Batman #99-100, “Joker War” conclusion

Batman

“You are my hammer and weapon of war: with you I break nations in pieces; with you I destroy kingdoms;” Who is this weapon? It is revealed in the book of Batman, chapters 99-100!

This is the tale as witnessed by James Tynion IV.
Cast into light by Jorge Jimenez.

The official plot:

“The Joker War’ comes to a city-shattering conclusion as Batman battles The Joker in a brutal, no-holds-barred duel! This is a fight 80 years in the making, and its outcome won’t just change Batman’s life, it will change Gotham City for years to come! Plus, a pair of short stories that will chart what’s to come in Gotham City and Batman.”

DC Comics

The highly hyped Joker war comes to it’s expected conclusion. As expected, everyone under the sun shows up to throw a punch or two. Does it live up to the hype? Not in the way you might expect.

Batman
…and he walks away as if she didn’t mean what she was saying.

My Impressions:

  • Harley Quinn is the best part of this story arc. A timely intervention saves the day, and when she get’s serious, it’s chilling.
  • Oracle is back online. ‘Nuff said.
  • Clownhunter. Either he ends up a Robin, or he’s a flash in the pan. There’s no in-between.
  • Did Harley just become a member of the Bat-family???
Batman
I’ve always liked the serious Harley the most. It doesn’t get any more serious than this.

Notable Appearances/Events:

  • Batman (Bruce Wayne)
  • Joker
  • The full Bat-Family
  • Harley Quinn (Harleen Frances Quinzel)
  • Punchline (Alexis Kaye)
  • Clownhunter (Bao Pham)
  • Ghost-Maker 1st Appearance! (Cameo)

Bottom Line: 4 Stars!

I feel like the climax for this story arc was about 1 page long. The build-up of how badly Joker and his forces were destroying Gotham, along with the corruption that is revealed is absolutely huge. Batman finally admitting he can’t deal with this alone and calling in the help of his various protégés doesn’t feel quite sufficient to handle the task. And then it’s over…and fast too. However, Harley’s part in the finale is almost a whole new character. I really hope we see her continue to evolve down this path, and become a semi permanent member of the troupe.

Batman #98, “The Joker War” part 4

Batman

Brothers and sisters! Pay heed to the actions of the Joker for he will cause madness in Gotham! They will drink and stagger and go mad because of the poison that he has sent among them! So sayeth the book of Batman, chapter 98, verses 1-32!

This is the scripture according to the prolific James Tynion IV.
As envisioned by the not-as-prolific Jorge Jimenez

The official plot:

““The Joker War” part four of six! Batman is at his most vulnerable following a massive dose of an experimental new Joker toxin. With the Dark Knight haunted by demons and visions, it’s up to Harley Quinn to protect him while he recovers-because Punchline is on her way!”

DC Comics

This one should have had “Harley Quinn” graffitied over Batman in the title. The Harley/Punchline rematch is where all the action is. Batman spends the majority of the issue stuck in his own head, talking to Alfred.

Batman
Round 2, FIGHT!

My Impressions:

  • Harley/Punchline: I dug it…more than just punches and insults, there’s some real girl talk during the fight.
  • Alfred dealing out some tough love! (Even if he is a figment of Bruce’s drugged mind.)
  • I’m Batman: Nice presentation, but not quite as powerful as intended. Sorry, you’re not going to shake the meme with this one.
Batman
Um…excuse me Mr. Batman. Don’t you think you should give Harley a little credit?

Notable Appearances/Events:

  • Batman (Bruce Wayne)
  • Harley Quinn (Harleen Frances Quinzel)
  • Punchline (Alexis Kayne)
  • Alfred Pennyworth
  • Catwoman (Selina Kyle)
  • Penguin (Oswald Chesterfield Cobblepot)
  • Riddler (Edward Nigma)
  • Scarecrow (Jonathan Crane)
  • Joker
  • Killer Croc (Waylon Jones)
  • Mad Hatter (Jervis Tetch)
  • Professor Pyg (Lazlo Valentin)

Bottom Line: 3 Stars!

Harley and Punchline steal the show in this one. It wasn’t quite as campy as I thought it would be. As for Batman…can we PLEASE move on from pining after Alfred now? I think that’s the set-up here…but I’m sure we haven’t seen the last of our favorite butler.

Detective Comics #1026, “Monsters of Men”

Detective Comics

Woe to he that walks too close to a storm drain in Gotham City! Listen carefully to our discussion of Detective Comics, chapter 1026, verses 1-32! “Monsters of Men”

The word, though not as good as other issues of Detective Comics, according to Peter J. Tomasi
As envisioned by the, trying to hard, Kenneth Rocafort

The official plot:

“As “The Joker War” rages on, the casualties are mounting, and the underground residents of Gotham City must deal with the devastating effects of the Joker toxin that’s been pumped into the old city’s tunnel system. Batman must risk everything to guide them to safety, but a familiar face has mobilized these forgotten souls to rise up in anger…and Killer Croc takes no prisoners!”

DC Comics

Not exactly. It’s less guiding them “to safety” and more incapacitating and imprisoning them. As to Killer Croc taking no prisoners…slight fib, they are willing participants.

Detective Comics
Behold! The king under the sewer!

My Impressions:

  • The Good: … He’s Batman? I guess…
  • The Not-so-Good: Definite filler issue that feels very quickly thrown together.
  • Contemporary Artwork: Bleck! Everything is too skinny, squashed or otherwise malformed. This was not a joy to behold.
  • Palette: Can we lose the brown please? The whole issue just looks dirty.
Detective Comics
Who needs to fight the Joker War? Let’s go pick on Killer Croc’s team instead.

Notable Appearances/Events:

  • Batman (Bruce Wayne)
  • Killer Croc (Waylon Jones)
  • Ratty Riz (1st appearance)
  • Hardback (1st appearance)
  • Gup (1st appearance)
  • Ally (1st appearance)
  • Garter (1st appearance)
  • Bandit (1st appearance)
  • Joker War Tie -In

Bottom Line: 1 Star!

This issue is for fanboys and dedicated collectors only! Detective Comics was in my top 4, unfortunately this issue really damaged our relationship! I honestly feel like this story has been sitting in a drawer for ages. A small dialogue change to incorporate the otherwise missing Joker War and BAM! deadline met. Come on DC, you can do better!