Grant Morrison made comics history and changed the relationship of two of the Doom Patrol's greatest enemies forever when they revealed genius supervillain the Brain had romantic feelings for his partner-in-crime, Monsieur Mallah. Morrison's time on Doom Patrol is remembered for their dynamic shake-ups, exploration of the unusual and perhaps most importantly, finding humanity in the unconventional. And there's nothing more unconventional than a disembodied brain declaring his love to a hyper-intelligent, revolutionary gorilla.
Morrison took over Doom Patrol in 1989 from Paul Kupperberg and immediately began writing storylines more fitting for the "World's Strangest Heroes." This version of the Doom Patrol encountered dangers that often defied comprehension and, more often than not, logic. But even after resolving the threats of the Cult of the Unwritten Book or Mr. Nobody and his Brotherhood of Dada, Morrison couldn't help but give the spotlight to two classic Doom Patrol baddies (with their own unique take, of course). The characters have since been adapted in HBO Max's Doom Patrol, voiced by Jonathan Lipow (Mallah) and an unnamed voice actor (the Brain.)
Seen in 'The Soul of a New Machine' in Doom Patrol #34 (from Morrison and Richard Case) the two villains decide to make a play on their old nemeses while the Doom Patrol are otherwise occupied relocating their headquarters. Mallah faithfully assists his creator infiltrating the team's nearly empty base to steal a body for the Brain to make his triumphant return. Coincidentally at the same time, Cliff Steele's brain is disconnected from his new Robotman body, which developed its own sentience and is intent on keeping its independence by getting rid of Cliff altogether. Things come to a head when the evil duo walk in and mistake the automaton for Cliff, only to subdue the body and transfer the Brain into it. Upon waking, the Brain shares a tender moment with his longtime companion. The two admit their love for one another and kiss, only for the body to self-destruct in a last act of defiance.
The panels in which Brain and Mallah declare their love may be used by some as an example of how 'weird' Doom Patrol can get, but it may actually be one of the most relatable moments of the entire series. Throughout the issue, the Brain and Mallah recount their time together, the battles they've faced, the hobbies they share, everything needed to make their final moments with each other genuine. The revelation was such a big moment for the two that subsequent appearances acknowledged their love. Salvation Run had them plead for one another's life at the mercy of Gorilla Grodd, while the Smallville: Season 11 comic outright confirmed their relationship in a separate universe.
Needless to say, Morrison took two old enemies of the Doom Patrol and gave them an extra layer of depth. The change was a welcome one, remembered by fans and writers alike. By confirming the two as romantic partners, the Brain and Monsieur Mallah were given some much-needed development that helped them stand out in Doom Patrol history.