The Joker

Brian Azzarello’s The Joker is a haunting, visceral dive into Gotham’s criminal underworld through the eyes of one of its most unpredictable inhabitants. This is not your typical comic book — it reads more like a hard-boiled noir graphic novel, complete with gritty artwork, morally gray characters, and a tone that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page. What makes this book stand out is its unique narrative perspective — told through the eyes of Jonny Frost, a low-level thug who becomes Joker’s right-hand man. This angle gives us a fresh and terrifying view of the Clown Prince of Crime, stripped of theatricality and shown as a truly dangerous, volatile force of nature. Azzarello’s writing is sharp and atmospheric, capturing the Joker’s chaotic essence without over-explaining him — a mistake many interpretations make. Lee Bermejo’s art is phenomenal. The hyper-realistic style adds to the tension and brutality of the story. Every panel is dripping with mood and menace, making Gotham feel more alive — and more broken — than ever. This hardcover edition does justice to the artwork with high-quality printing and presentation. This book isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s violent, grim, and intense — but that’s exactly why it works. It dares to show the Joker not as a cartoonish villain, but as a disturbing, compelling symbol of chaos. Highly recommended for mature readers who appreciate dark storytelling and unforgettable visuals. An essential addition to any serious Batman or Joker fan’s collection.

This is one of my favorite Joker graphic novels. To be honest, what drew me in was the artwork that looked almost exactly like the Heath Ledger Joker. I'm not sure if it inspired the Joker of TDK, but I wouldn't be surprised if it did. The story is somewhat like applying the "The Dark Knight Returns" treatment to the Joker. Yes I know the Joker was in that story, but that's not what I mean. The whole idea behind this is a Joker that has been imprisoned for a long time and finally gets out of Arkham. Yet even as an older version, he's still the same character: ruthless, cold and wicked to the core. The cast of characters also includes the Penguin, Killer Croc and other familiar Batman foes. The artwork is just terrific. The story is quite good, but a bit short. If you like Batman and the Joker, this graphic novel needs to be in your collection.

Dark Gritty joker Story 5/5 great addition to any DC Comics collectors or if you just want a good visual story

Probably thanks in no small part to "The Dark Knight" film, DC released this book that is all about the Joker. Well not quite. See its actually all about his lackey Jonny who volenteered to pick up Joker after he was granted parole. How someone can think the Joker deserves to be set free is beyond me but I guess that is the suspension of belief part of this story. Never the less this book treats the reader to a stripped down, and dirty as sewage view of the Joker and Gotham criminal communities. Jonny waxes philosophical about what its like to be a hood and to gain respect within the criminal community. This story delivers one thing very well and that is tension. Within the story, Joker may seem to care about Jonny as a good friend but as the story shows (and long time fans know) you should never give the Joker an inch cuz he'll take the whole mile. And Joker devilishly delivers on that promise. In the end, you feel you learned more than you wanted to about the Joker, yet you understand even less about his motivations which further perpetuates the enigma that he is. This is definitely not a kid's story. There is violence in spades and I'd venture to say its the most violent superhero themed related story I've ever read. But the violence serves to show the appauling nature of this character and how he should never be revered but rather feared and hated. Yet like any good Joker story, you still feel drawn to him as character just like Jonny was. Azzraleo's writing is top notch in this volume. Azzarello's dialogue is crisp and fresh and does a good job of keeping the focus on Jonny and Joker's relationship. Bermejo's noirish command of realism and stark lighting makes this book feel very dense and cinematic and adds a great deal of something that many comics lack which is a tone. Its a damn good read for long time Joker and Batman fans. Highly recommended.

Great

Great art. Short read. Something I’m not accustomed to reading. I enjoyed the entertainment and good experience ok kindle app.

Great story. Dark, brooding, and insane. Great addition to the collection. Definitely recommend.

I wasn't prepared for it. The art is quite impressive, and the story was fine.

La combinación Azarello y Bermejo es siempre de lo mejor que vas a encontrar, en particular esta edición pasta dura es del 2019 y aun mantiene el logo de "DC Comics" en vez del "DC Black Label", pero la calidad es buena, un cómic imperdible, para audiencia adulta, con un fondo profundo y oscuro lleno de adrenalina, además, este cómic es la precuela de batman damned.

Tolles Comic Buch und für Neueinsteiger des Batman/DC Universums geeignet. Die Zeichnungen sind wirklich gut gemacht,aber vorallem ist die Story wirklich Mitreißend. Wer hierbei den Joker als Figur nicht verehren möchte,hat Probleme. Zudem gefällt mir,dass 2-Face und der Pinguin auch noch ihre Auftritte bekommen. Das ist ein neuerer Comicband,in dem der Joker an die Heath Ledger Film Version angelehnt ist. Batman hat eigentlich kaum eine Bedeutung darin,taucht nur kurz auf,also bekommen wir Joker pur. Oder doch etwas anders: Die Geschichte ist aus Sicht des Kleinkriminellen Jonny Frost geschrieben.Der meldet sich für den Job,den gefährlichen Joker aus der Irrenanstalt "Arkham Asylum" abzuholen und sich somit endlich mal als ein Jemand zu fühlen. Dabei bekommt der Leser den Joker wie im Film zu sehen,also absolut durchgeknallt,aber gleichzeitig auch als extrem Intelligent und vorallem als brutal. Der Comic ist jedem zu emfehlen,der wie ich sich nur mal ins DC Universum verirren wollte. Du kennst nur die Dark Knight Filme und möchtest dich mal in die Comic Welt einlesen? Das nimm diesen Comic!

Good