Batman: Three Jokers #2

Three Jokers


And Batman asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “My name is Joker, for we are many!” Delve into the insanity in Batman: Three Jokers, chapter 2, verses 1-54!

This is the word according to the infamous Geoff Johns
As envisioned by Jason Fabok

The official plot:

“As Batman and Batgirl follow an unexpected thread linking the three Jokers with someone from the Dark Knight’s past, Red Hood dives headfirst into trouble and finds himself struggling to stay afloat without the aid of his allies. Batman: Three Jokers continues its trajectory as the ultimate examination of The Joker and his never-ending conflict with Batman. Prepare yourselves for the second chapter of one of the most terrifying and personal mysteries Batman has ever faced!”

DC Comics

“Terrifying” feels a little over the top, unless you’re Jason Todd, but aside from that, this is a really spot on synopsis.

Three Jokers
That’s the second time he’s alluded to Jason being one of the bad guys.

My Impressions:

  • This story delves into the metal injuries Joker inflicted on Jason and Barbara…and how they handled the lasting impacts. Heavy stuff that most comics don’t handle to this depth.
  • Without a doubt, this is the Empire Strikes Back of the series. The good guys lose and lick their wounds while the bad guys end with the upper hand. I like it!
  • Jason really needs to understand that he was DEAD, so he can’t blame people for burying him!
  • Was it really necessary to make Jason naked?
Three Jokers
I feel that there’s a big reveal coming…or a retcon.

Notable Appearances/Events:

  • Batman (Bruce Wayne)
  • Joker
  • Joker
  • Red Hood (Jason Todd)
  • Batgirl (Barbara Gordon)
  • Joe Chill

Bottom Line: 4 Stars!

At least this time it’s not Batman’s fault that Jason is beaten to death (almost). Kidding aside, this is a pretty haunting issue…especially the revealing scenes in Barbara’s apartment. All of that evidence of her rehabilitation after being paralyzed…the evidence of how it changed her life. Just how much Jason’s death affected him. It’s a great story. I can’t decide if I want to see Jason embrace the Joker route, or hold true as a hero. Perhaps DC should have set up a phone number and let the fans decide!

Batman: Three Jokers #1

Three Jokers

Fire and Brimstone fall from the sky! It is the end times! Pay attention as we discuss Batman: Three Jokers, chapter 1, verses 1-54! It may just save your soul!

This is the word according to the infamous Geoff Johns
As envisioned by Jason Fabok

The official plot:

“Three Jokers reexamines the myth of who, or what, The Joker is and what is at the heart of his eternal battle with Batman…find out why there are three Jokers, and what that means for the Dark Knight and the Clown Prince of Crime. It’s a mystery unlike any Batman has ever faced!”

DC Comics

The official story has a lot more pomp and circumstance than this…but I edited out all of the self serving stuff. I’m also going to go out on a limb and say that this description is intended to cover the whole series…because we certainly don’t get the promised explanation.

Three Jokers
This story started…32 yeas ago with Batman: A Death in the Family and The Killing Joke

My Impressions:

  • What is good: There actually are three Jokers. I was surprised they didn’t pull a multiple personality or alternate universe thing. (But there’s still time.)
  • What is also good: Just enough flashback to Killing Joke and A Death in the Family
  • What was best: The revelation that Jason is really the Joker’s Robin. (Got to love the alternate take to Jason’s death.) [Editor’s note: Dick/Nightwing is Joker’s Robin in a more official way in the Joker War event!]
  • What was just okay: Artwork was mostly good, but there were way too many smiling fish.
  • The not so good: It’s just a little on the slow side…but worth it in the end.
Three Jokers
Joker vs Jason round two!

Notable Appearances/Events:

  • Batman (Bruce Wayne)
  • Joker
  • Joker
  • Joker
  • Red Hood (Jason Todd)
  • Batgirl (Barbara Gordon)
  • Death of a Joker

Bottom Line: 5 Stars!

Everyone, who’s anyone already has multiple copies. May I suggest the Red Hood (Jason Todd) variant cover?