Update: DC Comics posted a trailer, because these days we have trailers for comic books!
What is Batman: Three Jokers?
Batman: Three Jokers is the latest miniseries by Geoff Johns and Jason Fabok, spinning out of Justice League: The Darkseid War (2016). In that arc, Batman was able to get hold of New God Metron's Mobius Chair, an item of impossible power that grant nigh-unlimited knowledge to the owner... provided they can deal with it! Batman asks two simple questions: Who killed his parents (Joe Chill, duh) and what the true identity of the Joker is. The answer may shock you!
So, who is the Joker, really?
Well... that's where things get complicated. Apparently, he's not a person, but rather three.
As pictured above, you can see the classic Man Who Laughs inspired Joker, the Brian Bolland Killing Joke Joker and the modern New 52/Rebirth Joker. For the final product, the three Jokers are:
The Criminal - The Comedian - The Clown
- The Criminal is the Golden Age cold, calculating Joker. He doesn't smile or laugh. He's a criminal mastermind.
- The Comedian is the current-day Joker. Violent, sadistic, apparently aimless. He's the type of Joker we've been having since The Killing Joke.
- The Clown is the Silver Age Joker. Loud, bombastic, loves to use practical gags. You're in for a hell of a callback in this issue!
Is this in-continuity? Do I need to know anything before jumping in?
Yes and no. It's in continuity, but not necessarily placed anywhere in particular. It's self-contained and you can pick it without knowing anything about the current state of the DCU. As for background reading, knowing who Barbara Gordon (Batgirl) and Jason Todd (Robin II/Red Hood) are is enough, since the first issue explains very well why this story is so personal to them.
If you want to know a bit more about the background for this series and how it came to be, GamesRadar posted an interview with artist Jason Fabok last week.
Have you picked up #1? What did you think of it? Please, be mindful of spoilers! Use spoiler tags! :)
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