Batman, our Batman, has been injected with the Joker toxin and slowly transforming in to the Batman Who Laughs, the deadly version of himself from the Dark Multiverse. In this issue we get the bigger idea and plan as Batman desperately attempts to stop two deadly adversaries.

Writer Scott Snyder delivers an issue of desperation and heartbreak as Alfred confronts Batman resulting in a battle between the two of them and some revelations. It’s hard to see the two fight and Alfred being both angry and scared at what his “son” is becoming. To also hear Batman/Bruce slowly succumb to the toxin is a tragedy all its own as we get a better idea of the negative thoughts of his mind.

It’s an interesting issue as it really draws that line and makes it clear as to what the difference in worldview and vision is between Batman and the Batman Who Laughs. We also finally find out how the Batman Who Laughs Can see through that visor.

There’s also the Grim Knight who has a vendetta against Gordon which feels like will be his undoing in the end.

The art by Jock is amazing with solid coloring by David Baron. The style fits the breakdown of Bruce/Batman as he slowly loses it and fights to keep his focus. There’s just a level of emotion and raw ugliness there that works well as we see the duality of how he sees the world now.

Letterer Sal Cipriano deserves recognition as the dialogue is a little special jumping between Bruce/Batman’s personalities with key words emphasized to show his emotional state. Then there’s the style of the Batman Who Laughs which helps make the demented feel of the character.

The issue is a solid one with just a few more to go before things wrap up. This absolutely is that key issue that gets the ball rolling to the end and delivers a lot of reveals as well as emotional and exciting moments. This series has been fantastic and there’s not only excitement in how it’ll wrap up but where things go from here.

Story: Scott Snyder Art: Jock
Color: David Baron Letterer: Sal Cipriano
Story: 8.35 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.4 Recommendation: Buy

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

All the pieces are starting to fit together as the Batman Who Laughs acquires another key element in his plan-one that is linked to the founding fathers of Gotham City and to a legacy started by the Wayne family and protected by none other than Oswald Cobblepot.

Writer Scott Snyder has put together a fascinating miniseries the explores the lines that Batman will and won’t cross by pitting him against the Batman Who Laughs. The introduction of the Grim Knight delivered another Batman who we can explore yet another aspect of the character through. In The Batman Who Laughs #3, we get confrontations but also an exploration of exactly when “Batman was born.”

Through the action sequences and the comic as a whole, Snyder explores this idea of what created Batman. Was it the death of his parents? Was it his falling in the cave? Was it the bat breaking through the window? Was it a combination? Or, was it something else entirely?

There’s also a dive into what lines Batman and Bruce will and won’t cross. In his confrontation with the Grim Knight, a Punisher-esque version of Batman, we dive into his unwillingness to kill and his not wanting to use guns. It’s a scene that’s smart in many ways and shows that Batman is more than brute force.

But, the issue is basically a bridge to what’s next. It’s Batman running around trying to figure out what the bad guys’ plan is and realizing that he’s too many steps behind. It’s desperation but really a bridge to what’s next.

Jock‘s art, along with color from David Baron, and lettering from Sal Cirpriano combines the style of a Batman comic with a bit of a nightmarish tinge. The action is solid and there’s subtle focuses that really enhance the desperation of it all. Through the art, the psychological aspect of it all is enhanced.

The issue as part of the whole is a good one though on its own it falls a bit short. It’s definitely not a place to start but for those already reading the series, it’s a good addition to the overall story.

Story: Scott Snyder Art: Jock
Color: David Baron Letterer: Sal Cipriano
Story: 7.75 Art: 8.15 Overall: 7.75 Recommendation: Read

DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review