gpv's review
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
On the face of it, Joker being a Superman villain makes not sense. However, Jeph Loeb manages to create a story where the only superhero who can take on Joker is Supes.
'Emperor Joker' tells a story where Joker has tricked Mister Mxyzptlk into giving Joker his powers. With his seemingly immortal powers, Joker reimagines the Earth into a place where the JLA heroes are all but forgotten, the villains are the saviors (with Bizzaro taking the place of Superman), and where Superman and Batman are subjected to their own specific brand of torture every day.
This is possible one of the darkest takes on Joker, which could have been a lot better. We are shown multiple possibilities, but barely get to see any of them pan out. I am also not a big fan of the artwork. However, I would still recommend this as a good read for comic book fans.
'Emperor Joker' tells a story where Joker has tricked Mister Mxyzptlk into giving Joker his powers. With his seemingly immortal powers, Joker reimagines the Earth into a place where the JLA heroes are all but forgotten, the villains are the saviors (with Bizzaro taking the place of Superman), and where Superman and Batman are subjected to their own specific brand of torture every day.
This is possible one of the darkest takes on Joker, which could have been a lot better. We are shown multiple possibilities, but barely get to see any of them pan out. I am also not a big fan of the artwork. However, I would still recommend this as a good read for comic book fans.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse
pmileham's review
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
slayermel's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
In this twisted story The Joker obtains infinite power and takes over the World, dubbing himself Emperor Joker. As you can only imagine suffering and chaos ensues.
The JLA is dismantled and the heroes don't even remember who they really are, in this bizarro world they are the criminals. On some deep level Superman knows something is not right and is trying to break free in order to piece together what is happening.
In a world where Joker rules all one can only wonder, Where is Batman?
The JLA is dismantled and the heroes don't even remember who they really are, in this bizarro world they are the criminals. On some deep level Superman knows something is not right and is trying to break free in order to piece together what is happening.
In a world where Joker rules all one can only wonder, Where is Batman?
beyadob's review
3.0
The first few issues weren't very good, but then the mystery is revealed and everything falls into place.
tabman678's review
4.0
Superman: Emperor Joker has one of the roughest starts I’ve ever read. I was slogging through it and it was only until 100 pages in when Mxplkz has revealed he gave his power to Joker that this really became very good. I’m unable to give it five stars but it was a hell of a ride.
The basic story is Joker has taken control of the world using Mxplkz’ powers and Superman is the one to realize this because Batman is Joker’s play thing.
And the story goes from their.
It ultimately suffers from each chapter being written by a different person and the artist switches almost every issue too. The comic suffers for this but is strong enough in what it does that’s it’s worth the read.
A reluctant 4 stars but I really enjoyed it after the first 100 pages.
The basic story is Joker has taken control of the world using Mxplkz’ powers and Superman is the one to realize this because Batman is Joker’s play thing.
And the story goes from their.
It ultimately suffers from each chapter being written by a different person and the artist switches almost every issue too. The comic suffers for this but is strong enough in what it does that’s it’s worth the read.
A reluctant 4 stars but I really enjoyed it after the first 100 pages.
captwinghead's review
2.0
So, I’m still not sure what exactly I read or what happened here.
The Joker creates a world of his own and tortures the entire JL within it. The story revolves around Clark - which is a first for me. A Joker story where Clark’s the protagonist, not Batsy. Superman is the only person aware of what the world used to be and I’m not entirely sure why that is? It may have been explained amidst the 5,000 puns and double entendres. I didn’t know whether to roll my eyes or be impressed. It read like someone just recorded their thoughts after drinking 6 Red Bull’s.
Anyway, what actually worked for me was the Clark and Bruce of it all. I don’t think I’ve ever read a story where Bruce suffered quite like this. He was in really bad shape living out a version of Prometheus’ story. It was actually a bit hard to read. In the end, Clark just can’t watch him suffer anymore.
So, that really worked for me. It was really intriguing.
Unfortunately, the rest of this comic was completely batshit insane.
The Joker creates a world of his own and tortures the entire JL within it. The story revolves around Clark - which is a first for me. A Joker story where Clark’s the protagonist, not Batsy. Superman is the only person aware of what the world used to be and I’m not entirely sure why that is? It may have been explained amidst the 5,000 puns and double entendres. I didn’t know whether to roll my eyes or be impressed. It read like someone just recorded their thoughts after drinking 6 Red Bull’s.
Anyway, what actually worked for me was the Clark and Bruce of it all. I don’t think I’ve ever read a story where Bruce suffered quite like this. He was in really bad shape living out a version of Prometheus’ story. It was actually a bit hard to read. In the end, Clark just can’t watch him suffer anymore.
So, that really worked for me. It was really intriguing.
Unfortunately, the rest of this comic was completely batshit insane.
mkquinn91's review
1.0
The art is total garbage. It almost physically hurt to look at. And the story is very confusing. When originally published, it was meant to be a mystery why the world was topsy-turvy, but this tactic fails in a collected edition called Emperor Joker. I couldn't finish it, and I wouldn't recommend anyone else start it.
booknooknoggin's review
1.0
DNF I had hoped that because this featured the Joker it would be good. Not even a quarter into it and it's too painfully stupid to read.
beckysbookshelf's review
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75