Hi everyone! I hope you’re all well. Today is Friday, and it’s time for another review. Today, I am reviewing the graphic novel Joker: The 10th Anniversary Edition by Brian Azzarello, Lee Bermejo, Mick Gray, Robert Clark and Patricia Mulvihill.
Joker: The 10th Anniversary (DC Black Label Edition) was published in 2019 by DC Comics and runs 144 pages long.
TRIGGER WARNING
Joker is quite a graphically violent book and includes plenty of physical violence, some sexual abuse and a little gore. If you think you might be affected by the book’s content, I’d give this one a miss.
The Plot
The story of Joker takes place in the gritty streets of Gotham City, where a seemingly cured Joker is released from Arkham Asylum and goes on a rampage, causing chaos and destruction at every turn. The plot is driven by the Joker’s nefarious schemes to wrest control of Gotham from the city’s criminal underworld.
Characters
Joker
The main protagonist of the story, the Joker, newly released from Arkham Asylum, is his usual enigmatic, unpredictable, and sadistic self, wreaking havoc throughout Gotham as he attempts to claw the city back from the criminal underworld that divvied up the place when he went away. He is a master manipulator who is always two steps ahead of his adversaries, and, as ever, he delights in causing chaos wherever he goes. Brian Azzarello and Lee Bermejo’s interpretation of the character is particularly disturbing, highlighting his insanity, as well as his unpredictability and his love for violence.
Jonny Frost
The Joker’s right-hand man, Jonny Frost, is a criminal who becomes enamoured with the Joker after his release from Arkham. He serves as the Joker’s go-between, running errands for him and helping him with his criminal enterprises and his taking back of Gotham City. However, Jonny’s loyalty is tested when he realises the true extent of the Joker’s madness.
Harvey Dent
The former District Attorney of Gotham City, Harvey Dent, is a tragic figure who is scarred both physically and emotionally. After Joker is released from Arkham, Harvey attempts to get Johnny to switch sides. He warns him that the Joker will end up being the death of him and that he won’t even care about it.
Later, when his conflict with Joker intensifies, Joker threatens to kill one of his personalities, causing him to spiral in fear and contact Batman for help.
Harley Quinn
Harley, the Joker’s on-again, off-again girlfriend, has been working at a strip club while he’s been away. Once together again, they make quick work of returning to their violent ways, skinning one of the Joker’s old associates alive. Harley doesn’t say much throughout the book, making her character seem considerably more reserved and powerful than we’re used to seeing. Her appearance certainly adds an extra emotional layer, especially when, at one point, she is shown to be consoling a sobbing emotional joker, hinting that perhaps she is the only one he can be his true, authentic self around.
Killer Croc
Killer Croc, the monstrous villain who has plagued Gotham in many past storylines, is also in Joker. In this story, he’s shown as a fearsome and ruthless criminal with brutal strength and vicious tendencies. Upon Joker’s release, Killer Croc agrees to help Joker regain control of Gotham.
Penguin
One of the more notorious crime lords in Gotham City, Penguin, also appears in the book.
After the Joker robs a bank upon his release from Arkham, he visits Penguin, whom the Joker calls Abner (a mark of disrespect) and demands that he invest the money he has stolen and get him a quick return.
Riddler
Riddler is another villain who is a minor character in the story. He shows up to deliver a mysterious item that Joker asked him to steal for him before Joker advises him to leave town.
Batman
In Joker, Batman barely appears; there are a few occasions where Joker shouts into the ether as if talking to Batman because he is convinced – and states out loud that ‘he’s out there.’
When Harvey Dent contacts Batman, asking for help stopping the Joker, Batman and the Clown Prince of Crime have a showdown.
Each character in Joker plays a substantial role in the story and contributes to the atmosphere of madness and chaos that permeates the book. Although the Joker himself is the most compelling and complex character, each of the other characters adds an intriguing and vital layer, helping to flesh out the world in which the Joker operates.
Writing Style
First and foremost, it is worth mentioning that this special edition of the book, published to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its original release in 2008, is a beautifully crafted work that delves deep into the psyche of one of the most iconic villains in comic book history. From the very first page, readers are drawn into a dark and chaotic world that mirrors the twisted mind of the Joker himself.
As for the writing, Brian Azzarello is a master of his craft. His dialogue is sharp and witty, with a darkly ironic edge that kept me hanging on every page. His depiction of the Joker is simultaneously terrifying and captivating, and his exploration of the character’s motivations is intriguing, to say the least.
Artwork
The artwork in this book is simply stunning. The illustrations are richly textured and detailed, capturing the dark and foreboding mood of the story perfectly. Bermejo’s mastery of light and shadow is expertly evident in every panel, with the illustrations elevating the story to new heights.
He has an exceptional way of bringing the chaotic world of the Joker and his city to life along with Mick Gray’s inking, which adds boldness, depth and nuance to the already vividly evocative visuals, highlighting the emotions of each character.
Furthermore, the colours provided by Patricia Mulvihill are striking, utilising a moody, subdued palette that expertly conveys the sombre tone of the narrative and the grimness of Gotham City.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Joker: The 10th Anniversary Edition is a masterpiece of the graphic novel genre, setting a benchmark for storytelling and artistic excellence. Fans of Batman and his rogues’ gallery will delight in the intricate and gritty world created by Azzarello and Bermejo, whilst newcomers will be enthralled by the sheer compelling darkness of the tale.
I Highly recommend Joker to anyone who loves a good villain story and appreciates the chance to get beneath the skin of a character like the Clown Prince of Crime.
I am giving Joker an 8/10.
Have you read Joker? What did you think of the character’s depiction in this one shot?
Thank you, as ever, for reading my review. I really do appreciate it.
Until next,
George
© 2024 GLT
Categories: Book Reviews, Reading
GEORGE L THOMAS 
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