A review by corvusastrum
DC Celebration: Der Joker by Gary Whitta, Paul Dini, Peter J. Thomasi, Tom Taylor, Brian Azzarello, Scott Snyder, Rafael Albuquerque, Eduardo Medeiros, Tony S. Daniel, James Tynion IV, Denny O'Neil, Greg Miller
2.75
As this a collection of several short stories all around the Joker, I'm going to rate them individually here.
Scars 4/5
It's really interesting to see some of the Joker's victims and how they are trying to live on. Also the ending is clever and terrifying, I love it!
What Comes After a Joke? 1/5
This is the first time I've seen ore even heard about Punchline and I already can't stand her. I hate this modern approach on "strong women" who in reality are nothing but overconfident, belligerent and oh so snarky. Give me a break, I want actual interesting female characters, it's not that difficult.
Kill the Batman 1.5/5
Why does Harvey Dent look exactly like Bruce Wayne and why does nobody notice the undisguised Joker standing in the crowd? The story itself was fine until the very last panel. Kinda screams "I don't know how to end this so have this bad, overdone joke" to me.
Introducing the Dove Corps 2.5/5
After The Killing Joke I hoped I'd never have to see the Joker in shorts again. I was very much mistaken, my nightmares continue. The story feels very ... old. Like something you would have seen 50 years ago, idk. Not bad, but really nothing special at all.
The War Within 3/5
I don't get it, but the art is really nice.
The Last Smile 3.5/5
Would've preferred it if it weren't a nightmare. The Joker having nightmares just makes him seem too human, and isn't that exactly what one should be trying to avoid when writing stories about him? Maybe that's just me.
Birthday Bugs 4.5/5
Aww the Joker has a soft spot, how wholesome haha! <3
No Heroes 3/5
This feels oddly reminiscent of The Dark Knight. Not an over the top Joker like we're used to, but a more gritty, serious approach. I like it!
Penance 3.5/5
Well that explains why the priest's face wasn't moving at all. Old but gold.
Two fell Into the Hornets Nest 1/5
I don't get it. That's it.
Scars 4/5
It's really interesting to see some of the Joker's victims and how they are trying to live on. Also the ending is clever and terrifying, I love it!
What Comes After a Joke? 1/5
This is the first time I've seen ore even heard about Punchline and I already can't stand her. I hate this modern approach on "strong women" who in reality are nothing but overconfident, belligerent and oh so snarky. Give me a break, I want actual interesting female characters, it's not that difficult.
Kill the Batman 1.5/5
Why does Harvey Dent look exactly like Bruce Wayne and why does nobody notice the undisguised Joker standing in the crowd? The story itself was fine until the very last panel. Kinda screams "I don't know how to end this so have this bad, overdone joke" to me.
Introducing the Dove Corps 2.5/5
After The Killing Joke I hoped I'd never have to see the Joker in shorts again. I was very much mistaken, my nightmares continue. The story feels very ... old. Like something you would have seen 50 years ago, idk. Not bad, but really nothing special at all.
The War Within 3/5
I don't get it, but the art is really nice.
The Last Smile 3.5/5
Would've preferred it if it weren't a nightmare. The Joker having nightmares just makes him seem too human, and isn't that exactly what one should be trying to avoid when writing stories about him? Maybe that's just me.
Birthday Bugs 4.5/5
Aww the Joker has a soft spot, how wholesome haha! <3
No Heroes 3/5
This feels oddly reminiscent of The Dark Knight. Not an over the top Joker like we're used to, but a more gritty, serious approach. I like it!
Penance 3.5/5
Well that explains why the priest's face wasn't moving at all. Old but gold.
Two fell Into the Hornets Nest 1/5
I don't get it. That's it.