still on me” kind. For something so short, the effect is surprisingly long-term.
That’s the effect of Harlequin Valentine on me.
I think this will be not enjoyed by people who are not entirely familiar with the Comedia/Pantomime. Even if there's a comprehensive sort-of guide that came with this format, I think readers will still be confused.
Anyway, as for the whole idea of "switches" (spoilery so I'll say nothing more than that), I'm not sure if this is the first story where he applied that concept. I mean, I've seen it in American Gods and a short film, who knows if there's an earlier work where he used that? Not that it's much an issue of originality. It's still his idea though. *shrugs*
Four stars for a great read.
February 14, 2016
What a great holiday of hearts this is when a demented Harlequin clown literally rips his heart out and pins it to the door of the one he wants as his columbine as a proclamation of love. Will his plan to ensnare Missy with his grotesque gift succeed or will there be something else in store for him? Read on and find out for yourself.
I thought this was a pretty good read. Neil Gaiman brings us a wonderfully twisted Valentine's day tale about the Harlequin clown and his antics. The artwork by the Evil Dead illustrator was great too. If you want to read something different for Valentine's day, then definitely check this book out wherever graphic novels are sold. I got this one for $3 at a Graphic novel sale after Christmas last year and it was worth it.
I thought this was a pretty good read. Neil Gaiman brings us a wonderfully twisted Valentine's day tale about the Harlequin clown and his antics. The artwork by the Evil Dead illustrator was great too. If you want to read something different for Valentine's day, then definitely check this book out wherever graphic novels are sold. I got this one for $3 at a Graphic novel sale after Christmas last year and it was worth it.
December 13, 2022
Çok kısa olmasına rağmen yine akıllarda yer eden bir hikayecilik ve yine çok önemli bulduğum yazma sanatı, çizme sanatı sentezinde başarılı bir işbirliği. Neil Gaiman ve John Botten'ın çalışması türler, sanatlar arası bir metin, bir illüstrasyon oluşturmuş. Büyüklere masal anlatmak anlamında oldukça başarılı. Neil Gaiman seviyorsanız kütüphanenizde olmasını isteyebileceğiniz bir kısa öykü.
October 24, 2017
This was just not my cup of tea. Gaiman is always hit or miss with me and this is a miss. I'm not familiar with the culture and history of the theatre form being retold here in a modern retelling. I know what harlequins and pierrots are but didn't have the background to "get" this tale and with that said it was just simply a little strange and a lot boring. The art is good, which I'll always say about Gaiman's graphic novels and picture books; he is paired with some fantastic illustrators. The artwork carried the book for me.
February 15, 2018
...a wondefully twisted little love story... The artwork is stunning, and the text and pictures complement each other perfectly.
February 21, 2018
Not bad just not for me....extremely short. You could read this in one sitting although the font is very tiny for the few pages this is. The artwork is the best thing about this.
January 14, 2021
Interesting concept with the art. But a little too basic almost felt like I was watching an early 90s movie. The writing however was poetic, stylish, and rejuvenated. I did learn a lot about the Comedia dell’arte and the historical folklore behind this concept of art/style. Just a give a whirl? ;)
August 12, 2013
This comic came at an ironic time for me, that is to say, two stories before I would've read its original story in Fragile Things. At the tail-end of my Neil Gaiman binge, I was alternating between some of his comics, and the short stories in the aforementioned collection. I was unaware that Gaiman had transformed more than a few of his short stories into graphic novels. It was interesting reading the graphic novel first. Insofar as I can tell, there are no changes between the short story and the graphic one, line for line, they are the same. Given it's a first person narration with cheeky exposition, this did not feel forced at all. On the contrary, seeing Harlequin creep about as he narrates it only enhanced the character's mischievous arrogance. For those, like myself, who are unaware of who Harlequin is, this story will be a delightful modern introduction to the character archetype and his antics and co-stars. For those who already know his story, you'll be walking an unexpected path all the same. But who could expect less from Gaiman? Two of the boons in this book are at the end: an explanation of Commedia dell'arte and quite possibly the best bio of Neil Gaiman that I have ever read. On that note, I shall say no more, lest I reveal too much about this mystery Valentine and rip the romance right out of it. So pray, go forth and find the heart of this story, steeped as is, for the better in Bolton's dynamically daring art.
June 14, 2007
This is classic Gaiman: a story that twists and bends and gives you exactly what you want while still surprising you with the fact that you wanted it. The story was recently released as part of Gaiman's Fragile Things collection, but (biased as I may be from having read this version first) I find that the art really adds to it.
February 1, 2016
One of Gaiman's earliest works and it shows. It's an entertaining tale that brings back the delights of 'Comedia dell'Arte' to modern times, but even if it feels as a chapter of 'The Sandman' somehow it lacks its strength. Still, an entertaining read!
June 28, 2016
Prosaic writing, a lifeless story, a shoddy execution, and very unpleasant artwork make Neil Gaiman's "Harlequin Valentine" a forgettable book that you will be glad is only 32 pages.
July 27, 2022
The story was weak, not particularly imaginative. The art was not impressive. The appendices were interesting but ineffective especially as the narrative and art were unimaginative. The appendices cannot compensate.
Read and enjoy something else.
Read and enjoy something else.
November 11, 2008
Harlequin Valentine is such a delightful cocktail of quirkiness, oddity and romaticism that one cannot help but love it. I have always enjoyed pantomimes and the harlequinades (which I've only seen on film and in classib British tv series) and this is a charming re-telling of the old tale of the Harlequin and Columbine in the best Commedia dell'Arte tradition.
At first, I wasn't sure if I liked Bolton's illustrations, as beautiful and eerie as they are since they looked so much like eighties' fashion pictures -- but then I realized that was probably the whole point. The book strangely reminds me of A-ha's old hit music video Take On Me, and no surprise, because that if something is uber eighties stuff and a similar wild leap from the gritty reality to an alternative existence, the harlequinade where roles are dropped and new ones adopted at the tip of a colorful hat.
I enjoyed the little graphic novel immensely, especially Gaiman's magical storytelling, and went searching for more similar tales to read, and found my favorite amongst Dame Agatha's books -- The Mysterious Mr (Harley) Quin. He too is a shadowy figure, like the Harlequin... Good or evil, no-one can say. He is potentially dangerous, and a strange trickster, but then again, so is love.
At first, I wasn't sure if I liked Bolton's illustrations, as beautiful and eerie as they are since they looked so much like eighties' fashion pictures -- but then I realized that was probably the whole point. The book strangely reminds me of A-ha's old hit music video Take On Me, and no surprise, because that if something is uber eighties stuff and a similar wild leap from the gritty reality to an alternative existence, the harlequinade where roles are dropped and new ones adopted at the tip of a colorful hat.
I enjoyed the little graphic novel immensely, especially Gaiman's magical storytelling, and went searching for more similar tales to read, and found my favorite amongst Dame Agatha's books -- The Mysterious Mr (Harley) Quin. He too is a shadowy figure, like the Harlequin... Good or evil, no-one can say. He is potentially dangerous, and a strange trickster, but then again, so is love.
March 28, 2012
Valentine is a time for lovers, yet set in the one of the coldest months of the year in many climes. How is happiness and romance supposed to bloom in a time when no one is in the mood to take off their clothes? A certain Harlequin has no concern for that, only his oblivious Columbine, whose feelings of love may not be the same as his… Gaiman gives us a tale of surprises, changes and trickery where nothing is as it seems and love itself can be taken off balance. In muted, colored backgrounds, sharp outlined figures and almost photographic imagery, John Bolton is able to give us a world of magic and sights unseen, cleverly juxtaposed with the real and mundane.
June 29, 2008
I realized after I had steeped it that I had chosen St. Valentine tea (the box is decorated with the portrait not of Saint Valentine but of Czar Nicholas). Power of suggestion! Box a lighter, gentler red than the darkly bleeding hearts of this story: cut from breasts, nailed to doors, shown to strangers, devoured. Not bad things! There's nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so. But these tricks are not for kids...
July 3, 2017
What a weird little book. Pleasant but short. Different and odd. The artwork was unusual as well.
It is Valentine's Day and Harlequin has his sites set on Missy. What better way to woo a girl then to tack your heart on their door! It just get stranger after that but that is okay, I like strange. The biggest issue I had with the book though was the print. It was so small that I had a really hard time making out the words. Other than that, it was a quick and enjoyable read.
It is Valentine's Day and Harlequin has his sites set on Missy. What better way to woo a girl then to tack your heart on their door! It just get stranger after that but that is okay, I like strange. The biggest issue I had with the book though was the print. It was so small that I had a really hard time making out the words. Other than that, it was a quick and enjoyable read.
January 1, 2020
I read this short story in Fragile Things: Short Fictions and Wonders, and found it fun and twisted. Seeing it in graphic form, with facial expressions and this excellent art style, made it even better. So much fun.
October 3, 2014
A really, really great story. Lots of detail, pleasant, unique characters, good dialogue and it perfectly told the Harlequin and Columbine story in a modern fantasy setting. Although, that one scene--you know what I'm talking about--I just can't....
February 10, 2017
4.5/5
This took me a little while to get in to, and I'll be honest I didn't love the art--just didn't seem to fit the story for me, and that kept bringing me out of it. That said, the story did finally completely capture my attention, and then I loved it--and I loved the ending.
This took me a little while to get in to, and I'll be honest I didn't love the art--just didn't seem to fit the story for me, and that kept bringing me out of it. That said, the story did finally completely capture my attention, and then I loved it--and I loved the ending.
May 20, 2022
La historia de Arlequín y Columbina en un entorno actual por San Valentín. Al final de la historia, hay un pequeño ensayo de Neil Gaiman sobre Arlequín, Columbina y otros personajes de la Commedia dell' Arte que ayudan a entender los personajes-arquetipos de la historia.
March 9, 2017
LOVE this. It was my first introduction to Comedia and the inspiration for my Harlequin Halloween costume.
June 21, 2015
This is one of the best stories I've ever read. So amazing and powerful, I completely loved it. For things like this is that I love Neil
November 25, 2016
A weak short story about Harlequin in love.
A twisted "love" story that didn't appeal to me.
A twisted "love" story that didn't appeal to me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews