Written by: Sam Johns, James Tynion IV Art by: Guillem March, Mirka Andolfo
As the dust settles on Arkham Asylum and tragic recent events, The Joker is the most wanted man in the world-and powerful forces are lining up around the globe to hunt him…but where exactly is the Clown Prince of Crime? Jim Gordon, facing his twilight years haunted by the madman, knows where to start the hunt, and he’s been given the go-ahead to pursue him…but will he be willing to pay the price? And what shocking revelation will Gordon stun Batman with before he departs? And in the backup story, within the walls of Blackgate Penitentiary, Punchline has become the target of the Queen of Spades from the Royal Flush Gang. It’ll take everything Punchline has just to survive, while on the outside, Bluebird digs deeper into Punchline’s horrific past!
When I first heard DC was releasing a comic focused on the Joker, I rolled my eyes. The concept of a comic with the Joker at the center didn’t appeal to me, as certain iterations of him have attracted a negative edge-lord element. Then I read The Joker #1, and quickly changed my mind. What’s presented is an updated “chase” story with some zeitgeist thrown in.
The “Joker War” is over and the Joker is on the run having left Gotham. Months later, an attack has taken place on Arkham Asylum pinned to him, though not proven it was him. Unknown elements have decided they want the Joker off the playing board and decide to turn to Jim Gordon to do exactly that.
While Joker’s name might be the title of the comic, writer James Tynion IV focuses the comic on a former cop whose nightmare still walks the Earth and haunts his dreams. This is a story about a man’s unfulfilled mission and one last opportunity to change that. While we get an update on the Joker, this is Gordon’s story so far.
And Tynion gives us an interesting flair to it. The comic feels more like Nazi hunters than a detective story. This isn’t so much INTERPOL as it is Wiesenthal. The fact Gordon is focused on taking out such an evil contributes to that, it’s rare that a character is so definitively evil. Gordon feels like the grizzled, tortured individual, who needs to put an end note to what has haunted him, and remove an evil force from society.
The art by Guillem March is solid. Guillem is joined by Arif Prianto on color and Tom Napolitano on lettering. There’s a worn vibe about the comic. Gordon feels like a tortured and weathered individual beat down to a low point and not sure what to do next. There’s a great use of visuals to dive in what haunts Gordon and where Gotham stands in the wake of the latest chaos. An opening sequence involving another officer really hammers home the drive that Gordon is experiencing toeing the line of crossing into shock value.
The Joker #1 also features a secondary story “Punchline” following up on Joker’s latest sidekick’s trial. Tynion is joined by Sam Johns on the story while Mirka Andolfo handles the art, Romulo Fajardo, Jr. is on color, and Ariana Maher handles the lettering. Much like the one-shot featuring Punchline, this chapter has a feel like it’s an examination of our current world. Punchline is the center of the alt-cult she and Joker have spawned. This is a group that rejects reality and social norms, instead bracing chaos as a finger towards others. It’s hard to not think of the MAGA-cult and alt-right when reading this and the comparing the protests to free Punchline as similar pronunciations of innocence for real-world leaders who are clearly guilty though the evidence may be flimsy. How much this story will continue to make that sort of connection will be interesting as it could be a hell of an allegory.
The Joker #1 surprised me. It’s a comic I thought could be good but wasn’t sure what we were getting. With a focus on those hunting the villain, we get a story of one last attempt at justice as opposed to something that might deify or wash a reprehensible individual. It’s a debut that shows a hell of a lot of potential for what’s to come. Hopefully it keeps its focus on the nightmares that haunt us throughout life.
Story: James Tynion IV, Sam Johns Art: Guillem March, Mirka Andolfo Color: Arif Prianto, Romulo Fajardo, Jr. Letterer: Tom Napolitano, Ariana Maher Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy
DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Wednesdays (and now Tuesdays) are new comic book day! Each week hundreds of comics are released, and that can be pretty daunting to go over and choose what to buy. That’s where we come in
Each week our contributors choose what they can’t wait to read this week or just sounds interesting. In other words, this is what we’re looking forward to and think you should be taking a look at!
Find out what folks think below, and what comics you should be looking out for this week.
Batman: Urban Legends #1 (DC Comics) – An anthology featuring top talent taking on the world of Batman? Yeah, we’re in for this one.
Blade Runner Origins #1 (Titan Comics) – Discover the origin of the Blade Runners in this brand-new series!
Blue, Barry, & Pancakes (First Second) – A cute graphic novel geared towards young readers with lessons about friendship and listening.
Children of the Atom #1 (Marvel) – This series has been a long-time coming. The covers and art has hinted at a group that has a lot of inspiration from classic X-Men characters but what’s their deal? It’s not what we expected and a solid mystery.
Eternals #3 (Marvel) – The characters are coming to the big screen and this series is clearly an attempt to re-introduce them to the Marvel comic universe. So far, it’s been an interesting start though a little scattered in focus. The art has stood out as amazing though.
The Joker #1 (DC Comics) – We’ll admit, we were a bit skeptical about this one when announced but the first issue is a solid setup that has us excited for more.
Karmen #1 (Image Comics) – Guillem March’s series comes to Image as five single issues.
Maiden #1 (Heavy Metal) – A tale of revenge from Heavy Metal featuring Michelle Sears and Bart Sears!
Maniac of New York #2 (AfterShock) – The first issue knocked it out of the park. A film-like serial killer exists and terrorizes New York City. This is the story of the two cops looking to bring it down.
Mighty Morphin #5 (BOOM! Studios) – The origin of the new Green Ranger!
Minerva’s Map Key to a Perfect Apocalypse #1 (Lev Gleason – New Friday) – Don’t know much about this beyond the description. Minerva has been hired to locate two ancient, otherworldly items. Kind of has an Indiana Jones vibe about it.
Non-Stop Spider-Man #1 (Marvel) – A new Spider-Man comic? Sure, we’re interested in seeing what makes it different.
Nottingham #1 (Mad Cave Studios) – A new take on the classic story of Robin Hood. Read our review.
Proctor Valley Road #1 (BOOM! Studios) – During a “Spook Tour”, students goes missing and a rescue for them begins.
Scout’s Honor #3 (AfterShock) – The series so far has been an interesting spin on an apocalyptic world with some solid underlying themes. We want to see where it all goes.
Serial #2 (Abstract Studios) – Zoe is on the hunt for a serial killer hiding in plain sight in her community. The first issue threw out a lot of concepts, this second issue begins to bring them together.
Sh*tshow #2 (Scout Comics) – A big bad destroyed almost all of the world’s superheroes and now it’s back to snuff out the rest. Can those traumatized about the first battle stand against this world threat?
Space Bastards #3 (Humanoids) – The series is full of over-the-top violence and humor and each issue has left a smile on our face.
Specter Inspectors #2 (BOOM! Studios) – We expected the first issue to be a spoof of ghosthunting shows but the debut delivered something different and very entertaining.
Thor and Loki: Double Trouble #1 (Marvel) – Mariko Tamaki and Gurihiru are back together for another fun adventure!
Written by: Sam Johns Art by: Guillem March, Mirka Andolfo
Following the events of Infinite Frontier #1, the Joker is the most wanted man in the world! But the Clown Prince of Crime is several steps ahead of law enforcement—and he’s on the run overseas. James Gordon, facing retirement, realizes this is the manhunt of his life and the last piece of a storied career…but what mysterious and deadly forces are also in pursuit of the Joker?
And in the backup story, following the events of the smash hit Punchline #1, DC’s most controversial new villain navigates the infrastructure of Blackgate Penitentiary. While on the outside, Harper Row takes up the mantle of Bluebird to stop her brother from falling under Punchline’s influence.
Jared Leto‘s Joker is back in Zack Snyder‘s Justice League and a new look has been released of this version of the character.
The character was missing in the original release but will be back in the new cut of the movie which debuts on HBO Max on March 18th.
The character in the film wasn’t a part of Snyder’s original vision but came to him after and he decided this is likely the only chance for Leto’s Joker to meet Ben Affleck’s Batman so an additional scene was added to the film.
Announced in 2019 Pop Life Global and China’s Imperial Palace revealed a collaboration with DC Collectibles. Figures from that were to launch in retail in June 2019. These new Funko Pop!s riff on those designs.
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The Joker is the most dangerous villain ever to menace Gotham City but in March 2021, the Clown Prince of Crime is taking his violence around the world. Batman writer James Tynion IV and artist Guillem March go global with The Joker’s brand of terror and mayhem inThe Joker, a new monthly ongoing series from DC Comics.
After an unthinkable attack on Gotham City, the Clown Prince of Crime has become the most wanted man in the world! The Joker is doing his best to stay several steps ahead of law enforcement overseas, but Jim Gordon, facing retirement, realizes this is the last manhunt of his life and vows to track down Gotham’s worst nemesis, completing his storied career. But there are some mysterious and deadly forces that are also on the hunt for The Joker, and they’re not going to let Gordon slow them down or get in the way.
In the backup story by Tynion IV, co-writer Sam Johns, and artist Mirka Andolfo, Alexis Kaye, a.k.a. Punchline becomes the newest resident of Blackgate Penitentiary, while on the outside Harper Row resumes her role as Bluebird to prevent her brother from falling under the influence of Punchline and her beguiling brand of anarchy and chaos.
The Joker is a 40-page $4.99 monthly series debuting at comic book stores and participating digital retailers on Tuesday, March 9, 2021. The debut issue features cover art by Guillem March, with variant covers by Frank Quitely, Francesco Mattina, Riccardo Federici, and Mark Brooks.
Time to vote with your wallet and choose who will be coming home with you from your local comic shop! This week, seven amazing products shipped to stores from Diamond Select Toys and Gentle Giant Ltd., including Legends in 3D half-scale busts of Batman, Joker and Scorpion; a bust of Deadpool, a statue of Logan, and Gallery Dioramas of Wonder Woman and Venom! Who will be the winner? You will!
DC Classic TV Gallery Diorama Wonder Woman PVC
A Diamond Select Toys release! The star of the 1970s Wonder Woman TV series joins the Gallery Diorama line! Based on her appearance in the classic TV show, this approximately 9-inch diorama shows her crossing her magic bracelets in front of her, as her logo rises up from below. Made of high-quality PVC, it features detailed sculpting and paint applications and comes packaged in a full-color window box. Designed by Shawn Knapp, sculpted by Rocco Tartamella. (Item #JAN202453, SRP: $49.99)
Legends in 3D Animation Batman TAS Half-Scale Bust
A Diamond Select Toys release! Pay tribute to the Legend of the Dark Knight with this half-scale bust of Batman, as he appeared in Batman: The Animated Series! Part of the Legends in 3D line of busts, this approximately 10-inch portrait is limited to only 1,000 pieces, and comes packaged in a full-color box with a hand-numbered certificate of authenticity. Designed by Joe Allard, sculpted by Varner Studios. (Item #JAN202449, SRP: $200.00)
Legends in 3D Animation Batman TAS Joker 1/2 Scale Bust
A Diamond Select Toys release! This bust is no joke! But seriously, no one will be laughing when they lay eyes on this incredible half-scale bust of The Joker, as he appeared in Batman: The Animated Series! Part of the Legends in 3D line of busts, this approximately 10-inch portrait is limited to only 1,000 pieces, and comes packaged in a full-color box with a hand-numbered certificate of authenticity. Designed by Joe Allard, sculpted by Varner Studios. (Item #MAR202620, SRP: $175.00)
Legends in 3D Video Game Mortal Kombat Scorpion 1/2 Scale Bust
A Diamond Select Toys release! Fatality! This killer bust of Scorpion is the next release in the Legends in 3D line of half-scale busts! Measuring approximately 10 inches tall, and inspired by his earliest video game appearances, the bust features detailed sculpting and paint applications, and is limited to only 1000 pieces. Packaged with a certificate of authenticity in a hand-numbered, full-color box. Designed by Joe Allard, sculpted by Salvador Gomes. (Item #MAR202627, SRP: $175.00)
Marvel Animated Style Logan Statue
A Gentle Giant Ltd. Release! He’s the cutest there is at what he does! Logan joins the Marvel Animated Statue line with this super-cute 4” resin statue showing him with bared claws. Based on the variant cover artwork of Marvel Comics, this limited-edition sculpture comes packaged in a full-color box with a certificate of authenticity. Sculpted by Paul Harding! (ITEM #APR202652, SRP: $49.99)
Marvel Animated X-Men Deadpool Bust
A Diamond Select Toys release! The hit bust series continues! Based on the original X-Men animation from the 1990s, this approximately 6-inch bust of Deadpool is inspired by his multiple appearances in the series. Featuring a cartoon-accurate paint scheme and detailed sculpting, this bust is limited to only 3.000 pieces and comes packaged with a certificate of authenticity in a full-color box. Designed by Barry Bradfield, sculpted by Paul Harding. (Item #MAR202626, SRP: $59.99)
A Diamond Select Toys release! Can you smell what the Brock is cooking? Peter Parker-hating Eddie Brock reunites with his partner in hate, the alien symbiote, to become Venom once more in this exclusive, glow-in-the-dark Marvel Gallery Diorama! Measuring approximately 9 inches tall, this sculpture depicts Venom mid-merge, with Brock visible under the symbiote, and features glowing eyes, symbol, skin and tongue. It is made of a high-grade PVC with detailed sculpting and paint applications and comes packaged in a full-color window box. Limited to only 2,000 pieces. Designed by Caesar, sculpted by Alterton. (Item #DEC198501, SRP: $49.99)
Head to the Batcave with this new LEGO DUPLO set! Let your young one team up with Batman and Robin to capture the Joker with the LEGO DUPLO 10191 Batcave set.
The set comes with three figures, Batman, Robin, and the Joker, as well as a Batmobile. Also featured is a jail, entrance to the Batcave, and a Bat.
Diamond Select Toys and Gentle Giant Ltd. debuted a variety of items at this year’s Toy Fair in New York City, and many of them are now up for pre-order! New Gallery Dioramas, Legends in 3D Busts and Premier Collection statues can be ordered through your local comic shop or favorite online retailer. Read on for more info on Batman, Deadpool, and a slew of villainous characters, like Lex Luthor, Rodan, the Nun, Scorpion, Mysterio and more!
DC Classic Movie Gallery Batman 1989 PVC Diorama
A Diamond Select Toys release! One of the most iconic Batmen of all time takes the stage with this all-new Gallery Diorama of Batman from Tim Burton’s 1989 movie Batman! Standing atop a distinctive piece of Gotham City architecture, Batman spreads his cape and prepares to dive on some unsuspecting evildoer. Measuring approximately 11 inches tall, this diorama is made of high-quality PVC and features detailed sculpting and paint applications. It comes packaged in a full-color window box. Designed by Shawn Knapp, sculpted by Rocco Tartamella. (Item # MAR202618, SRP: $49.99)
DC Comic Gallery Lex Luthor PVC Diorama
A Diamond Select Toys release! Destroy Superman! Lex Luthor dons his powerful armor to take on Superman in the newest DC Comics-inspired Gallery Diorama! Raising his hand to fire a Kryptonite-fueled blast, this sculpture measures approximately 9 inches tall, is made of high-quality PVC and features detailed sculpting and paint applications. It comes packaged in a full-color window box. Designed by Joe Allard, sculpted by Rocco Tartamella. (Item #MAR202619, SRP: $49.99)
Godzilla Deluxe Gallery Rodan 1993 PVC Diorama
A Diamond Select Toys release! It’s the ultimate team-up! Rodan joins forces with the previously offered Godzilla to form a diorama tribute to 1993’s Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II! Sculpted in a pose from the iconic movie poster, Rodan measures approximately 8 inches tall and is cast in high-quality PVC with detailed sculpting and paint applications. Displays by itself or as a pair with the Godzilla 1993 diorama. It comes packaged in a full-color window box. Designed by Joe Allard, sculpted by Jorge Santos Souza. (Item #MAR202621, SRP: $74.99)
Horror Gallery Nun PVC Diorama
A Diamond Select Toys release! The titular star of the Nun movies is here to haunt your shelves! Measuring approximately 9 inches tall, this spooktacular sculpture of the spirit Valak is cast in high-quality PVC and features detailed sculpting and paint applications. It comes packaged in a full-color window box. Designed by Caesar, sculpted by Alterton. (Item #MAR202622, SRP: $49.99)
John Wick Gallery Cassian PVC Diorama
A Diamond Select Toys release! Cassian is chasing down John Wick in this all-new Gallery Diorama! Depicting the hitman and bodyguard running full-tilt with his weapon drawn, this approximately 9-inch sculpture is based on his appearance in John Wick Chapter 2 and features detailed sculpting and paint applications. It comes packaged in a full-color window box. Designed by Caesar, sculpted by Rocco Tartamella. (Item #MAR202628, SRP: $49.99)
Legends in 3D Animation Batman TAS Joker 1/2 Scale Bust
A Diamond Select Toys release! This bust is no joke! But seriously, no one will be laughing when they lay eyes on this incredible half-scale bust of The Joker, as he appeared in Batman: The Animated Series! Part of the Legends in 3D line of busts, this approximately 10-inch portrait is limited to only 1,000 pieces, and comes packaged in a full-color box with a hand-numbered certificate of authenticity. Designed by Joe Allard, sculpted by Varner Studios. (Item #MAR202620, SRP: $175.00)
Legends in 3D Video Game Mortal Kombat Scorpion 1/2 Scale Bust
A Diamond Select Toys release! Fatality! This killer bust of Scorpion is the next release in the Legends in 3D line of half-scale busts! Measuring approximately 10 inches tall, and inspired by his earliest video game appearances, the bust features detailed sculpting and paint applications, and is limited to only 1000 pieces. Packaged with a certificate of authenticity in a hand-numbered, full-color box. Designed by Joe Allard, sculpted by Salvador Gomes. (Item #MAR202627, SRP: $175.00)
Marvel Animated X-Men Deadpool Bust
A Diamond Select Toys release! The hit bust series continues! Based on the original X-Men animation from the 1990s, this approximately 6-inch bust of Deadpool is inspired by his multiple appearances in the series. Featuring a cartoon-accurate paint scheme and detailed sculpting, this bust is limited to only 3.000 pieces and comes packaged with a certificate of authenticity in a full-color box. Designed by Barry Bradfield, sculpted by Paul Harding. (Item #MAR202626, SRP: $59.99)
Marvel Comic Gallery Agent Venom PVC Diorama
A Diamond Select Toys release! We are Venom! Flash Thompson dons the Venom symbiote once again for this new Marvel Gallery Diorama! Measuring approximately 9 inches tall, this sculpture of one of Venom’s most popular pairings is cast in high-quality PVC and features detailed sculpting and paint applications. It comes packaged in a full-color window box. Designed by Caesar, sculpted by Alejandro Pereira. (Item #MAR202623, SRP: $49.99)
Marvel Movie Gallery Avengers Endgame Rocket PVC Diorama
A Diamond Select Toys release! The Guardian of the Galaxy finally gets his own Gallery Diorama! Based on his appearance in Avengers: Endgame, this sculpture of Rocket measures approximately 7 inches tall on a pedestal base, is made of high-quality PVC and features detailed sculpting and paint applications. It comes packaged in a full-color window box. Designed by Joe Allard, sculpted by Rocco Tartamella. (Item #MAR202625, SRP: $39.99)
Marvel Comic Premier Collection Hulk Statue
A Diamond Select Toys release! It’s smashingly good! This approximately 12-inch statue of the Hulk shows him leaping into action, preparing to lay the smash down on his opponent. Sculpted in scale with other Premier Collection statues, this piece features detailed sculpting and paint applications, and is limited to only 3,000 pieces. It comes packaged with a numbered certificate of authenticity in a full-color window box. Designed by Yuri Tming, sculpted by Alejandro Pereira. (Item #MAR202624, SRP: $200.00)
Star Wars Premier Collection Luke Dreamer 1/7 Scale Statue
A Diamond Select Toys release! The dream lives on! Luke Skywalker strikes one of his most famous poses in this all-new 1/7 scale statue. Standing on the sands of Tatooine gazing at the horizon, Luke holds his macrobinoculars in this highly realistic piece features detailed digital sculpting and paint applications. Limited to only 3,000 pieces, it comes packaged with a numbered certificate of authenticity in a full-color box. (Item #MAR202617, SRP: $150.00)
Marvel Comic Gallery Mysterio PVC Diorama
A Diamond Select Toys release! Is it real or is it Gallery?! We don’t need hypnosis to convince you that this diorama of Mysterio, master of illusion, is an amazing installment in the Marvel Gallery line! Depicting the Spider-Man foe rising out of a cloud of green smoke, this approximately 9-inch sculpture is made from high-grade PVC and features detailed sculpting and paint details. Packaged in a full-color window box. Designed by Caesar, sculpted by Alterton. Formerly a GameStop exclusive. (Item #MAR202629, SRP: $49.99)
Marvel Movie Gallery Captain Marvel Binary PVC Diorama
A Diamond Select Toys release! Captain Marvel goes higher, faster and farther in this new Marvel Gallery PVC Diorama! The star of the Captain Marvel movie hovers above the ground and glows with binary power in this approximately 11-inch sculpture. Featuring detailed sculpting and paint, and cast in high-quality PVC, the diorama comes packaged in a full-color window box. Sculpted by Gentle Giant Studios. Formerly a GameStop exclusive. (Item #MAR202630, SRP: $49.99)
