Review: Joker

A quasi-sequel to The Dark Knight and existing in the sort of continuity-free area that it needs, the Joker graphic novel is much more successful than most of writer Brian Azzarello’s previous work with superheroes and a notch above his previous archvillain-related material with artist Lee Bermejo, Lex Luthor: Man of Steel. The script (thankfully) leaves behind a few of the quirks that defined his 100 Bullets (narrative counterpoints to the visual, oblique dialogue) and provides a relatively straightforward ground-level look at crime and inevitability in Gotham City through the eyes of a thug that’s aligned himself with a fresh-out-of-Arkham Joker.

This isn’t to say that the work is the least bit generic: Azzarello’s new takes on familiar villains such as Killer Croc and The Riddler are infused with his sensibilities, with Bermejo’s designs providing a level of grit and believability that will make the book accessible to readers both casual and indoctrinated. Engrossing and capable of eliciting genuine shock from a character that is commonly thought of as well and truly played out, Joker is highly recommended.

The book is due to hit shelves on October 29th, and Amazon has it available to pre-order for $13.59, a significant savings over the $20 retail price.