At some point, nearly every Batman writer attempts a Joker story. With the release of Batman 7, it appears to be Matt Fraction’s turn.
Our tale begins with someone in Arkham Tower leaving room 10, and placing what feels like a clandestine phone call saying “He wants to talk.”
Cut to the return of what may be my favorite gag in a comic book, ever: Bullock’s Bat Signal. Bats arrives on the roof to be told by Harvey and Gordon that “He wants to talk.”
Batman arrives at Arkham Tower and is led to Room 10, briefed along the way on the security protocols by Dr. Zeller. Upon entering the room, Joker’s appearance is shocking. The “stilling” process has left him bloated, floating in a tank of green liquid, hooked to tubes and machines to keep him alive and dormant, simultaneously monitoring his every bodily function.
What comes next is a conversation I don’t really feel I can do justice in a synopsis. We learn how Joker contacted the outside world. He “reveals” that he can’t distinguish between memories and dreams. He praises Dr. Zeller. He claims to be thankful to be incapacitated. All of which Batman scoffs at.
Finally, the reasons for contacting Batman are stated.
- Joker feels Batman is lonely, and needs a friend, using his own feelings to justify this assessment.
- The second reason is a secret, and Joker convinces Dr. Zeller to turn off her audio surveillance for a moment so the two arch enemies can have a private conversation.
Joker warns Batman that someone is coming to kill him. Batman dismisses this by saying “You’ve discovered it’s Tuesday.” He turns to leave. Joker’s response stops Batman in his tracks: “You don’t understand. Someone is coming to kill you. Bruce.”
Mundy: That is certainly a shocking development. How long has he known? How did he find out? It begs the question of who else knows. It’s too early to tell exactly where Fraction is going with this, but I’m absolutely intrigued. How will Joker escape containment? (Because he has to.) What will he do with this information? So many different directions to play this.
Foggy: What I love about this is that it seems only one is playing cat and mouse, and it’s not really The Joker. He seems earnest is a very strange way. His first reason for seeing Bruce is that he thinks Batman is lonely. It is such a childlike declaration, but fits perfectly with Joker who can be off the wall. And, he seems genuinely concerned that Bruce will be targeted and killed. Why he cares we still don’t know. We know it’s the Joker, so eventually the other shoe will drop, but for now, he seems oddly genuine.
Mundy: I’m also very interested to see the further development of Dr. Zeller. I’ve found it difficult to buy that someone so incredibly smart, that literally studies the human mind, as well as the criminally insane, can truly be as naive as she’s been portrayed. She’s already been shown to possibly be manipulating those around her. What’s the ultimate endgame here?
This entire issue deals with theater. Everyone seems to be playing a part for those around them. Dr. Zeller is presenting toughness, and concern for Joker’s well-being. I’m still not convinced she’s altruistic in her motivations. Batman is constantly manipulating everyone around him. There’s always an endgame, or a plan only he knows about. And Joker is just…Joker. No matter what his physical or mental state, he has consistently shown he is truly incapable of not being an agent of chaos and murder. He is immensely skilled at playing games to reach his goals, even if that means a long con, which this appears to be.
Foggy: The art continues to be a standout in the series. It was getting tough to come up with superlatives, and then Jimenez gives us a gorgeous four page gate fold depicting moments from Joker’s history that he is trying to organize in his mind. Truly stunning.
Additionally, Jimenez draws a very disturbing looking Joker suspended in liquid. He looks more like a monster than ever, and in some ways we now feel some sympathy for him. Very odd indeed, and some fantastic story work by Fraction and Jimenez. And, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that really cool page above with a wonderful birds eye view of Batman swooping down into the city. The cape frames the image beautifully and looks unique.
Mundy: 4 out of 5 Batarangs- This issue definitely brings a tonal shift, which can happen with a Joker story. Overall, for what is basically an entire issue of dialogue, this was very good, and sparked questions and conversations for me.
Foggy: 4.5 out of 5 Batarangs- This issue is mostly talking heads, but the dialog and art are extremely emotional. Another masterclass on story telling.
