I had put off reading this for a while, and I’m sorry I dod because, WOW, is it eve good. I know some people didn’t like it – the characters didn’t act the way they’re “supposed to,” it’s too bleak for a Batman story, the Johnny Frost character is supposedly “unnecessary” – but I think those aren’t terribly legitimate complaints. After all, it’s not a Batman story. It’s a Joker story. And a truly chilling story it is, exploring who The Joker really is while keeping his origin a mystery, through the eyes of someone who thinks he gets it – just like we all think we do until it’s too late. The story is strangely familiar, looking at Gotham city through a cracke dmirror: we meet characters we think we know, and it’s fun to re-discover them through Aszarrello’ eyes. The art is BRILLIANT; the disparity between Bermejo’s finished and Mick Gray’s inks is used to great effect to advance the story, and Patricia Mulvihill’s colours are understated but really beautiful. And if you REALLY have a problem with the continuity? Just think of it as an Elseworlds. Or not. The Joker and I don’t care.

Just because something has Batman on it,that does not mean your kids need it. Would you give your 8-year-old the Batman Bomb Disposal Crime Lab- With real operating bombs? NO WAY! And the same goes for this.

Joker is a dark, frightening book that delves into the tortured mind of the Clown Price of Crime. If this book is anything like what Heath Ledger experience in his character acting as the famed Batman villain, it’s no wonder he became depressed, despondent, and committed suicide.

The book is a very gritty read.The art is borderline soft-core porn and Batman doesn’t appear until the last 12 pages, so it would bum out kiddies wanting a Batman book. There’s nothing fun about it. Did I think this was a classic. Absolutely, but then again so is Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer.

The book is not for those under the age of 16. So folks, if you want to get your child a more lighter take on The Joker, try Superman: Emperor Joker, DC/ Dark Horse’s The Joker/The Mask, or Batman: Mad Love.

Worth Consuming!