arbaazk1999's review against another edition
4.0
awesome forthe joker's first encounter with the joker. but joker's motives were a bit simple than i like. i liked how they still didn't reveal the full story.
kiralovesreading's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
ett_knippe_kryssantemum's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
tidestriders's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
the batmobile and the batsignal finally make an appearance! bruce has sm empathy for the joker in this, i was kinda surprised
mjthomas43's review against another edition
4.0
Two stories that illustrate some key pieces of the Batman universe: the origin of The Joker and overlap in history between Batman and the old Green Lantern.
The first is an interpretation that I haven't heard/seen before (Joker's possible connection to the Red Hood and a look at his "practicing") plus some interactions with Captain Gordon and some great Batman detective work which is always fun to read.
I don't know much about the original Green Lantern (from the '40s) so it's hard for me to judge from a "historical" perspective but I did find that Batman's behaviour in front of this Green Lantern is a little odd: very open, supportive and even deferential. Out of character in my opinion. But given the Gotham connection between the two and the idea that GL is a hero from Bruce's father's time, maybe this should be seen as an exception. Interesting story nonetheless with great detective work (Batman in disguise is always fascinating) and a connecting subplot with a retired Commissioner Gordon.
The first is an interpretation that I haven't heard/seen before (Joker's possible connection to the Red Hood and a look at his "practicing") plus some interactions with Captain Gordon and some great Batman detective work which is always fun to read.
I don't know much about the original Green Lantern (from the '40s) so it's hard for me to judge from a "historical" perspective but I did find that Batman's behaviour in front of this Green Lantern is a little odd: very open, supportive and even deferential. Out of character in my opinion. But given the Gotham connection between the two and the idea that GL is a hero from Bruce's father's time, maybe this should be seen as an exception. Interesting story nonetheless with great detective work (Batman in disguise is always fascinating) and a connecting subplot with a retired Commissioner Gordon.
georgezakka's review against another edition
3.0
The Man Who Laughs was kind of a let down for me, I had high hopes for the book but nothing really amazing and interesting in the book to wow me and make me excited to read more.
The Man Who Laughs arc was really short and not very interesting, I wasn’t excited to see the Joker cause mayhem all over Gotham and Bruce having to stop him. There wasn’t anything really special about it.
I enjoyed the Made Of Wood arc a lot more, it wasn’t great but it still interested me and kept me wanting to read it and find out who the made of wood killer was. The story was fun and had a satisfying ending.
My biggest problem with the book is the art, it’s so bland and boring, everything is brown and beige there’s nothing exciting and colour bursting. The penciling also is too rough and sketchy and everything looks like it has wrinkles on it.
Overall, ok book.
The Man Who Laughs arc was really short and not very interesting, I wasn’t excited to see the Joker cause mayhem all over Gotham and Bruce having to stop him. There wasn’t anything really special about it.
I enjoyed the Made Of Wood arc a lot more, it wasn’t great but it still interested me and kept me wanting to read it and find out who the made of wood killer was. The story was fun and had a satisfying ending.
My biggest problem with the book is the art, it’s so bland and boring, everything is brown and beige there’s nothing exciting and colour bursting. The penciling also is too rough and sketchy and everything looks like it has wrinkles on it.
Overall, ok book.
jwest12's review against another edition
5.0
I read this right after reading Batman Year One and I’ve never noticed how this feels like a direct sequel to Year One. I loved this comic. I’ve read it once before long ago and remembered the basics of the story. It felt like a year one for the joker almost. I have loved Ed Brubaker’s work at Marvel for a long time but have not read much of his DC work. That might have to change.
hisnameisdavis's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
amelierawr's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
must read