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Batman (2011) (Single Issues)
Batman (2011-2016) #13
“Death of the Family” part 1 featuring the return of the Joker! He crippled Batgirl. He killed Robin. What will the Joker do now that he’s returned to Gotham City? And what must Batman do to protect his secret identity and that of those who fight alongside him?
36 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 10, 2012
11 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
Scott Snyder
1,787 books5,186 followersScott Snyder is the Eisner and Harvey Award winning writer on DC Comics Batman, Swamp Thing, and his original series for Vertigo, American Vampire. He is also the author of the short story collection, Voodoo Heart, published by the Dial Press in 2006. The paperback version was published in the summer of 2007.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 14, 2023
Oh boy the joker is so scary......
So far he committed two major series of murders.
Harley Quinn is back too i love her, he scared her good, its also good to know that she can actually voice her objections, when she refused to have her face cut.
The joker got his hands on Alfred i wonder what's next.
So far he committed two major series of murders.
Harley Quinn is back too i love her, he scared her good, its also good to know that she can actually voice her objections, when she refused to have her face cut.
The joker got his hands on Alfred i wonder what's next.
August 15, 2023
Scott Snyder took the Joker off the board so that he could bring the Clown Prince of Crime in a story worthy for Batman's ultimate nemesis.
This is the first chapter of that story, "Death of The Family" and Snyder was able to return the Joker in a most menacing fashion to remind the readers that this clown was not someone to trifle with.
I loved the pacing of this book and that was due in no small part to Snyder. I was a little worried on how Greg Capullo would fit in this story, given his cartoony style, but he was able to deliver a Joker redesign that was pretty grisly.
This is the first chapter of that story, "Death of The Family" and Snyder was able to return the Joker in a most menacing fashion to remind the readers that this clown was not someone to trifle with.
I loved the pacing of this book and that was due in no small part to Snyder. I was a little worried on how Greg Capullo would fit in this story, given his cartoony style, but he was able to deliver a Joker redesign that was pretty grisly.
June 7, 2016
He's back!!! and what an entrance!! Joker, the prince of crime!! after going missing for over a year, the Clown "est de retour"!
Can't wait for the rest!!!
Can't wait for the rest!!!
May 7, 2016
My god....what an insane appearance of The Joker...I was gonna lose my mind at the start of this issue.
August 6, 2016
I first read the entire "return of the Joker" crossover event in the thicker collection that included all the tie-ins, and I was quite pleased about it. I, however, knew I missed out a couple of issues from Snyder's own line-up and that included this issue which picked up right after Batman's confrontation with the Court of Owls and the Talons that ended rather anti-climatically.
The pacing of this story had a briskness to it that created enough tension and action that will make a reader definitely look forward for the next installment. But if you're an avid Batman fan like me, and the Joker is your most favorite villain, then the excitement is much more palpable for you already.
The issue opens with something akin to Shakespearean. It reminded me of the first few scenes in Julius Caesar where two non-supporters were discussing about the 'omens' of a dark reign to come and they blamed it all on Caesar's possible ascension as emperor of Rome.
In this case, a conversation between Jim Gordon and Harvey Bullock sets up the tone and atmosphere for what's to come--including the bad weather and its nonstop downpour. Bullock mentions that a two-headed lion was born and other weird stuff, and they seem to be ominous signs which is something any Gothamite knows better than to take lightly.
AND THE JOKER SHOWS UP. DIM THE LIGHTS AND CUE THE MUSIC OF TERROR. The entire thing happened so fast that it takes too long for not just Gordon to react but also myself as a reader. The next few scenes were a daze of unpredictable deaths that are befitting of the Joker; the man always had this razor-sharp crackle of electricity--and you knew, just knew, that he will leave devastation on his path. His grand return to Gotham is particularly hard on everyone in the Bat-family but not exclusively so, because Jim Gordon is just as deeply affected (refer to The Killing Joke for this).
But ever-confident Damian isn't worried because this is one Robin the Joker hasn't touched--yet.
Page after page, the Joker immediately plays mind games and massacre with a serious intent, with Batman getting closer and yet still managing to be one step behind. We see Harley Quinn in this issue, and even the Joker's number one fan and partner in crime is shaking her head, claiming he's not the same man she loved. So just when you think he's not dark enough, he unbelievably blackens that shade with a few more strokes and tricks up his sleeve. It all boils down to a cliffhanger that was rather chilling. It's frighteningly obvious that this Joker has no laughs to spare and more driven to slice his way through the innards. There may be small moments of blissful randomness in his ploys like the Clown Prince that he is, but something sinister has come back from the grave as well which seemed to make the Joker more of a precision instrument ready to cut right into the most sensitive nerve he could possibly find in Batman.
Getting back his torn-up face and sense of style, this Joker is on a personal mission; and he doesn't look like he's even half-joking anymore. Determined in his quest to repair Batman because he perceives him as getting soft, the Joker has orchestrated a masterpiece: to get rid of the very family that to him weakened Batman's resolve and purpose. And he knows exactly which one of Batman's family he's going to start with first...
RECOMMENDED: 9/10
* A promising start for a crazy ride ahead.
[DO READ MORE ABOUT MY BATMAN REVIEWS IN http://batman-comics-geek.blogspot.com/]
The pacing of this story had a briskness to it that created enough tension and action that will make a reader definitely look forward for the next installment. But if you're an avid Batman fan like me, and the Joker is your most favorite villain, then the excitement is much more palpable for you already.
The issue opens with something akin to Shakespearean. It reminded me of the first few scenes in Julius Caesar where two non-supporters were discussing about the 'omens' of a dark reign to come and they blamed it all on Caesar's possible ascension as emperor of Rome.
In this case, a conversation between Jim Gordon and Harvey Bullock sets up the tone and atmosphere for what's to come--including the bad weather and its nonstop downpour. Bullock mentions that a two-headed lion was born and other weird stuff, and they seem to be ominous signs which is something any Gothamite knows better than to take lightly.
AND THE JOKER SHOWS UP. DIM THE LIGHTS AND CUE THE MUSIC OF TERROR. The entire thing happened so fast that it takes too long for not just Gordon to react but also myself as a reader. The next few scenes were a daze of unpredictable deaths that are befitting of the Joker; the man always had this razor-sharp crackle of electricity--and you knew, just knew, that he will leave devastation on his path. His grand return to Gotham is particularly hard on everyone in the Bat-family but not exclusively so, because Jim Gordon is just as deeply affected (refer to The Killing Joke for this).
But ever-confident Damian isn't worried because this is one Robin the Joker hasn't touched--yet.
Page after page, the Joker immediately plays mind games and massacre with a serious intent, with Batman getting closer and yet still managing to be one step behind. We see Harley Quinn in this issue, and even the Joker's number one fan and partner in crime is shaking her head, claiming he's not the same man she loved. So just when you think he's not dark enough, he unbelievably blackens that shade with a few more strokes and tricks up his sleeve. It all boils down to a cliffhanger that was rather chilling. It's frighteningly obvious that this Joker has no laughs to spare and more driven to slice his way through the innards. There may be small moments of blissful randomness in his ploys like the Clown Prince that he is, but something sinister has come back from the grave as well which seemed to make the Joker more of a precision instrument ready to cut right into the most sensitive nerve he could possibly find in Batman.
Getting back his torn-up face and sense of style, this Joker is on a personal mission; and he doesn't look like he's even half-joking anymore. Determined in his quest to repair Batman because he perceives him as getting soft, the Joker has orchestrated a masterpiece: to get rid of the very family that to him weakened Batman's resolve and purpose. And he knows exactly which one of Batman's family he's going to start with first...
RECOMMENDED: 9/10
* A promising start for a crazy ride ahead.
[DO READ MORE ABOUT MY BATMAN REVIEWS IN http://batman-comics-geek.blogspot.com/]
March 16, 2024
2024 - Year of The Bat (366 Days of Batman)
Day 76: I’ve either ignored or forgotten spoilers from Snyder’s Batman run and I’m so glad I did! This was an excellent start to what feels like one of the darker Joker storylines. This time I’m avoiding the tie-ins as they’re what ruined Night of the Owls for me.
Day 76: I’ve either ignored or forgotten spoilers from Snyder’s Batman run and I’m so glad I did! This was an excellent start to what feels like one of the darker Joker storylines. This time I’m avoiding the tie-ins as they’re what ruined Night of the Owls for me.
July 29, 2025
an everyday night in Gotham City marks the return of the Joker. He claims he’s going to kill the mayor, but in actuality he poisons the public, tricks Batman by revealing red hood to be Harley Quinn, and Joker goes after Alfred..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2019
The art meshes well with the sinister vibe that Snyder conveys. The Joker is back, and I was honestly surprised to see Harley pop up as well.
March 29, 2020
Death Of The Family part 1-Knock Knock
May 18, 2020
This is by far my favourite single issue of the Snyder/ Capullo NEW 52 run; the plotting, the pacing, the choice of framing in the art, the art itself. It just feels so very special, a highlight of any Batman comics IMO
March 16, 2017
I should read this first. But I honestly don't care much about order sometimes.
The joker is back and he is going after everyone. No one is safe. Specially the "Bats" like he call them.
The joker is back and he is going after everyone. No one is safe. Specially the "Bats" like he call them.
October 16, 2013
You can read the full review over at The Founding Fields:
http://thefoundingfields.com/2012/12/...
This also includes #14-15.
Anyone who’s been following the comics reviews on here knows that I’m a very big fan of Scott’s work on Batman. He has an excellent handle on the character and the setting alike; he’s made Batman, his allies and his villains his own, while also enriching the entire Batman mythos through the addition of a brand new enemy in the form of the Court of Owls. With these three latest issues, he goes back into what is familiar territory for all Batman fans: the Joker. That’s right, the big bad Clown of Gotham is back, and he’s back with a vengeance.
Comics rarely, if ever, scare the hell out of me. To the best of my knowledge, the only other time I’ve been seriously creeped out by a comic is when I read David Hine’s The Darkness: Rebirth Volume 1. With these three issues, Scott does three better than David did. The new arc is called “The Death of the Family” and it shows how Joker goes about exacting vengeance on every member of the Bat-family. Joker’s return to Gotham is explosive and brutal, as shown by his break-in at the GCPD headquarters and the massacre in the mayor’s office. Batman’s investigations eventually bring him to a face-off against the Joker, but by this point, the lunatic appears to be holding all the cards, especially since he claims to know the identities of all the heroes of Gotham: Batman, Nightwing, Red Robin, Robin, Batgirl and Red Hood. Plus the fact that Joker kidnapped Alfred too, from the Wayne Mansion itself! Snyder’s Joker is totally off his rocker, and his controlled madness really makes me shiver. I swear I’m going to start taking the Joker seriously from now on. I can totally do without the images of Joker’s stapled-on facial skin and his maniac laughter from Snyder’s pages and Capullo’s art.
Which brings me to the visual aspects of the three issues. In a word: fanfrikkintastic. Capullo is hands down one of the best artists currently working for DC. Ivan Reis, Nicola Scott and Amanda Conner are all pretty much on the same level as him. Capullo’s Joker is hell of a lot creepy. His Nightwing is very much in the same vein as Eddy Barrows’ from Nightwing. His Batman is consistent with the rest of the series. His panels are just so incredibly well-detailed and a treat to look at. And there’s so much dynamism in them. His work just brings Scott’s words to cinematic life and gives you the feel that you are watching a big-budget movie rather than reading a comic book.
There are back-ups in all three issues, co-written by James Tynion IV and Scott. In #13 we have Joker recruiting Harley Quinn to his cause. In #14 it is Joker making a deal with Cobblepot (Penguin). In #15, Joker partners up with the Riddler. The Clown seems to be gathering quite the villainous army! James has just as good a handle on Joker as Scott does, which is not surprising since they both cooperate on all Batman stuff, and since James is also doing his own series, Talon, which is a spin-off from the “Court of the Owls” crossover and features a good-guy Talon of the Court, out for himself and wanting to be left alone. James’ Joker is just as scary as Scott’s, if not more so, and I love his take on Penguin and Riddler. And Jonathan Glapion’s artwork is almost on par with that of Capullo’s. There is consistency between them as relates to character designs, so that’s a huge plus from me!
Overall, an excellent continuation from “Court of the Owls” and “The Death of the Family” is definitely off to a great start! The cliffhanger from #15 almost had me shaking with the utter deviousness of Joker. If you haven’t read anything from the previous arc, then don’t worry. #13 provides a great jumping-on point! Very promising for the next set of issues too! My only negative comment about these three issues is that #15 is not as spectacular as #14 was, though it has a stronger back-story, so it all balances out anyway!
Rating: 10/10
http://thefoundingfields.com/2012/12/...
This also includes #14-15.
Anyone who’s been following the comics reviews on here knows that I’m a very big fan of Scott’s work on Batman. He has an excellent handle on the character and the setting alike; he’s made Batman, his allies and his villains his own, while also enriching the entire Batman mythos through the addition of a brand new enemy in the form of the Court of Owls. With these three latest issues, he goes back into what is familiar territory for all Batman fans: the Joker. That’s right, the big bad Clown of Gotham is back, and he’s back with a vengeance.
Comics rarely, if ever, scare the hell out of me. To the best of my knowledge, the only other time I’ve been seriously creeped out by a comic is when I read David Hine’s The Darkness: Rebirth Volume 1. With these three issues, Scott does three better than David did. The new arc is called “The Death of the Family” and it shows how Joker goes about exacting vengeance on every member of the Bat-family. Joker’s return to Gotham is explosive and brutal, as shown by his break-in at the GCPD headquarters and the massacre in the mayor’s office. Batman’s investigations eventually bring him to a face-off against the Joker, but by this point, the lunatic appears to be holding all the cards, especially since he claims to know the identities of all the heroes of Gotham: Batman, Nightwing, Red Robin, Robin, Batgirl and Red Hood. Plus the fact that Joker kidnapped Alfred too, from the Wayne Mansion itself! Snyder’s Joker is totally off his rocker, and his controlled madness really makes me shiver. I swear I’m going to start taking the Joker seriously from now on. I can totally do without the images of Joker’s stapled-on facial skin and his maniac laughter from Snyder’s pages and Capullo’s art.
Which brings me to the visual aspects of the three issues. In a word: fanfrikkintastic. Capullo is hands down one of the best artists currently working for DC. Ivan Reis, Nicola Scott and Amanda Conner are all pretty much on the same level as him. Capullo’s Joker is hell of a lot creepy. His Nightwing is very much in the same vein as Eddy Barrows’ from Nightwing. His Batman is consistent with the rest of the series. His panels are just so incredibly well-detailed and a treat to look at. And there’s so much dynamism in them. His work just brings Scott’s words to cinematic life and gives you the feel that you are watching a big-budget movie rather than reading a comic book.
There are back-ups in all three issues, co-written by James Tynion IV and Scott. In #13 we have Joker recruiting Harley Quinn to his cause. In #14 it is Joker making a deal with Cobblepot (Penguin). In #15, Joker partners up with the Riddler. The Clown seems to be gathering quite the villainous army! James has just as good a handle on Joker as Scott does, which is not surprising since they both cooperate on all Batman stuff, and since James is also doing his own series, Talon, which is a spin-off from the “Court of the Owls” crossover and features a good-guy Talon of the Court, out for himself and wanting to be left alone. James’ Joker is just as scary as Scott’s, if not more so, and I love his take on Penguin and Riddler. And Jonathan Glapion’s artwork is almost on par with that of Capullo’s. There is consistency between them as relates to character designs, so that’s a huge plus from me!
Overall, an excellent continuation from “Court of the Owls” and “The Death of the Family” is definitely off to a great start! The cliffhanger from #15 almost had me shaking with the utter deviousness of Joker. If you haven’t read anything from the previous arc, then don’t worry. #13 provides a great jumping-on point! Very promising for the next set of issues too! My only negative comment about these three issues is that #15 is not as spectacular as #14 was, though it has a stronger back-story, so it all balances out anyway!
Rating: 10/10
February 22, 2017
He's here and he's not smiling anymore. A lot of surprises in hidden well around gotham and it begins right at the beginning!
September 16, 2013
Okay, das wird noch eine verdammt gute Story! Was der Joker da abzieht ist einfach Wahnsinn, er ist einfach total von der Rolle und nicht zu durchschauen! Ich bin gespannt wie die Bat-Familie darauf reagieren wird und was für kranke Pläne der Joker noch hat! Ich freue mich jetzt schon auf den nächsten Teil!:D
February 13, 2014
This is JOKER at his craziest moments. Truly a must read, this is one of those books that makes you a fan of the villain. I couldn't put the book down once I started. You will enjoy the book by itself but if you want a full read you have to find the other books since this is solely focus on Batman vs Joker. ENJOY !
January 6, 2017
A ver, aquí aparece Joker y Harley Quinn. Pero al no haber leído ningún Batman, de la antigua era, y no haber visto ninguna película, no entiendo mucho la relación de Joker y Batman. Deberían de explicar un poco más, pero ya me ha quedado claro que Harley haría, y hace, cualquier cosa por Joker. Increíble.
January 27, 2017
5 - An issue that feels massive, weighty, perfectly paced, and suitably grim. Despite all of Joke's face-losing happening in Detective, it's paid off here and he certainly does come off as more terrifying and homicidal than ever before.
November 14, 2012
Part of the Death of the Family arc this book is in between Batgirl & Catwoman Issues #13.
The Joker is more terrifying than ever. Creepier, more psychotic, more demented and it is awesome!
The Joker is more terrifying than ever. Creepier, more psychotic, more demented and it is awesome!
December 3, 2012
Scott Snyder has managed to take a great character, The Joker, and somehow make him an even greater character. Amazing new interpretation of The Joker!
January 25, 2013
The Joker is back!
February 15, 2013
Fan-fucking-tastic - what a start to the Year's most awaited Story Arc.
Finally Scott Synder writes the Joker.
Finally Scott Synder writes the Joker.
March 24, 2013
A superb start. If tis is the tempo of the entire series, this could surpass "Death in the Family" as the penultimate Joker arc.
July 10, 2014
He's back...
August 3, 2016
Very creepy and wonderful comic. I loved to see how Joker really feels about Batman and about the man behind the mask.
May 11, 2014
Creepy. The Joker is one sick bastard.
December 17, 2014
Thought it was pretty good, the whole Death of The Family was a pretty interesting read.
August 3, 2015
Ahora si. Aquí empieza lo bueno de esta serie, no es que lo anterior no me guste, pero es aquí donde empieza lo que hace grande las series de Batman.
January 28, 2016
La cosa se pone interesante... Primera toma de contacto con el Joker, y menuda toma.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews