"Batman: Three Jokers #2" Comic Review

For some reason there are three different Jokers wreaking havoc around Gotham City. Batman, Batgirl, and the Red Hood are all on the case, albeit with different methods. These three have their own unique connections to the Clown Prince of Crime. They've each experienced so much trauma at his hand, so it's no wonder they're taking it seriously. After everything this villain has put them through, you'd think that Red Hood wouldn't be the only one who wants to kill these clowns.

Batman: Three Jokers #2 looks absolutely gorgeous. Artist Jason Fabok drew the hell out of this comic. Every single image is filled with an amazing amount of detail. Each facial expression speaks volumes. Since most of the issue is presented in a nine panel grid, you have plenty of these shots.

This grid allows Fabok to hold on a given moment for a little longer to let a particular emotion sink in. It conveys movement even in slight circumstances, like showing Red Hood quietly pulling his crowbar from the sheath on his back.

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These clean lines portray an almost sterile environment at times. Colorist Brad Anderson certainly helps in this regard, painting a dreary image Gotham City was never known for its bright, shining buildings. It wallows in dark alleyways and ominous shadows. Seeing the violence (and there's quite a bit of violence) shown in this light is rather unsettling, especially the close-ups of the Jokers.

This quality is matched by letterer Rob Leigh. The dialogue is presented in a crisp and clean fashion. Nothing is out of place and each word has an impact to it. This is especially true with some of the quieter moments, as we witness a new trauma for Red Hood and his reaction to it.

Each Joker has a different outlook. There's the Criminal, the Comedian, and the Clown. They represent different aspects of the villain and they're all terrifying. Since the character's origin is still shrouded in some mystery even decades after his first appearance, writer Geoff Johns has some room to play, alluding to a sickening idea as to how and why new Jokers are created.

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While that has some interesting ideas, it's somewhat ruined by the lack of personality in the Bat Family. Their actions all feel forced and unnatural. There's a specific encounter between Batgirl and Red Hood that sticks out like a sore thumb. I think Johns is trying to show how this trauma has affected these heroes and has broken something deep in their core, but it comes off like he's trying so hard to make them feel something. It's like a child playing with a Go-Bot wishing it was a Transformer.

Ultimately, Batman: Three Jokers tries to tie together aspects of the origins of these characters in a way to make some cool connections, but feels way too forced. It's ok to have some unanswered questions. If you spell it all out, it will never live up to that mystery that's been built up for decades.