By Arvid Nelson (writer), Alex Sanchez (artist), Jose Villarrubia (colors), Rob Leigh (letters), Andy Kubert (cover)
My initial reaction to this book was “missed opportunity”. After my second read and some debate with a friend, I love it. My expectations were hurting my initial perception of the book. Instead of the psycho we’re accustomed to I got the The Joker proving a point without murder, and it has more of an impact in retrospect. The concept of the series is brilliant: we’re getting inside info on Arkham’s most notorious inmates, but from the perspective of the most notorious of all, The Joker.
The positive to Arvid Nelson’s writing is the plot itself. It does feel softer than the more modern interpretations of the character, but there’s definitely an edge which was missing at times from the cartoon or 1989 Tim Burton movie. I love the concept of The Joker going to such lengths to prove a point. To tell you “the point” is certainly a spoiler, but it’s definitely classic Joker, and makes you think about society with the recent onslaught of “reality TV”.
The biggest criticism I have is how long it takes to get to the point. Until those final panels it feels like a rejected concept for Batman: The Animated Series. The show is amazing, but it definitely pulled a few punches, most notably with The Joker. That being said, once you accept the story as a whole you can appreciate the methods in place. It’s like watching Fight Club the second time and catching all those hints littered throughout.
Inconsistent is the word to describe the art. The Joker looks as terrifying as we’re used to on the cover, but not the interior. Even more frustrating is the fact that Joker’s look changes almost panel to panel. Sometimes he looks like Ledger’s version from the upcoming film, others he looks like a normal guy, and even Leatherface for a few panels. I just wish Alex Sanchez would’ve picked one and stuck with it.
Sadly, I feel consistency may be tough to find in this series since a new creative takes over for the next issue. From the perspective of making deadlines, I get it, but it’s almost a sure thing that the overall story will suffer since each team will probably have a new take on The Joker. There’s a lot of good work in this issue, for what it’s worth, and I’m excited to read more about Arkham’s best, seen in the eyes of Arkham’s worst. (Grade: B)
- Ben Berger
Filed under: DC Comics, Reviews Tagged: | Alex Sanchez, Andy Kubert, Arkham Asylum, Arvid Nelson, Batman, Batman, DC Comics, Jose Villarrubia, Rob Leigh, The Joke's Asylum: The Joker, The Joker
