In Batman #142, Batman reflects on his first encounter with the Joker, and readers are taken back to the early days of the Joker’s origin. The comic is written by Chip Zdarsky and illustrated by Giuseppe Camuncoli, Andrea Sorrentino, Alejandro Sanchez, and Dave Stewart. The cover art is by Giuseppe Camuncoli, Stefano Nesi, and Tomeu Morey, with variant covers by David Finch, Gleb Melnikov, Chip Zdarsky, Greg Tocchini, and Stevan Subic. The release date for the comic is February 6, 2024.
The issue begins with Batman contemplating a clue left by the Joker – two red pill capsules resembling the Red Hood symbol. Batman recalls their first meeting and realizes that the Red Mask from a previous story created multiple Jokers. He wonders why there are two pills. The story then shifts to the Joker encountering two other Jokers and engaging in a violent struggle. The fate of the two additional Jokers is uncertain. The art in this opening sequence sets a haunting and moody tone, with different styles used to depict Batman and the Joker.
In another scene, a Joker who appears different from the familiar Joker grabs a woman he believes to be his wife. He calls her Sally and expresses his love for her before running off. However, it is revealed that the woman’s husband is present, and her name is actually Jody. Six months later, this same Joker is shown in an apartment with a decaying corpse, contemplating how his heists went awry. He applies bronzer to his face and sees a reflection of the Red Hood, indicating that someone in their gang betrayed them.
The issue also explores the world of the GCPD, with Detective Jim Gordon receiving criticism for his positive portrayal of Batman in a report. The acting commissioner expresses concern about Gordon’s loyalty and suggests that they need to address the issue. The scene portrays the GCPD as neutral and mundane, with Gordon’s fiery hair and the commissioner’s purple shirt hinting at corruption.
The narrative then jumps to a scene in Arkham, where a heavily emaciated Joker is suspended from a table, reminiscent of a crucifixion. Batman’s narration reveals that this contraption was Commissioner Barbara Gordon’s idea. The story then returns to the early months after the Joker’s emergence, where he instigates a fight with two goons at a bar. He is eventually joined by an old Hood gang member named “Twenty-Two” or “Brian.” Another individual at the bar witnesses their interaction and contacts someone named “Number Two,” who retrieves a Red Hood mask and plans to kill the old gang boss.
Meanwhile, Batman intervenes as the “Black Hood” gang attempts a robbery. He incapacitates their getaway driver, and the GCPD arrives at the scene. Gordon climbs a fire escape to meet Batman, and they discuss the recent surge in Red Hood copycat gangs. Batman expresses doubt about the Red Hood leader’s demise, while Gordon believes there is no cause for concern.
In another moment, Joker spots Batman while waiting outside a pizza shop. He flees and returns to the river where he was dumped after the A.C.E. Chemicals incident. Joker sees a reflection of himself in the water and strangles it. He is then approached by a man who offers to train him, claiming to have trained Batman.
The narrative shifts to the future, where Batman searches for Duke Thomas, who is “infected” and absorbing light in Gotham City. When Batman surfaces, he is surrounded by Jokerized Gothamites. The art in this final scene is gritty and eerie, with the city cast in shadows and only the green hair and red eyes of the Jokerized individuals standing out.
Overall, Batman #142 presents a complex narrative that weaves together different timelines and explores the origins of the Joker. The artwork effectively captures the dark and unsettling atmosphere of the story, leaving readers intrigued and eager to continue the journey.
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