Joker (graphic novel)
| Joker | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Date | October 17, 2008 |
| Main characters |
The Joker Jonny Frost Batman Killer Croc The Riddler Two-Face Harley Quinn The Penguin |
| Page count | 128 pages |
| Publisher | DC Comics |
| Creative team | |
| Writers | Brian Azzarello |
| Artists | Lee Bermejo |
| Inkers | Mick Gray |
| Letterers | Robert Clark |
| Colourists | Patricia Mulvihill |
| ISBN | |
Joker is an American graphic novel published by DC Comics in 2008. Written by Brian Azzarello and illustrated by Lee Bermejo, it is based on characters from DC's Batman series, focusing primarily on the title character. It is a unique take on the Batman mythos, set outside regular continuity and narrated by one of the Joker's henchmen.
Azzarello and Bermejo had previously worked on a similar take on Superman's archenemy in Lex Luthor: Man of Steel, and Joker grew out of a discussion following completion of that project. DC Editor Dan DiDio approved the new project the following day. The initial plan was to reflect this connection with a title sharing the same structure, Joker: The Dark Knight but it was felt to be too similar to the film The Dark Knight, and so the name was shortened. When the writer was asked if he preferred writing villains he said "I relate to them. [Laughs] I don't relate to the heroes. The Man, tryin' to keep you down!"
The Joker's appearance in The Dark Knight (2008) bears strong resemblance to Bermejo's drawings. Bermejo has stated that he is unsure if the filmmakers were influenced by his design; an early sketch of his Joker was posted publicly in 2006 on a Batman film website, and in 'Luthor: Man of Steel' #3, a newspaper has the same version of Joker as a photo.
Jonny Frost, a low-level thug, is sent to Arkham Asylum to pick up the Joker. Joker immediately takes a liking to Frost, using him as a chauffeur. Frost drives the Joker to the lair of Killer Croc. The three go to a strip bar. With the help of Harley Quinn, the Joker kills the owner and asks the shocked audience if they are willing to help him take his city back. The next morning, the Joker robs a bank and coaxes the Penguin to invest the stolen money. The Joker embarks on a killing spree, murdering many thugs who stole his money, turf, and bizarre sense of reputation. Informed by the Penguin that Harvey Dent is evading a talk with him, an enraged Joker trashes a phone, kills one of his own henchmen, and then sets the Grin and Bare It on fire. The next day, Frost is detained by Dent, who warns Frost that the Joker will kill him. Subsequently, Frost is late to the Joker's meeting with the Riddler, a disabled weapons dealer. They exchange a briefcase, and the Joker leaves. Once on the road, the Joker's crew is shot at by off-duty cops hired by Dent, and Frost saves the Joker's life in the scuffle.
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