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Detective Comics (1937-2011) #784-786
Batman: The Man Who Laughs
Written by Ed Brubaker Art by Doug Mahnke, Patrick Zircher, Aaron Sowd and Steve Bird Cover by Mahnke Witness Batman's first encounter with The Joker in this hardcover volume collecting the graphic novel BATMAN: THE MAN WHO LAUGHS, by Ed Brubaker and Doug Mahnke! This collection also includes DETECTIVE COMICS #784-786, a murder-mystery tale guest-starring Green Lantern Alan Scott!
144 pages, Hardcover
First published January 30, 2005
327 people are currently reading
9916 people want to read
About the author
Ed Brubaker
1,800 books2,974 followersEd Brubaker (born November 17, 1966) is an Eisner Award-winning American cartoonist and writer. He was born at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland.
Brubaker is best known for his work as a comic book writer on such titles as Batman, Daredevil, Captain America, Iron Fist, Catwoman, Gotham Central and Uncanny X-Men. In more recent years, he has focused solely on creator-owned titles for Image Comics, such as Fatale, Criminal, Velvet and Kill or Be Killed.
In 2016, Brubaker ventured into television, joining the writing staff of the HBO series Westworld.
Brubaker is best known for his work as a comic book writer on such titles as Batman, Daredevil, Captain America, Iron Fist, Catwoman, Gotham Central and Uncanny X-Men. In more recent years, he has focused solely on creator-owned titles for Image Comics, such as Fatale, Criminal, Velvet and Kill or Be Killed.
In 2016, Brubaker ventured into television, joining the writing staff of the HBO series Westworld.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 952 reviews
June 24, 2023
Brubaker really does know how to tell a story.
This was my second time around with The Man Who Laughs, and I definitely appreciated it a lot more this time. It tells the story of the beginnings of Jim and Batman's working relationship, the Batsignal, Arkham Asylum, the Joker Toxin, and the possible connection between the criminal (criminals?) known as The Red Hood and the origin of the Joker.
I will admit that I actually liked the bonus story with Alan Scott even more than I liked the Joker story. In Made of Wood Batman teams up with his hero, the original Green Lantern, to find a serial killer who is seemingly back from the dead and taunting Scott's weakness to wood.
Sounds incredibly silly but it works.
The last panel is especially sweet and is one of those sappy moments that hits me in the sweet spot every time.
It's probably required reading at this point, but I'll say it anyway: Recommended.
This was my second time around with The Man Who Laughs, and I definitely appreciated it a lot more this time. It tells the story of the beginnings of Jim and Batman's working relationship, the Batsignal, Arkham Asylum, the Joker Toxin, and the possible connection between the criminal (criminals?) known as The Red Hood and the origin of the Joker.
I will admit that I actually liked the bonus story with Alan Scott even more than I liked the Joker story. In Made of Wood Batman teams up with his hero, the original Green Lantern, to find a serial killer who is seemingly back from the dead and taunting Scott's weakness to wood.
Sounds incredibly silly but it works.
The last panel is especially sweet and is one of those sappy moments that hits me in the sweet spot every time.
It's probably required reading at this point, but I'll say it anyway: Recommended.
December 17, 2017
One by one, they'll hear my call. Then this wicked town, will follow my fall.--JokerThis comic starts from where Batman: Year One ends. It's about the Joker story mostly. I loved it.
Joker is trying to kill everyone in the Gotham city. Batman has to stop him.
Joker is very clever. I really liked him. His way of killing is mind-blowing. His encounters with Batman are also very great. I loved them.
I would recommend this comic whether you have read Batman: Year One or not.
16 December, 2017
April 26, 2017
The Man who laughs (2005)
Modern Batman #5
Ready for your first joke?
It all started with Gordon's famous lines.
Joker, that's what happening to your city. On one fine evening, he appears out of nowhere and unleashes his unique brand of madness in Gotham. Batman and Gordon are trying their best to stop him, but somehow, they just can't predict his moves!
Ed Brubaker mimics Frank Miller's Year One by utilizing Bruce and Gordon's POV to tell the story and to engage the readers effectively. Their narrations expose their struggles as they try to keep up with whatever the city throws at them and their guilt whenever they fail to save someone around.
Then there is Joker. Yes, there are better comics which portrays Joker brilliantly, but this story does a good enough job introducing him.
There is also a bonus story in this edition named "Made of Wood". The timeline of this story is a bit hazy. Gordon has retired and Batman is still kicking in Gotham city. The narrative style is just as The man who laughs. But this one involves murder!
Made of wood is a pure detective story involving decades-old serial murder which has a secret connection to Alan Scott, the Green Lantern.
Ohhh, I need to elaborate the connection. "Made of wood" refers to Alan Scott's weakness, wood.
Yup, so embarrassing.
Hey, Green Lantern, we need you to come with us to catch Cheetah!
Sure thing! Where to?
Amazon forests.
[crickets chirping]
Uhhh, I actually have other stuff to do. Like, solve murder mysteries with Batman. So, rain check?
Modern Batman #5
Ready for your first joke?
It all started with Gordon's famous lines.
Joker, that's what happening to your city. On one fine evening, he appears out of nowhere and unleashes his unique brand of madness in Gotham. Batman and Gordon are trying their best to stop him, but somehow, they just can't predict his moves!
Ed Brubaker mimics Frank Miller's Year One by utilizing Bruce and Gordon's POV to tell the story and to engage the readers effectively. Their narrations expose their struggles as they try to keep up with whatever the city throws at them and their guilt whenever they fail to save someone around.
Then there is Joker. Yes, there are better comics which portrays Joker brilliantly, but this story does a good enough job introducing him.
There is also a bonus story in this edition named "Made of Wood". The timeline of this story is a bit hazy. Gordon has retired and Batman is still kicking in Gotham city. The narrative style is just as The man who laughs. But this one involves murder!
Made of wood is a pure detective story involving decades-old serial murder which has a secret connection to Alan Scott, the Green Lantern.
Ohhh, I need to elaborate the connection. "Made of wood" refers to Alan Scott's weakness, wood.
Yup, so embarrassing.
Hey, Green Lantern, we need you to come with us to catch Cheetah!
Sure thing! Where to?
Amazon forests.
[crickets chirping]
Uhhh, I actually have other stuff to do. Like, solve murder mysteries with Batman. So, rain check?
April 4, 2025
The Man Who Laughs
Ed Brubaker gets the Joker. And the funny thing is, this isn't even the modern Joker. He's not dark, gritty, or suicidal. This Joker reaches back to his roots of merry prankster, with gags, a purple suit, and wanting to make people "laugh."
This is an origin story. Like Alan Moore's The Killing Joke explained how Joker came to be, The Man Who Laughs explains what he came to be. And it's truly amazing.
The story takes place somewhere around Batman Year One and The Killing Joke. Batman is a novice, James Gordon is a captain, and Gotham seems relatively untouched by super criminals. Until now. And watching the Gotham trinity, Batman, Gordon, and Joker, in their prime, is quite a show.
Brubaker is on point. His dialog, while sometimes cartoony, is solid, especially for hardboiled Batman and Gordon. The Joker feels like a cross between Cesar Romero and Mark Hamill but plenty menacing. And the plot, while simple, has that essential unpredictability Brubaker is known for. This is the first true Batman story I've read of his and it's now one of my favorites.
The artwork is fantastic. Doug Mahnke illustrates in a creepy cartoony style that holds up under the weight of the story. It reminds me of a gritty cross between Batman The Animated Series and The Long Halloween. There are plenty of "wow" moments for me where I really enjoyed myself. And let us not forget the super bright and rich color work of David Baron, which allows the artwork to really pop off the page.
Briefly, it is now glaringly obvious that The Man Who Laughs was a huge inspiration for Christopher Nolan. The plot connections to Nolan are this: publicized assassinations on important figures, enlisting Arkham inmates in crimes, and an escalating sense of anarchy and mayhem. And the water supply being poisoned? That's also in Batman Begins except with Scarecrow and Ra's Al Ghul responsible. That's pretty great coming from a 72 page story.
Made of Wood
A different take on a Batman story, Made of Wood is a crime story involving Batman, a retired James Gordon, the first Green Lantern, Alan Scott, and a string of unsolved 1940s murders. Little did I know that Scott was based in Gotham just like Batman.
Like most Brubaker stories, this is straight crime procedural. Green Lantern is not at all on my radar of characters who interest me, but Brubaker steeps him in Gotham's dark bloody brine while bringing optimism to Batman. It's a solid backup story and I'm glad to have read it.
August 14, 2015
Ed Brubaker, the King of Comic Book Noir.
The Joker.
Batman.
It sounds like a match made in comic book heaven, doesn’t it?
Brubaker offers up two Bats tales, both centering more on Batman’s abilities as a detective than anything else. The first story is a way back look at Batman when he first got into the crime stoppers business, when things were easier, when all he did was beat up a bunch of gangsters and hoodlums.
Then…the Joker.
You have a knack for the obvious, Batman. Very helpful. Thanks for dropping in.
Educational digression: The title of this book, The Man Who Laughs, is also a silent movie, starring Conrad Viedt. The creators of Batman based the Joker’s appearance on Veidt’s character:
The movie studios tried to drum up interest in Veidt with the slogan: “Women fight for Conrad Veidt!”
What kind of women are we talking about here?
End of educational digression. Class dismissed.
So Batman, who’s been dealing with punk-ass villains up until this time, is at first in over his head:
Don’t worry, Batman. There are plenty more billionaires in Gotham City. The Joker can't kill them all. Right?
The second story involves a serial killer seemingly back from the dead after forty years. The original killings were meant to embarrass old man Green Lantern, Alan Scott, whose weakness is wood. You can’t get any more embarrassing than that. Am I right? Look, Green Lantern it’s Popsicle Stick Man! Watch out for splinters! *sigh*
Bottom line: Brubaker turns in two entertaining stories that are as much about Batman as they are Jim Gordon, at the beginning and after Gordon’s time is over on the GCPD. Check them out.
The Joker.
Batman.
It sounds like a match made in comic book heaven, doesn’t it?
Brubaker offers up two Bats tales, both centering more on Batman’s abilities as a detective than anything else. The first story is a way back look at Batman when he first got into the crime stoppers business, when things were easier, when all he did was beat up a bunch of gangsters and hoodlums.
Then…the Joker.
You have a knack for the obvious, Batman. Very helpful. Thanks for dropping in.
Educational digression: The title of this book, The Man Who Laughs, is also a silent movie, starring Conrad Viedt. The creators of Batman based the Joker’s appearance on Veidt’s character:
The movie studios tried to drum up interest in Veidt with the slogan: “Women fight for Conrad Veidt!”
What kind of women are we talking about here?
End of educational digression. Class dismissed.
So Batman, who’s been dealing with punk-ass villains up until this time, is at first in over his head:
Don’t worry, Batman. There are plenty more billionaires in Gotham City. The Joker can't kill them all. Right?
The second story involves a serial killer seemingly back from the dead after forty years. The original killings were meant to embarrass old man Green Lantern, Alan Scott, whose weakness is wood. You can’t get any more embarrassing than that. Am I right? Look, Green Lantern it’s Popsicle Stick Man! Watch out for splinters! *sigh*
Bottom line: Brubaker turns in two entertaining stories that are as much about Batman as they are Jim Gordon, at the beginning and after Gordon’s time is over on the GCPD. Check them out.
July 15, 2014
Set shortly after "Year One", this is Batman's first encounter with the Joker. Joker starts taking out the wealthy Gotham elite one by one with his Joker toxin, hi-jacking the Gotham airwaves with his messages of death and terror, finally threatening the destruction of the city itself. But with Bruce Wayne as a target, how will Batman stop the Joker...
Ed Brubaker pens a masterful 3-shot storyline introducing the best villain DC have, the greatest foe Batman ever faced, and one of the best bad guy's in all of literature. The gruesome deaths from Joker toxin are shown very vividly throughout, and Batman has to find a way into a mind that seems to have been completely shattered. I liked that Batman makes a number of mistakes in trying to capture Joker because this is their first encounter and he doesn't know Joker's methods yet.
The story reminded me a lot of Chris Nolan's 2008 Batman film, The Dark Knight, as they have similar plot points: Joker taunts Batman and Gotham with video messages, he takes out Gotham's elite one by one, and he causes panic in the general populace leading to a mass evacuation. It's to Brubaker's credit that his "The Man Who Laughs" storyline was used to great effect on the big screen and is definitely worth reading if you're a Batman/Joker fan.
The second half of the book is a boring 3-shot story of Batman and the original Green Lantern Alan Scott as they try and solve a 50 year old murder mystery of a killer called "Made of Wood". I'm not a Green Lantern fan so I wasn't so keen on this and it has nothing to do with the Joker so I have no idea why it's twinned with the first story.
5 stars for "The Man Who Laughs", 2 stars for "Made of Wood", the book is well worth reading if only for the first half.
Ed Brubaker pens a masterful 3-shot storyline introducing the best villain DC have, the greatest foe Batman ever faced, and one of the best bad guy's in all of literature. The gruesome deaths from Joker toxin are shown very vividly throughout, and Batman has to find a way into a mind that seems to have been completely shattered. I liked that Batman makes a number of mistakes in trying to capture Joker because this is their first encounter and he doesn't know Joker's methods yet.
The story reminded me a lot of Chris Nolan's 2008 Batman film, The Dark Knight, as they have similar plot points: Joker taunts Batman and Gotham with video messages, he takes out Gotham's elite one by one, and he causes panic in the general populace leading to a mass evacuation. It's to Brubaker's credit that his "The Man Who Laughs" storyline was used to great effect on the big screen and is definitely worth reading if you're a Batman/Joker fan.
The second half of the book is a boring 3-shot story of Batman and the original Green Lantern Alan Scott as they try and solve a 50 year old murder mystery of a killer called "Made of Wood". I'm not a Green Lantern fan so I wasn't so keen on this and it has nothing to do with the Joker so I have no idea why it's twinned with the first story.
5 stars for "The Man Who Laughs", 2 stars for "Made of Wood", the book is well worth reading if only for the first half.
October 27, 2020
You can find my review on my blog by clicking here.
Evil can pervade the purest of hearts, but nothing could ever explain the mind of the Joker. Many have tried to understand his reasoning, his raison d’être, or even his existence. In fact, it might be the absence of these very ideas that makes his character an emblematic personification of evil. For Batman, he turned out to become his ultimate life partner as they developed an immortal bond representing the quintessential necessity of good and evil. How did Bruce Wayne even attempt to solve the mystery behind this madman’s mind though? This latest deluxe edition of the classic graphic novel includes the landmark story of Batman: The Man Who Laughs, the never-before-reprinted Elseworlds tale Batman: Gotham Noir, the mystery “Made of Wood” from the issues #784-786 of the Detective Comics comic book series, as well as a special collection of preliminary art by artist Doug Mahnke.
What is Batman: The Man Who Laughs about? Taking place between Batman: Year One and Batman: The Killing Joke, the story introduces the world to the Joker for the very first time. While Bruce Wayne might have only just started to wage his war on crime while wearing his cape in Gotham City’s dark nights, he was never prepared to meet this chalk-faced laughing maniac who juggled his way to the front of Gotham’s scene, terrorizing the world as he accumulates an insane body count. With the help of James Gordon, with whom he has only just begun an eternal friendship, this first encounter for the Dark Knight will be a poisonous trial that will mark the beginning of an unparalleled bond that illustrates the pure staggering contrasts of life, like light and darkness, day and night, good and evil.
Gotham Noir is an Elseworlds story notable for being the very first collaboration between the legendary creative team of Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips, the very creators behind the tour de force comic book series of Criminal, Incognito, Fatale, The Fade Out, and Kill or Be Killed. This story introduces us to a much more cynical James Gordon, no longer a cop, living in a world where Batman is but a folks tale shared by deranged criminals, who now finds himself entangled in a devastating murder where he remains the prime suspect. To prove his innocence, he tackles this case headfirst and unveils a plot bigger than he would’ve ever imagined.
The “Made of Wood” story-arc, written by Ed Brubaker and penciled by Patch Zircher, explores a murder-mystery where Batman teams up with the Green Lantern (Alan Scott) to take down a serial killer that has been active for over half a century.
It’s unsurprising that the legendary writer Ed Brubaker is behind one of the most paramount stories in Batman’s lore, the very mystery that introduces Batman to the Clown Prince of Crime. With his perfect grasp over noir fiction, this origin story impeccably captures the detective mystery that encapsulates the Joker’s sudden introduction to Gotham City. Throughout this adventure, with both Bruce Wayne and James Gordon’s first-person narration to immerse readers into their respective minds, you embark on a journey to try and elucidate the Joker’s modus operandi. Despite the hints he leaves around the city, his terrifying public performances through media outlets, his comical, goofy, yet deadly persona, he somehow still remains a giant question mark in the face of the Dark Knight as he tries to desperately connect the dots. Is he the Red Hood? Is he a deranged psychopath escaped from a psych ward? Is he out there on a mission or cluelessly prancing around in the anarchy he creates? Rest assured, writer Ed Brubaker perfectly delivers this story with deadly charm and charisma.
This wouldn’t have worked so flawlessly if it weren’t for artist Doug Mahnke’s artwork. Without ever purposefully depicting a grim, dark, and sinister Gotham City, he captures the city’s fear and panic strictly through his character designs. Without a doubt, his iteration of the Joker strikes all the perfect chords, depicting him in his purple suit, with his fedora hat on top of his green hair, with his white and wrinkly skin, with his ghastly grin, and his skinny yet combat-savvy figure. The visual style is also reminiscent of an era of comic books bathing in mystery and suspense, scoring points in terms of appeal and direction. There simply couldn’t have been a better origin story for the one villain that will forever torture the Caped Crusader throughout his war on crime.
On top of The Man Who Laughs graphic novel, this volume also includes a never-before-reprinted Elseworlds tale called Batman: Gotham Noir. Alongside his own partner-in-crime artist Sean Phillips, this collaboration beautiful captures their style of narrative and visual storytelling, giving us a stellar noir mystery centered around James Gordon as he weaves his way in and out of complicated situations to ultimately unveil his own internal and personal struggle to overcome his haunting past. This is an excellent addition to this deluxe edition as previous volumes never included this story before.
The “Made of Wood” story-arc was also a riveting and intriguing mystery included in this graphic novel that further explores the Dark Knight’s detective skills alongside his friend James Gordon, while also infusing a tangent narrative with the Green Lantern (Alan Scott), who was once the hero of Gotham City before Batman showed up. It’s nothing too complex or even mind-blowing but made for an excellent tale to be presented alongside the previous two, further showcasing the gruesome mystery-oriented stories that often comes with the Dark Knight.
Batman: The Man Who Laughs is a quintessential story exploring the Joker’s first appearance within Gotham City.
Yours truly,
Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer
Official blog: https://bookidote.com/
July 18, 2024
I never wrote a review after I first read this one, which I think I read in conjunction with Batman: Year One and The Killing Joke. So this, too, is an origin story, probably not as good as either of these two but it does feature the great crime comics writer Ed Brubaker, who references those two important Bat-world works. And is referenced as well in Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight.
This story is about Batman's first meeting with The Joker, his great nemesis, one of the best villains in literature of all time. Good story, good dialogue, a classic.
The second story in this volume is a Green Lantern-Batman story crime detection story, which is kind of jarring in putting these two guys together, but the crime writer Brubaker showcases the Bat here as a detective, the very basis of DC, or Detective Comics, in case you forgot that. So they work on an unsolved crime together, though I am uninterested in GL here, not a great pairing. This one is just okay. I'll say 4-5 stars for the Joker story, and 2-3 stars for the GL story.
This story is about Batman's first meeting with The Joker, his great nemesis, one of the best villains in literature of all time. Good story, good dialogue, a classic.
The second story in this volume is a Green Lantern-Batman story crime detection story, which is kind of jarring in putting these two guys together, but the crime writer Brubaker showcases the Bat here as a detective, the very basis of DC, or Detective Comics, in case you forgot that. So they work on an unsolved crime together, though I am uninterested in GL here, not a great pairing. This one is just okay. I'll say 4-5 stars for the Joker story, and 2-3 stars for the GL story.
May 27, 2019
A 4 For the joker story.
A 3 For the lantern story.
A 3 For the lantern story.
October 8, 2016
Fun story, apparently not canon, but good story all the same.
November 16, 2014
I don't even know why I like the Joker anymore. Now that first statement is probably the most heinous blasphemous remark I will ever type (and will never type again) as an avid Bat-fan. But I felt the need to confess it because I've been keeping it bottled up inside since...well, since Heath Ledger's outstanding performance in The Dark Knight film. It was only during and after Death of the Family crossover event that I think I became one of those fans who contracted the "Joker fatigue" wherein I found everything that New 52 advertised and hyped about the return of the Clown Prince to be insufferable and diluted.
I think I'm beginning to hate myself for this, which was why I feel that I should buy The Joker: 75 years Anniversary collected works since I recently bought the Batman one last week. I need a refresher; I need to be reminded again why this delightfully terrifying clown psychopath was an important part of my childhood in the first place because I don't know why I'm no longer that enthusiastic about him, let alone eager, to read a story featuring him as the central villain. Heck, as much as I'm enjoying Snyder's Endgame so far which once again brings back the Joker front and center (especially in that previous fucking issue), I just can't handle another conversation or passing remark about the Joker FROM ANYONE (unless it involves his relationship with Harley Quinn which I'm always up for because they're an interesting study BUT MY GOD NEW 52 HARLEY IS ALSO MAKING ME ANGRY).
Maybe it's just a simple case of SENSORY OVERLOAD. Earlier this year, I found out that two of my closest friends haven't watched The Dark Knight so I happily watched it with them ( separately so I watched it twice). Last year I got so hooked with the indie webseries The Joker Blogs and I awaited each of their episode release like a battered puppy craving the abuse due to Stockholm Syndrome. And then came Death of the Family which I had countless talks about with several people online in different social media accounts. Things escalated steadily especially when I regretfully engaged in the unending argument in three separate forums about who is the best Joker (Ledger, Nicholson, or Hamill) because nobody ever wins that black-hole-all-consuming debate EVER. Pretty soon I was just SICK OF EVERYTHING THAT HAS THE JOKER STAMPED IN IT. And I'm reliving the horror again by typing all of this shit out and wasting your time (if not possibly irritating you myself) by making you read all of these whiny and bitchy sentiments. Still, it helped me pinpoint why I hate the Joker now. "Hate" is an overdramatic statement because the character will always be important and well-loved for me but what I do hate is what he has REPRESENTED in New 52 material lately.
And it's not just about him being an overhyped "phenomenon".
It's the way he would cast a large, looming shadow over every other villain from Batman's rogues gallery to a point where the re-imagined origin stories for some villains in New 52 need to compete with his insane and chaotic characterization, if not imitate or increase it. Take for example Thomas Elliot a.k.a Hush whose updated origin in Batman Eternal is 'crazed up' because that level of darkness is something a new generation comes to expect from a Bat-villain if he ever lives to survive the competitive market where the Joker defines what makes a villain formidable and worthy of battling it out with Batsy. Am I the only who noticed this? With Nolan's franchise and subsequent characterization of the Joker as portrayed by Legder, the comics began to emulate it because it's the kind of brand that sells pretty damn well. You know what, I wasted far too many paragraphs airing out grievances as oppose to giving you a fleshed out review of this comic book by Ed Brubaker which was composed of sixty-seven pages while the other half has Green Lantern Alan Scott in it, one I didn't even bother to read.
This was a serviceable comic book which I don't think anyone post-Nolan and those who subscribe to New 52 solely will enjoy that much. It was straightforward and quite predictable even though the prose is engaging enough, considering it seamlessly alternated between Batman and Gordon's POVs. As a companion piece to Year One, The Man Who Laughs does a good job introducing the Joker into the timeline where his first encounter with Batman is composed of the quintessential tropes that are recognizable enough to attribute to the Joker (such as his convoluted and theatrical plans which he will nationally broadcast on television; the absurdity and comical way those plans unfold and achieve their effect; a steady body count as the story progresses; and the eventual climactic clash with Batsy). Overall, I enjoyed myself because it was a nice break, a simple story that was engaging enough. But this wasn't going to resonate the same way a more violent and grittier Joker-centered piece would. If that's what you're looking for then you might not bother with this one anymore.
I really have to buy the anniversary hardbound collection of the Joker stories soon. I feel that it's the remedy I've been looking for to purge me from my ongoing Joker fatigue at this moment.
RECOMMENDED: 7/10
DO READ MY BATMAN COMICS REVIEWS AT:
I think I'm beginning to hate myself for this, which was why I feel that I should buy The Joker: 75 years Anniversary collected works since I recently bought the Batman one last week. I need a refresher; I need to be reminded again why this delightfully terrifying clown psychopath was an important part of my childhood in the first place because I don't know why I'm no longer that enthusiastic about him, let alone eager, to read a story featuring him as the central villain. Heck, as much as I'm enjoying Snyder's Endgame so far which once again brings back the Joker front and center (especially in that previous fucking issue), I just can't handle another conversation or passing remark about the Joker FROM ANYONE (unless it involves his relationship with Harley Quinn which I'm always up for because they're an interesting study BUT MY GOD NEW 52 HARLEY IS ALSO MAKING ME ANGRY).
Maybe it's just a simple case of SENSORY OVERLOAD. Earlier this year, I found out that two of my closest friends haven't watched The Dark Knight so I happily watched it with them ( separately so I watched it twice). Last year I got so hooked with the indie webseries The Joker Blogs and I awaited each of their episode release like a battered puppy craving the abuse due to Stockholm Syndrome. And then came Death of the Family which I had countless talks about with several people online in different social media accounts. Things escalated steadily especially when I regretfully engaged in the unending argument in three separate forums about who is the best Joker (Ledger, Nicholson, or Hamill) because nobody ever wins that black-hole-all-consuming debate EVER. Pretty soon I was just SICK OF EVERYTHING THAT HAS THE JOKER STAMPED IN IT. And I'm reliving the horror again by typing all of this shit out and wasting your time (if not possibly irritating you myself) by making you read all of these whiny and bitchy sentiments. Still, it helped me pinpoint why I hate the Joker now. "Hate" is an overdramatic statement because the character will always be important and well-loved for me but what I do hate is what he has REPRESENTED in New 52 material lately.
And it's not just about him being an overhyped "phenomenon".
It's the way he would cast a large, looming shadow over every other villain from Batman's rogues gallery to a point where the re-imagined origin stories for some villains in New 52 need to compete with his insane and chaotic characterization, if not imitate or increase it. Take for example Thomas Elliot a.k.a Hush whose updated origin in Batman Eternal is 'crazed up' because that level of darkness is something a new generation comes to expect from a Bat-villain if he ever lives to survive the competitive market where the Joker defines what makes a villain formidable and worthy of battling it out with Batsy. Am I the only who noticed this? With Nolan's franchise and subsequent characterization of the Joker as portrayed by Legder, the comics began to emulate it because it's the kind of brand that sells pretty damn well. You know what, I wasted far too many paragraphs airing out grievances as oppose to giving you a fleshed out review of this comic book by Ed Brubaker which was composed of sixty-seven pages while the other half has Green Lantern Alan Scott in it, one I didn't even bother to read.
This was a serviceable comic book which I don't think anyone post-Nolan and those who subscribe to New 52 solely will enjoy that much. It was straightforward and quite predictable even though the prose is engaging enough, considering it seamlessly alternated between Batman and Gordon's POVs. As a companion piece to Year One, The Man Who Laughs does a good job introducing the Joker into the timeline where his first encounter with Batman is composed of the quintessential tropes that are recognizable enough to attribute to the Joker (such as his convoluted and theatrical plans which he will nationally broadcast on television; the absurdity and comical way those plans unfold and achieve their effect; a steady body count as the story progresses; and the eventual climactic clash with Batsy). Overall, I enjoyed myself because it was a nice break, a simple story that was engaging enough. But this wasn't going to resonate the same way a more violent and grittier Joker-centered piece would. If that's what you're looking for then you might not bother with this one anymore.
I really have to buy the anniversary hardbound collection of the Joker stories soon. I feel that it's the remedy I've been looking for to purge me from my ongoing Joker fatigue at this moment.
RECOMMENDED: 7/10
DO READ MY BATMAN COMICS REVIEWS AT:
June 9, 2015
It's not bad but I expected lot more from first confrontation of Batman and Joker.
June 21, 2015
I was about as averagely-impressed/underwhelmed with this as I was with Year One. Okay, so this is my introduction to the Joker? I think half the problem I've had with all these Batman comics I've been reading is that they never seem to live up to my culturally enhanced expectations...
(Not actually my "cultural expectation," it just makes me L-O-L as the kids say...)
I don't why, but I expected something darker, or scarier, or just SOMETHING-ER than what this was. Maybe I should just stop reading Batman comics ? Naahhh...as if! Like a little bit of disappointment or mediocrity would stop me from reading what other people tell me I should (although now that I think on it, that doesn't say much for my self-preservation instinct)!
***Side ponderance: Why the HELL can I not just fangirl-obsess over the things other people do??? Ed Brubaker, Batman/BatFamily, pretty much anything Marvel, etc. I feel underwhelmed by all the things and it kinda SUCKS.
(Not actually my "cultural expectation," it just makes me L-O-L as the kids say...)
I don't why, but I expected something darker, or scarier, or just SOMETHING-ER than what this was. Maybe I should just stop reading Batman comics ? Naahhh...as if! Like a little bit of disappointment or mediocrity would stop me from reading what other people tell me I should (although now that I think on it, that doesn't say much for my self-preservation instinct)!
***Side ponderance: Why the HELL can I not just fangirl-obsess over the things other people do??? Ed Brubaker, Batman/BatFamily, pretty much anything Marvel, etc. I feel underwhelmed by all the things and it kinda SUCKS.
November 15, 2024
3.5 stars.
July 15, 2016
A more than good noir remake Brubaker-style of Batman's first encounter with the Joker with great references to "Year One" and "The killing joke". Not as good as them, but still a great read.
April 13, 2016
The Man Who Laughs actually contains two separate Batman stories. The first is a direct sequel to Batman: Year One. At the end of Year One, Gordon mentions that an unknown character called the Joker has been making threats against the city.
This story picks up right where Year One left off, with Batman and Gordon confronting the Joker for the first time. Unlike the thugs Batman was taking on before, the Joker has no obvious motive for his crimes other than to spread terror and destruction. The Joker in Man Who Laughs isn’t quite as dark as the Joker portrayed in some other Batman tales, but he’s still a homicidal maniac. The book does a nice job of hinting at how Batman’s presence has changed the nature of crime in Gotham City, from conventional criminals to “pop crime” villains like the Joker.
But most of all, this was just a really entertaining story. It’s not as dark and brooding as Year One or the 2008 Dark Knight movie. This is not a story that dives deep into the Joker’s psychological profile. Instead it’s a fun, fast-paced adventure with a lot of action and some excellent art. Ed Brubaker did the Joker justice with this tale, which I’d rate 4.5 stars.
The second half of this volume contains a three issue Detective Comics arc from 2003, called ‘Made of Wood.’ The Joker does not feature in this story at all, making it kind of an odd companion piece for this volume. Made of Wood is set many years after The Man Who Laughs and involves a serial killer connected to the golden age Green Lantern, Alan Scott. It’s not a bad story (I’d give it 3 stars), but it’s not as good as the first half of the volume and is probably included to get the book up to a respectable page count.
All in all, this book is worth picking up for the Man Who Laughs story alone, which is one of the very best stories around involving Batman’s early years. Overall I’d give this book 4 stars and recommend it to any fans of the Bat.
This story picks up right where Year One left off, with Batman and Gordon confronting the Joker for the first time. Unlike the thugs Batman was taking on before, the Joker has no obvious motive for his crimes other than to spread terror and destruction. The Joker in Man Who Laughs isn’t quite as dark as the Joker portrayed in some other Batman tales, but he’s still a homicidal maniac. The book does a nice job of hinting at how Batman’s presence has changed the nature of crime in Gotham City, from conventional criminals to “pop crime” villains like the Joker.
But most of all, this was just a really entertaining story. It’s not as dark and brooding as Year One or the 2008 Dark Knight movie. This is not a story that dives deep into the Joker’s psychological profile. Instead it’s a fun, fast-paced adventure with a lot of action and some excellent art. Ed Brubaker did the Joker justice with this tale, which I’d rate 4.5 stars.
The second half of this volume contains a three issue Detective Comics arc from 2003, called ‘Made of Wood.’ The Joker does not feature in this story at all, making it kind of an odd companion piece for this volume. Made of Wood is set many years after The Man Who Laughs and involves a serial killer connected to the golden age Green Lantern, Alan Scott. It’s not a bad story (I’d give it 3 stars), but it’s not as good as the first half of the volume and is probably included to get the book up to a respectable page count.
All in all, this book is worth picking up for the Man Who Laughs story alone, which is one of the very best stories around involving Batman’s early years. Overall I’d give this book 4 stars and recommend it to any fans of the Bat.
October 6, 2022
This was a retelling of the jokers debut, with the whole modern Batman retelling taking place , the events took place soon after Batman introduced himself to Captain Gordon and took down (but failed to unmask) The Red Hood .
Joker is displayed in all his maniac and haphazard glory and he truly comes across as the nemesis that Batman deserved , here to bring in chaos and display that he is not just a mad man , but a mad man with a genius brain that even puzzles The world's greatest detective , often times staying 2 steps ahead of the caped crusader .
I absolutely loved this story , feeling this to be an essential read for all Batman fans , the art might put off a few people but i absolutely love this kind of art , and for it's time it does remarkably well in not making any sexual or suggestive female characters come into the story .
What truly works is how this book feels like an episode of Batman the animated series , but even more grittier . As i said , i find this a top top comic book and a must read for Bat fans
Joker is displayed in all his maniac and haphazard glory and he truly comes across as the nemesis that Batman deserved , here to bring in chaos and display that he is not just a mad man , but a mad man with a genius brain that even puzzles The world's greatest detective , often times staying 2 steps ahead of the caped crusader .
I absolutely loved this story , feeling this to be an essential read for all Batman fans , the art might put off a few people but i absolutely love this kind of art , and for it's time it does remarkably well in not making any sexual or suggestive female characters come into the story .
What truly works is how this book feels like an episode of Batman the animated series , but even more grittier . As i said , i find this a top top comic book and a must read for Bat fans
June 28, 2016
Me gusto, mucho. Querido Brubaker, muy rápido te has convertido en uno de mis escritores de cómic favorito, pero el dibujo no me gusto mucho, cuestión de estilos
July 15, 2019
This was really really good!
April 23, 2024
I took this on a whim, my reason: I really like Brubaker's writing. What I ignored: I really dislike Batman as a character. At least now I know even Brubaker won't change my mind about it.
October 28, 2019
Industry upstart Ed Brubaker tries his hand at the Batman mythos in his own take, “The Man Who Laughs.” However far more cookie-cutter work than that of an original artisan, the result is yet another stale retelling with merely a deeply saturated and starchily applied veneer to district from the lack of innovation. Fully capable of sifting through the veil of puerilely applied maya, you too will find a callow and unsatisfying offering of commercial filth.
While sampling of the digital (most notably in the audio form) has been around for decades the cultural process running underneath that creative process has been around since the dawn of Humanity. Truly there is nothing new under (this) sun and Brubaker here well exemplifies this archaic axiom by recycling yet another industry and cultural standard. However, the references employed here are mixed with only minor additions of the original. Banking on its utilization of well-known samples in lieu of forging its own additions of original content, for more thoughtful takes on the Batman mythos, most notably and recently Alan Moore and Christopher Nolan’s seminal contributions to the Caped Crusader’s mythology, ultimately Brubaker’s forged homunculus feels more paper-thin pastiche than anything in drab comparison.
Devoid of anything particularly unique, the product is unmemorable, dull, thoroughly plastic overall. Nothing excites and the lack of suspense brings us just back full circle to the eternally rotating floating timeline of which Batman’s essence has been based. Sure, this oroborous has been the soup du jour for decades, but as industry luminaries as Alan Moore, Jim Starlin, and even Garth Ennis and Mike Mignola, more recently have shown, there is more than enough promise and potential to forge a story within this established mythos and its eternal essence with a strong dose of the creative that can delight and mesmerize decades down the road.
While sampling of the digital (most notably in the audio form) has been around for decades the cultural process running underneath that creative process has been around since the dawn of Humanity. Truly there is nothing new under (this) sun and Brubaker here well exemplifies this archaic axiom by recycling yet another industry and cultural standard. However, the references employed here are mixed with only minor additions of the original. Banking on its utilization of well-known samples in lieu of forging its own additions of original content, for more thoughtful takes on the Batman mythos, most notably and recently Alan Moore and Christopher Nolan’s seminal contributions to the Caped Crusader’s mythology, ultimately Brubaker’s forged homunculus feels more paper-thin pastiche than anything in drab comparison.
Devoid of anything particularly unique, the product is unmemorable, dull, thoroughly plastic overall. Nothing excites and the lack of suspense brings us just back full circle to the eternally rotating floating timeline of which Batman’s essence has been based. Sure, this oroborous has been the soup du jour for decades, but as industry luminaries as Alan Moore, Jim Starlin, and even Garth Ennis and Mike Mignola, more recently have shown, there is more than enough promise and potential to forge a story within this established mythos and its eternal essence with a strong dose of the creative that can delight and mesmerize decades down the road.
August 17, 2025
Batman: The Man Who Laughs is a chilling retelling of the Joker’s first major crime spree in Gotham. Ed Brubaker and Doug Mahnke bring a dark, grounded edge as Batman races to stop the Clown Prince of Crime’s chemical attack that leaves victims with his grotesque grin. It bridges the tone of Year One with the looming chaos Joker represents, showing Batman at his most determined and vulnerable as he faces a villain unlike any he’s seen before. Creepy, tense, and unforgettable—this feels like essential Joker reading. Highly recommend this one!
October 31, 2022
I was expecting a little more from classic from Brubaker. I am by no means a Batman expert, but was mistaken in thinking that this comic would cover the Red Hood -> Joker conversion story. I still don't know where that one is located in the massive anthill of Batman comics. This one has a rather scary Joker and a decent Batman, but lacks the gravitas of the Scott Snyder and Frank Miller universes.
February 24, 2016
Good! So Who doesn't like Joker? No one! Does Ed Brubaker write a bad comic? NEVER!!! Add these two together and you get a pretty good comic. Granted this isn't the best joker story, but its enjoyable. So this is basically Batman's first encounter with The Joker shortly after Year One! Like is said not the best joker story but still worth a read!
September 30, 2016
Well the action of "just reading a few pages" didn't go well. It was great, such a good comic and love how twisted the Joker is. In the films he is played in such a way that you can't help but like him but, in this comic, you simply see him for the psycho he is. Adored the art work as per usual and I enjoyed the Green lantern and Batty story too. Really liked this comic.
November 29, 2008
The first meeting of Batman and Joker should be much bigger than this story. And the book is very misleading because only the first half is a Joker story.
October 9, 2021
Classic hard-boiled detective thriller. Batman and Joker are a match made in he(ll)aven. The Green Lantern add-on was good, too.
November 2, 2012
This is 2 completely different stories by Ed Brubaker, who is awesome. The first is a story of the Joker's first appearance in Gotham and his first run in with Batman/Gordon. A good solid story that makes sense and is enjoyable. Great artwork too. The second story is just as good, and I may even have enjoyed it more. 'Made of Wood' is a Batman story with Golden Age Green Lantern Alan Scott. It is fascinating to see the current protector of Gotham interact with the past protector (Green Lantern was in Gotham in the 40s). It's also great to see Batman working with someone who he clearly has a great deal of respect for, and even looks up to in some regards. On the whole, a very enjoyable story and cool to see someone able to make Batman/Bruce smile. Well worth reading
March 15, 2017
Wordy, nice boot heels on Batman.
October 23, 2022
(Zero spoiler review) 3.5/5
Forgoing the surprise/disappointment I mentioned in my Gotham Noir review about this being a 3 issue arc rather than the full 9 or 10 issues I expected given the length of the book, The Man Who Laughs was a solid, if unspectacular effort from Brubaker. Although given the growing number of his non-independent titles I've read lately, solid but unspectacular seems to be where Brubaker is at when it comes to his DC work. I've yet to read any of his Marvel stuff at present.
Solid but unspectacular might be good enough for most, although this is Ed Brubaker. I expect a little more than the ticking of boxes when it comes to the man's work.
The Doug Mahnke art is very nice, and the story is certainly worth a read. It's another Joker story. Another well executed Joker story to be sure, but another Joker story all the same. Don't get me wrong, a murderous and malicious Joker is exactly how I like him, but there really needed to be something more here to help place its head further above the Batman/Joker parapet/paradigm. With a little more effort and ingenuity, this could have jumped up into that upper tier of the clown prince of Chaos' stories. But alas, its just a little too formulaic, a little too safe. It's still definitely worth checking out though. 3.5/5
OmniBen.
Forgoing the surprise/disappointment I mentioned in my Gotham Noir review about this being a 3 issue arc rather than the full 9 or 10 issues I expected given the length of the book, The Man Who Laughs was a solid, if unspectacular effort from Brubaker. Although given the growing number of his non-independent titles I've read lately, solid but unspectacular seems to be where Brubaker is at when it comes to his DC work. I've yet to read any of his Marvel stuff at present.
Solid but unspectacular might be good enough for most, although this is Ed Brubaker. I expect a little more than the ticking of boxes when it comes to the man's work.
The Doug Mahnke art is very nice, and the story is certainly worth a read. It's another Joker story. Another well executed Joker story to be sure, but another Joker story all the same. Don't get me wrong, a murderous and malicious Joker is exactly how I like him, but there really needed to be something more here to help place its head further above the Batman/Joker parapet/paradigm. With a little more effort and ingenuity, this could have jumped up into that upper tier of the clown prince of Chaos' stories. But alas, its just a little too formulaic, a little too safe. It's still definitely worth checking out though. 3.5/5
OmniBen.
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