The Joker is Batman’s most iconic villain. Despite decades of history, his identity has remained a mystery. In Batman: Three Jokers, the Caped Crusader searches for the Clown Prince of Crime. Aided by Batgirl and Red Hood, Batman’s quest will lead him to three suspects. But, which one is the real Joker?
Review
The Good
The art is great. Jason Fabok and Brad Anderson carefully weaved a series of panels that are visually striking and draw readers in. The way the three Jokers are drawn highlights both their differences and similarities.
The story deals with the redemption of Joe Chill. This arc was developed very well. The conversation between Chill and Batman and subsequent resolution carry most of the dramatic weight of the novel.
The final reveal in the last page is a very unexpected one. It shows us Batman at his best and ends an otherwise dark novel with a glimmer of hope.
The bad
It seemed that the purpose of this story was to explain some of the continuity issues that occur with the Joker. His different personalities and modes of operation are explained by saying that there are different Jokers. But by trying to explain part of his past, the story removes some of the mystery that makes the Joker a great villain. The reveal itself was very underwhelming and did not live up to the decades-long anticipation.
The story plays Batman in a different light. Despite his altruistic desire for justice, he lets Jason Todd go after murdering someone in cold blood. He justifies his decision by saying that if Jason is unmasked, everyone else will be unmasked. I don’t know if this is exclusive to this novel or if this is just a feature of the “modern” Batman.
Jason and Barbara kiss, which makes no sense and has no lead up.
Final Thoughts
The back cover of the book refers to this story as “one of the most highly anticipated comics events in years!”. This is true, but this story does not live up to the anticipation. Three Jokers has its good moments and great art. But it misses the mark on making the Joker more interesting.
Recap
Bruce Wayne (Batman), Barbara Gordon (Batgirl), and Jason Todd (Red Hood) investigate a series of murders. Three separate killing sprees in three locations that all point to the Joker. Batman’s fears have been realized. There is more than one Joker: the Criminal, the Comedian, and the Clown.
The three heroes are led to the Gotham Aquarium, where they are ambushed by the Clown and his minions. Batman subdues the Clown and ties him up. While waiting for the police, Jason loses control and shoots the Clown, killing him.
Jason goes rogue, deciding to capture the other Jokers himself. Instead he walks into a trap. The Jokers restrain, undress, and torture Jason. Meanwhile, Batman’s investigation leads him to Joe Chill: the man who killed his parents. He finds out that Chill has been kidnapped by the Jokers. After Batman and Batgirl rescue Jason, they set out to find the other Jokers.
Batman deduces the Jokers’ plan. They want to create a new, better Joker to carry on the legacy. The three heroes are led to an abandoned theater, where the Jokers are holding Joe Chill. They plan to transform Chill into the new Joker. A climactic battle ensues, and the Criminal corners Batman. Unexpectedly, the Comedian shoots and kills the Criminal, and then turns himself in.
En route to Arkham Asylum, the Comedian taunts Batman. He claims that all of the events have transpired according to his plan. He claims to be the real Joker, and the one who will eventually kill Batman. Back home, Bruce reveals to Alfred that he knows the Joker’s real identity, but has kept it a secret to protect his wife and child, who are in witness protection.
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