Jervis Tetch, a technical and electronic genius experimented with animals using mind controlling microchips stored within hats to stimulate brain waves. A love for the Mad Hatter character in Alice and Wonderland mixed with an infatuation for his secretary Alice caused Jervis to become an odd and bitter man. Donning the guise of The Mad Hatter, he tries to win Alice's affection by attempting to make her believe he is suave and debonair. Unfortunately she spurns his affections. Her rejection enrages Tetch, so he uses his mind controlling microchip's to force Alice to do his bidding. After being captured by Batman, Tetch blames him for ruining his chance of having Alice and swears revenge against the Dark Knight. In The New Batman Adventures, he implants the mind controlling device in various forms of headgear. Once the victims don them, they instantly fall under his power and become hapless zombies who unknowingly commit any crimes he wishes.