Batman: Three Jokers

Last updated
Batman: Three Jokers
Three Jokers.jpeg
Cover art of Batman: Three Jokers (September 2020) featuring The Clown Joker (left), The Criminal Joker (center), and The Comedian Joker (right); art by Jason Fabok and Brad Anderson.
Publication information
Publisher DC Comics
Format Limited series
Genre Superhero fiction
Publication dateAugust – October 2020
No. of issues3
Main character(s) Batman
Joker
Red Hood
Batgirl
Creative team
Written by Geoff Johns
Artist(s) Jason Fabok
Brad Anderson
Collected editions
Batman: Three Jokers ISBN   978-1779500236

Batman: Three Jokers is an American comic book limited series published by DC Comics. It is a spiritual successor to Batman: The Killing Joke and Batman: A Death in the Family . The three-issue storyline was written by Geoff Johns and illustrated by Jason Fabok and Brad Anderson, began in August and concluded in October 2020. In Three Jokers, Batman, Batgirl and Red Hood follow a lead on the Joker, who appears to have been three different men all along.

Contents

The Three Jokers storyline was published under DC Black Label, an imprint allowing writers to present unique takes on DC characters for a mature audience. The storyline received positive reviews with praise for the art, story and character development despite criticism on the underdevelopment on Red Hood and Batgirl's story.

Premise

Three Jokers follows Batman as he investigates several ongoing crimes by the Joker occurring simultaneously, which may be related to the possibility that there may be more than one Joker operating in Gotham City. [1]

The three Jokers in this story are referred to by simple titles:

Prelude

During the "Darkseid War" storyline, Batman sits on the Mobius Chair (a time-space/dimensional vehicle operated by the New God Metron) with Hal Jordan observing. First, to test the chair, Batman asked it who killed his parents - it answered correctly: "Joe Chill". [2] Next, Batman asked the Mobius Chair what is the Joker's real name, and is shocked by the results. It is later revealed that the Mobius Chair told Batman there were three Jokers, which he later brought up to Hal when he asked about it. Batman states that he is going to have to look into that later. [3] [4]

Plot

Batman sets out to find the Joker when he learns he has killed the last members of the Moxon crime family. Batgirl (Barbara Gordon) joins the pursuit after learning he also killed a famous comedian. Red Hood (Jason Todd) resumes his hunt of the Clown Prince of Crime as well. Batman concludes that the Joker used the murders as a diversion, his real plan was stealing a truck full of his Joker-turning chemicals.

The Joker driving the stolen truck, The Clown, meets with The Comedian and The Criminal to discuss their plan to set up chemical vats and find candidates in order to create a fourth new Joker. Batman, Batgirl, and Red Hood's investigations lead them to an aquarium where they encounter The Clown, who Batman subdues and leaves for Batgirl and Red Hood to guard while he organizes a transport to Arkham Asylum. Jason kills The Clown after being provoked by him, enraging Barbara. [5]

Batgirl tells Batman about Jason's actions. She wants Bruce to stop him, but Bruce tells her there is nothing they can do: if Jason confesses to the murder, Batgirl would be arrested as an accomplice and unmasked, as she was a witness. They go to Blackgate Penitentiary: at the crime scene of the Joker's murder of a judge, Batman found the fingerprints of one particular criminal: his parents' killer Joe Chill, who has terminal cancer.

Red Hood searches for the Joker at an abandoned sports club. Inside, he finds multiple bodies bathed in a Joker-turning chemicals-filled pool. Jason is captured by the Jokers, who tell him they are searching for someone to turn into a better version of themselves to antagonize Batman. All the victims they killed were tests for their final product, but to them, they were not good enough. The Jokers torture Jason to near death and leave him for Barbara and Bruce to find. Broken and embittered, Jason snaps at Batman, blaming him for all the pain in his life. Barbara takes Jason to her apartment, where they emotionally confide with one another about their similar tragedies. They end up kissing, but Barbara pulls away from him. The Comedian then suddenly kidnaps Joe Chill. [6]

Batman analyzes the Jokers, believing that one of these is the original and created the other two. Batman learns of Joe Chill's kidnapping and finds unsent apology letters to Bruce Wayne that the guilt-ridden Chill wrote long before he got sick. Batman, Batgirl, and Red Hood head to the condemned Monarch Theater as inside the letters Batman finds an invitation by the Joker. Inside they face The Criminal, who intends to turn Chill into the new Joker because of his role in the Dark Knight's creation. Batman saves Chill, who has learned his secret identity and thinks he would deserve it if he chose to take his life, but Batman forgives him. The Criminal is then suddenly shot in the head by The Comedian.

Batman escorts the arrested Comedian (the real Joker) to Arkham Asylum. Jason approaches Barbara romantically, but she again rejects him. The Joker reveals he is aware of Batman and his allies' secret identities; he had convinced the other two Jokers that Joe Chill would make a perfect fourth one, understanding he would never be able to commit a crime more tragic than what Chill did to Bruce, and he alone wants to be Bruce's greatest pain until the day they die together, which was accomplished when Bruce forgave Chill.

Jason leaves a letter for Barbara, where he confesses his love for her and is ready to abandon the Red Hood identity for good, if it means having a chance to be with her. Barbara never reads the letter, as it is collected by a janitor outside her apartment. In the aftermath, Bruce comforts Chill at his deathbed. Bruce reveals to Alfred that he has known the Joker's true name all along, discovering it shortly after their first encounter. It is also revealed that the Joker's pregnant wife Jeannie is alive, having been taken to Alaska where she now lives with her son as part of a witness protection program. Bruce explains that the Joker's name must never be known, because if the world ever found out about his family, it would be national news and they would be targeted, either by the Joker himself or by someone seeking vengeance against the criminal. [7]

Canonicity

Geoff Johns, the writer of the book, stated at DC FanDome in September 2020 that he felt the story was "in continuity". He also debunked a theory that claimed the three Jokers were from different realities. [8]

In the same month, Jason Fabok, the artist of the series, said that the canonicity of the series was subject to interpretation: "I'm not a continuity hound personally. I just want a good story. All my favorite stories are out of continuity so that appeals to me more. If this was in continuity we would have had our hands tied and forced to do certain things". [9]

Reception

The series overall received positive reviews from critics. Many critics praised the art, pacing, and characters, as well as the resolution between Batman and Joe Chill, but they found the revelation of the Three Jokers' identities underwhelming. The writing of Jason Todd and Barbara Gordon was seen as unnecessary. Critics panned the execution of Joker's "true" name.

According to the Review aggregator, Comic Book roundup gave the entire series 8.5 out of 10 based on 61 reviews. [10] [11] [12] [13]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Batman</span> Comic book superhero

Batman is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and debuted in the 27th issue of the comic book Detective Comics on March 30, 1939. In the DC Universe continuity, Batman is the alias of Bruce Wayne, a wealthy American playboy, philanthropist, and industrialist who resides in Gotham City. Batman's origin story features him swearing vengeance against criminals after witnessing the murder of his parents Thomas and Martha as a child, a vendetta tempered with the ideal of justice. He trains himself physically and intellectually, crafts a bat-inspired persona, and monitors the Gotham streets at night. Kane, Finger, and other creators accompanied Batman with supporting characters, including his sidekicks Robin and Batgirl; allies Alfred Pennyworth, James Gordon, and Catwoman; and foes such as the Penguin, the Riddler, Two-Face, and his archenemy, the Joker.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joker (character)</span> Supervillain in the DC Universe

The Joker is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane, and Jerry Robinson, and first appeared in the debut issue of the comic book Batman on April 25, 1940. Credit for the Joker's creation is disputed; Kane and Robinson claimed responsibility for the Joker's design while acknowledging Finger's writing contribution. Although the Joker was planned to be killed off during his initial appearance, he was spared by editorial intervention, allowing the character to endure as the archenemy of the superhero Batman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Robin (character)</span> Fictional character

Robin is the alias of several superheroes appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was originally created by Bob Kane, Bill Finger, and Jerry Robinson, to serve as a junior counterpart and the sidekick to the superhero Batman. As a team, Batman and Robin have commonly been referred to as the Caped Crusaders and the Dynamic Duo. The character's first incarnation, Dick Grayson, debuted in Detective Comics #38. Conceived as a way to attract young readership, Robin garnered overwhelmingly positive critical reception, doubling the sales of the Batman titles. Robin's early adventures included Star Spangled Comics #65–130 (1947–1952), the character's first solo feature. He made regular appearances in Batman-related comic books and other DC Comics publications from 1940 through the early 1980s, until the character set aside the Robin identity and became the independent superhero Nightwing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dick Grayson</span> Fictional DC Comics superhero

DickGrayson is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly in association with Batman, Teen Titans and Justice League. Created by writer Bill Finger and artist Bob Kane, he first appeared in Detective Comics #38 in April 1940 as the original and most popular incarnation of Robin, Batman's crime-fighting partner. In Tales of the Teen Titans #44, the character, after becoming a young adult, retires his role as Robin and assumes the superhero persona of Nightwing. Grayson has donned the cape and cowl to replace Bruce Wayne as Batman. His most notable spell as Batman follows Bruce Wayne's supposed death in Final Crisis, and sees Grayson adopt Damian Wayne as his Robin.

<i>Batman: The Killing Joke</i> 1988 graphic novel by Alan Moore and Brian Bolland

Batman: The Killing Joke is a 1988 DC Comics one-shot graphic novel featuring the characters Batman and the Joker written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Brian Bolland. The Killing Joke provides another origin story for the supervillain the Joker, loosely adapted from the 1951 story "The Man Behind the Red Hood!", which was written by Batman co-creator Bill Finger. The Joker's supposed origin is presented via flashback, while simultaneously depicting his attempt to drive Jim Gordon insane and Batman's desperate attempt to stop him.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jim Gordon (character)</span> Fictional character in the DC Universe

James W. "Jim" Gordon Sr. is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, most commonly in association with the superhero Batman. Created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane as an ally of Batman, the character debuted in the first panel of Detective Comics #27, Batman's first appearance, making him the first Batman supporting character ever to be introduced.

<i>The Batman Adventures</i> DC Comics comic book series

The Batman Adventures is a DC Comics comic book series featuring Batman. It is different from other Batman titles because it is set in the continuity of Batman: The Animated Series, as opposed to the regular DC Universe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Barbara Gordon</span> DC Comics character

Barbara Gordon is a superheroine appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly in association with the superhero Batman. The character was created by television producer William Dozier, editor Julius Schwartz, writer Gardner Fox, and artist Carmine Infantino. Dozier, the producer of the 1960s Batman television series, requested Schwartz to call for a new female counterpart to the superhero Batman that could be introduced into publication and the third season of the show simultaneously. The character subsequently made her first comic-book appearance as Batgirl in Detective Comics #359, titled "The Million Dollar Debut of Batgirl!" in January 1967, by Fox and Infantino, allowing her to be introduced into the television series, portrayed by actress Yvonne Craig, in the season 3 premiere "Enter Batgirl, Exit Penguin", in September that same year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jason Todd</span> Fictional character in DC Comics

Jason Peter Todd is a character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. First appearing in Batman #357 in March 1983, he was created to succeed Dick Grayson as Robin, Batman's partner and sidekick. He initially shared a similar origin to Grayson, being the son of circus acrobats who are killed by criminals in Gotham and adopted by Bruce Wayne/Batman as his son and protege. Following the Crisis on Infinite Earths event and the rebooting of DC's main comics universe, Jason's origin was changed to being a pre-teen street urchin and petty thief who Bruce adopted and took under his wing after finding the boy attempting to steal the tires off of the Batmobile. This origin has since become the standard for subsequent iterations of the character.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joe Chill</span> Comics character

Joe Chill is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly in association with the superhero Batman. Created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane, the character first appeared in Detective Comics #33.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Red Hood</span> Various DC Comics characters, first 1951

The Red Hood is an alias used by multiple characters appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The identity was first used in the 1951 story line "The Man Behind the Red Hood!", which provides the earliest origin story for the Joker. The storyline depicts an unnamed criminal wearing a red dome-shaped hood who, after a chance encounter with Batman, is disfigured by chemicals and becomes insane, giving birth to his future Joker persona.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Duela Dent</span> Fictional character in the DC Universe

Duela Dent is a fictional character in the DC Universe. She is a former member of the Suicide Squad, the Teen Titans and its counterpart, Titans East. Introduced under the alias of the Joker's Daughter, she has also used aliases: Catgirl the Catwoman's Daughter, Scarecrone the Scarecrow's Daughter, the Riddler's Daughter, the Penguin's Daughter, the Card Queen, and the Harlequin. She first appeared in Batman Family #6.

Lewis "Lew" Moxon is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. He is most famous for hiring Joe Chill to murder young Bruce Wayne's parents in early versions of Batman's origin story, thus making him indirectly responsible for Batman's existence.

Originally created in 1967, the fictional comic book character Barbara Gordon has been adapted into various other forms of media. The character has appeared in both live action and animated television series and films, as well as in video games in her alter-egos as both Batgirl and Oracle!.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Batman: Death of the Family</span> DC Comics story arc (2012–2013)

"Batman: Death of the Family" is a 23-issue comic book story arc first published by DC Comics in 2012 featuring the fictional superhero Batman and his family of supporting characters. The arc spans several titles featuring characters of the Batman family including: Batman, Batgirl, Batman and Robin, Catwoman, Detective Comics, Nightwing, Red Hood and the Outlaws, Suicide Squad, and Teen Titans. The story involves the return of Batman's archenemy, the Joker, and his plan to destroy all of the people Batman has come to rely on over the years: the multiple Robins, Batgirl, Catwoman, Alfred Pennyworth, and Commissioner James Gordon. The title is a reference to the classic Batman story arc "A Death in the Family" (1988), in which the Joker murders Jason Todd.

<i>Batman: The Killing Joke</i> (film) 2016 film by Sam Liu

Batman: The Killing Joke is a 2016 American adult animated superhero film produced by Warner Bros. Animation and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. Featuring the DC Comics character Batman, the film is the 27th of the DC Universe Animated Original Movies, based on the graphic novel of the same name by Alan Moore and Brian Bolland. The film is directed by Sam Liu, written by Brian Azzarello and stars the voices of Kevin Conroy, Mark Hamill, Tara Strong, and Ray Wise. Like the novel, the film follows the Joker, Batman's arch-nemesis, and his efforts to drive police commissioner James Gordon insane as Batman works desperately to stop him.

<i>Batman: The Adventures Continue</i>

Batman: The Adventures Continue is a DC Comics comic book series starring Batman set in the world of the DC Animated Universe. It is a continuation of Batman: The Animated Series and its follow-up The New Batman Adventures. The book is co-written by Paul Dini and Alan Burnett, producers of the original animated television series, and illustrated by Ty Templeton, who also worked on previous comics inspired by Batman: TAS. The limited series was initially released as a "digital first" comic, beginning in April 2020. The first print issue, which collects the first two digital chapters, reached stores on June 10, 2020. The miniseries was extended from six to seven print issues, and later to eight. In March 2021, DC announced Season II of the series, with Issue 1 published in June 2021. As of June 2021, DC has planned seven issues for Season II. Season III, the final season of the comic, began publication on January 10, 2023.

<i>Batman: Death in the Family</i> American animated short film

Batman: Death in the Family is a 2020 American animated interactive short film that explores alternate outcomes of the 1988 comics storyline of the same name, in which Jason Todd, the second character to bear the mantle of Batman's sidekick Robin, was murdered by the Joker. It is a spiritual sequel to Batman: Under the Red Hood, and was released on Blu-ray on October 13, 2020.

"The Joker War" is a comic book crossover storyline published by DC Comics in late 2020, featuring Batman and his family. Primarily written by James Tynion IV, the arc is his first major arc on Batman in DC Rebirth. The main story was from Batman #95–100, while 16 other issues were tie-ins.

<i>Batman 89</i> (comic book) DC Comics limited comic series

Batman '89 is a superhero comic book limited series published by DC Comics that serves as an alternative continuation of Tim Burton's two Batman films, Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992), which starred Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne / Batman, while ignoring the events of Batman Forever (1995) and Batman & Robin (1997). The series is written by the first two films' screenwriter, Sam Hamm, and illustrated by Joe Quinones. It was launched in August 2021 and ran for six issues.

References

  1. ↑ Arrant, Chris (July 19, 2018). "3 JOKERS Lands at BLACK LABEL - But is In DCU Continuity". Newsarama . Purch.
  2. ↑ "Batman: Three Jokers Changes the Ending of the Darkseid War". CBR. 2020-11-04. Retrieved 2021-03-26.
  3. ↑ Justice League (vol. 2) #50. DC Comics.
  4. ↑ DC Rebirth #1. DC Comics.
  5. ↑ Batman: Three Jokers #1. DC Comics.
  6. ↑ Batman: Three Jokers #2. DC Comics.
  7. ↑ Batman: Three Jokers #3. DC Comics.
  8. ↑ "Batman: Three Jokers: Geoff Johns Debunks a Fan Theory About the Clown Princes of Crime". CBR. 2020-09-12. Retrieved 2020-11-15.
  9. ↑ "(Untitled)". Twitter . September 29, 2020. Retrieved 2020-11-15.
  10. ↑ "Batman: Three Jokers (2020) Reviews". ComicBookRoundup.com. Retrieved 2020-11-15.
  11. ↑ "Batman: Three Jokers #1 Reviews". ComicBookRoundup.com. Retrieved 2020-11-15.
  12. ↑ "Batman: Three Jokers #2 Reviews". ComicBookRoundup.com. Retrieved 2020-11-15.
  13. ↑ "Batman: Three Jokers #3 Reviews". ComicBookRoundup.com. Retrieved 2020-11-15.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.