Batman & The Joker: The Deadly Duo #3 finally gets to that whole “duo” aspect. While Batman and the Joker met in the first issue, the two have mostly been split up with the Joker held as a prisoner in the Batcave. It’s mostly been Batman on his own trying to figure out what’s going on with some backup to help him out. The key dynamic we’re here for, Batman dealing with the Joker, has mostly been missing, brushed to the side. Well, hopefully that’s now changing if this issue is any indication.

Yes, the two are mostly apart for the issue but three issues in, we’re finally getting a better idea as to who the villain is and Batman has realized he’ll need the Joker’s help to solve whatever is going on. Marc Silvestri does double duty as the writer and artist for the series and continues to deliver amazing visuals with writing that’s slowly improving.

The strong point of the issue is Batman being an actual detective. As he ended the previous issue, he had to decide the fate of two individuals and here we get to see his deduction as to which is the one he should save. It’s not a shock as to the answer but it’s nice to see the world’s greatest detective actually be a detective.

That extends to his attempting to figure out the mysterious creatures. There’s some logic there as to what to do next, showing Silvestri’s Batman is a bit more than just the action we’ve seen so far.

But, it’s such good looking action. Each issue just looks great showing off Silvestri’s talent with colors by Arif Prianto. We knew going into this that the visuals wouldn’t be an issue and that’s been the case with every release. Silvestri does what he does best in his distinctive style and doing so with a flair that’s so much fun to look at.

Batman & The Joker: The Deadly Duo #3 is beginning to deliver on the promise of its title. By the end, we finally get the duo together to figure out what’s going on and track down whoever is behind the strange monsters and have taken Gordon and Harley. Here’s hoping after such a wait it all delivers the back and forth we’ve been waiting for.

Story: Marc Silvestri Art: Marc Silvestri Color: Arif Prianto
Story: 8.05 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.2 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle

I said in my review of the first issue, the draw of Batman & The Joker: The Deadly Duo is Marc Silvestri‘s art. Fans of the creator will flock to it and let’s face it, his style is one that stands out from the crowd. While I wasn’t as much as a fan of Silvestri’s writing on the issue, I still found the concept and moments entertaining. Batman & The Joker: The Deadly Duo #2 is far better in that department delivering a well rounded issue that has far more than just its art going for it.

With a story and art from Silvestri, with color by Arif Prianto, Batman & The Joker: The Deadly Duo #2‘s hook is how Batman and the Joker will get along as they team up. And, it’s entertaining. Silvestri does a solid job of balancing the Joker’s insanity and rambling jokes with Batman’s seriousness. It’s a dynamic we’ve seen so many times before (ahem, Deadpool) that can swing too much on way and just not click. But, Silvestri nails it with just enough comedic moments and they’re often presented in a twisted way that reminds us who the Joker is. It’s not laughs just because.

The issue lays out a bit more of what we can expect for the series. It’s an interesting direction, and as a DC Black Label comic, can go a bit mature. It feels like we’re getting Batman’s version of Saw with a little Silence of the Lambs mixed in and if the series continues this way, it should be a twisted read to come.

The art by the team is as fantastic as you’d expect. Much like the first issue, Batman & The Joker: The Deadly Duo #2 shows off Silvestri’s strength and style which fits so well for this story. There’s a certain darkness to it that is perfect for the horror undertones of the issue. All of the characters have that strength and coolness that Silvestri’s style is known for. It’s dynamic and as solid as you’d expect.

Batman & The Joker: The Deadly Duo #2 is an entertaining read. It doesn’t fall into “90s issues” we see from others who “return” to comics and instead plays off Marc Silvestri’s strengths that made his creator owned work stand out from the crowd. There’s a lot here to enjoy and fans of Silvestri, want to see Batman and Joker team up, or like a little horror, will want to check this one out.

Story: Marc Silvestri Art: Marc Silvestri Color: Arif Prianto
Story: 7.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle