Hi everyone! How are you all? Today is Friday, and it’s time for another review. Today I am reviewing Batman: The Batman Who Laughs by Scott Snyder, Jock, and Eduardo Risso.
The Batman Who Laughs was first published in 2019 by DC Comics and is 248 pages.
The Plot
The Batman Who Laughs follows the story of an alternate version of the Caped Crusader who has succumbed to the madness and evil of his nemesis, The Joker.
Characters
Batman
The Batman of this universe is the same character we know and love. However, having been affected by a toxin released by an injured Joker, he must confront his own darker impulses and fears, along with the twisted reflection of himself in the form of the Batman Who Laughs. Despite his struggles, he remains a formidable and skilled fighter, determined to protect his city and its citizens from harm.
Alfred
Alfred is Bruce Wayne’s loyal butler and confidant. In this graphic novel, Alfred is depicted as a crucial member of the Bat Family, aiding Batman in any way he can. Whether it’s providing technological support or lending an ear to Bruce’s emotional turmoil, Alfred is an invaluable asset.
The Joker
The archenemy of Batman, The Joker, is a vital character in the story, as The Batman Who Laughs is an amalgamation of the two.
The Joker is basically the catalyst for the whole story. However, unlike other iterations of The Joker, he is not the primary antagonist in this graphic novel.
Commissioner Gordon
This version of Gordon is a hardened police chief who struggles with wanting to keep both Gotham City and his son safe. When The Grim Knight and The Batman Who Laughs kidnap him, they set vicious biting versions of his son dressed as Robin on him. Luckily, the real-world version of James Gordon Jr saves him.
James Gordon Jr.
James is the murderous son of Jim Gordon, who has been receiving treatment for his twisted killer ways. Although he has seemingly begun to recover, Batman wants him to reaccess the dark parts of himself to help him take out The Batman Who Laughs.
The Grim Knight
The Grim Knight is a version of Bruce Wayne who, as a child, when his parents were shot in Crime Alley, doesn’t freeze in fear but instead picks up the gun and kills their assassin. This Bruce Wayne grows up and wages war on Gotham’s criminals.
The Batman Who Laughs
This is the book’s eponymous primary antagonist. This version of Batman is from a dark and twisted universe where he has killed the Joker and, in doing so, has been infected with a toxin that has driven him insane. This Batman is a paradox, maintaining the tactical skills and fighting prowess of the original while also possessing the twisted and sadistic nature of the Joker. He is a deadly and formidable adversary with a laugh that will make your spine shiver.
Writing Style
Firstly, it is worth noting that this graphic novel continues the storyline from the DC crossover event Dark Knights: Metal, though you don’t need to have read that before The Batman Who Laughs.
Throughout the book, Snyder does a fantastic job weaving together a tense, suspenseful narrative that examines themes such as morality, justice, and the fine line between heroism and villainy. The writing is dynamic and gripping, with each chapter building towards a heart-pumping climax that will surely leave readers on the edge of their seats.
What I loved the most about this book is Snyder’s expert use of tension and pacing. The story builds up slowly and deliberately, drawing you in with its ominous atmosphere and subtle hints of what’s to come. As the plot thickens, the tension ramps to a fever pitch, with the Batman Who Laughs wreaking havoc on Gotham City and its citizens.
Artwork
The book, illustrated by the talented Jock and Eduardo Risso, is visually stunning.
Each panel is striking, setting the book’s tone perfectly, with its dark realism and gritty style synergizing brilliantly with its themes. Every frame feels carefully crafted to support the narrative and to enhance the reader’s experience.
The colours by David Baron and Dave Stewart add another layer of depth and nuance to each page, creating a fully realized world that is both immersive and captivating.
Final Thoughts
Overall, The Batman Who Laughs is an outstanding graphic novel that is a must-read for any fan of the Batman universe. The incredible artwork, the exciting plot, and the complex characters all come together to create a truly unforgettable experience that will stay with readers long after turning the final page.
I am giving The Batman Who Laughs an 8/10.
Have you read The Batman Who Laughs? What did you think of it?
Thank you, as ever, for giving my review a read. I really appreciate it.
Until next time,
George
© 2024 GLT
Categories: Book Reviews, Reading
GEORGE L THOMAS 
Leave a comment