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Batman (2016)
Batman, Vol. 4: The War of Jokes and Riddles
Early in Batman’s career, the Joker and the Riddler would seemingly be natural allies. But each man determined that he and he alone must be the one to kill the Bat...and either would sooner burn down Gotham than be beaten to the punch line.
Untold until now, one of the darkest chapters in Batman’s history sees all of Gotham’s villains choosing sides in a battle of wits that soon turns into a full-blown war—complete with civilian casualties. In the War of Jokes and Riddles, only one side can claim victory...but the scars it leaves will shape Batman’s future as he makes the most important decision of his life.
From the critically acclaimed, best-selling creative team of Tom King (GRAYSON, The Vision) and Mikel Janin (JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK), the epic graphic tale BATMAN: THE WAR OF JOKES AND RIDDLES has quickly embedded itself as one of the great stories in the Dark Knight’s mythology. Collects issues #25-32.
Untold until now, one of the darkest chapters in Batman’s history sees all of Gotham’s villains choosing sides in a battle of wits that soon turns into a full-blown war—complete with civilian casualties. In the War of Jokes and Riddles, only one side can claim victory...but the scars it leaves will shape Batman’s future as he makes the most important decision of his life.
From the critically acclaimed, best-selling creative team of Tom King (GRAYSON, The Vision) and Mikel Janin (JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK), the epic graphic tale BATMAN: THE WAR OF JOKES AND RIDDLES has quickly embedded itself as one of the great stories in the Dark Knight’s mythology. Collects issues #25-32.
183 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 19, 2017
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February 22, 2018
For anyone out there who has ever wanted to root for a bad guy who eviscerates someone as he asks them “What walks on four feet in the morning, two in the afternoon and three at night?”*…have I got a book for you.
Forget Adam West’s biff-sock-pows; this incarnation of Batman makes even Frank Miller’s grimmest and grittiest look like the Muppet Babies (though, in Miller’s version, I have zero doubt that Gonzo would have an uncontrollable fetish for those white-and-green striped socks Nany wears, and Skeeter would be secretly stripping to fund her cocaine habit).
In this year one-style tale, Batman takes a backseat to Joker and the Riddler, who are at odds over which of them should be the one who gets the honor of bumping off the Batman, and they’re willing to make the streets of Gotham run red with the blood not-so-innocents to earn that right. Madcap hijinks ensue, including the stabbing, poisoning, strangling, shooting, defenestrating, and blowing up of people (amongst whom is the son of the man who would go on, in a tragicomic turn of fate, to become the villain (antihero?) known as Kite Man). There’s also a very bizarre yet delightful dinner at the home of one Mr. Bruce Wayne, wherein the rich white playboy does his best to buy off the baddies with a billion bucks while poor Alfred serves an underappreciated 9-course French feast.
If you can get past the idea of a guy who runs around in green pajamas with question marks on them and who was once played by Jim Carrey in a movie in which Goose played Batman being portrayed as a stone-cold killer to the point where he’s in danger of surpassing the Joker’s body count, this is an entertaining foray into Batman’s past (or, rather, his past in a particularly violent and dark incarnation of Bat continuity). There’s even a delightful three-way fight in which Joker gives the Batman an unlikely “hand” in a way that shapes his character forevermore.
Might not satisfy lovers of angsty Batman or dark knight detective Batman, but should sate your mad-on for (bad) boys being (bad) boys.
*As everyone knows, the answer to that riddle is a centipede starring in Cirque du Soleil.
Forget Adam West’s biff-sock-pows; this incarnation of Batman makes even Frank Miller’s grimmest and grittiest look like the Muppet Babies (though, in Miller’s version, I have zero doubt that Gonzo would have an uncontrollable fetish for those white-and-green striped socks Nany wears, and Skeeter would be secretly stripping to fund her cocaine habit).
In this year one-style tale, Batman takes a backseat to Joker and the Riddler, who are at odds over which of them should be the one who gets the honor of bumping off the Batman, and they’re willing to make the streets of Gotham run red with the blood not-so-innocents to earn that right. Madcap hijinks ensue, including the stabbing, poisoning, strangling, shooting, defenestrating, and blowing up of people (amongst whom is the son of the man who would go on, in a tragicomic turn of fate, to become the villain (antihero?) known as Kite Man). There’s also a very bizarre yet delightful dinner at the home of one Mr. Bruce Wayne, wherein the rich white playboy does his best to buy off the baddies with a billion bucks while poor Alfred serves an underappreciated 9-course French feast.
If you can get past the idea of a guy who runs around in green pajamas with question marks on them and who was once played by Jim Carrey in a movie in which Goose played Batman being portrayed as a stone-cold killer to the point where he’s in danger of surpassing the Joker’s body count, this is an entertaining foray into Batman’s past (or, rather, his past in a particularly violent and dark incarnation of Bat continuity). There’s even a delightful three-way fight in which Joker gives the Batman an unlikely “hand” in a way that shapes his character forevermore.
Might not satisfy lovers of angsty Batman or dark knight detective Batman, but should sate your mad-on for (bad) boys being (bad) boys.
*As everyone knows, the answer to that riddle is a centipede starring in Cirque du Soleil.
October 2, 2018
Riddle me this, Joke me that!
This TPB edition features "Batman" #25-32.
Creative Team:
Writer: Tom King
Illustrators: Mikel Janín & Clay Mann
GOOD PREMISE, REGULAR DEVELOPMENT
It's only a year since Batman began his war on crime, and there are two major villains whom started a particular deep fixation over the Dark Knight...
...The Riddler & the Joker...
...and none of them want to be second place in the run of who will kill Batman first...
...and all-out war begins with Gotham City as the suffering battlefield,
This is a thrilling premise, two villains against each other, however, there are several things that they resulted odd or just not clicking...
...it's supposed to be only one year since the appearance of Batman, but it seems that the whole rogue gallery is already in existence, and while ONE major villain is presented how he began to rise in ranks, the rest of them seems that all appeared in a bunch at the same time and conveniently, no one is in jail of Arkham.
Also, while I liked a lot that ONE major player is introduced as an assistant to Joker, I think that recruiting the WHOLE gallery of super-criminals, just weaken the premise of being a war between Riddler and Joker.
Moreover, the angles that Batman (and oddly as Bruce Wayne too) decides to battle against both villains was off-course of the way that the Caped Crusader should react to this criminal war.
And other bizarre factors were the appearances of both villains: a Joker who doesn't laugh, and a Riddler who wants to play of Twilight's Jacob shirtless complex.
Therefore, besides some clever riddles and some funny jokes (that easily could be looked in other place and not necessarily personal inspiration of the author), definitely, this war between Riddler and Joker didn't develop in the way that I could wish about it.
This TPB edition features "Batman" #25-32.
Creative Team:
Writer: Tom King
Illustrators: Mikel Janín & Clay Mann
GOOD PREMISE, REGULAR DEVELOPMENT
It's only a year since Batman began his war on crime, and there are two major villains whom started a particular deep fixation over the Dark Knight...
...The Riddler & the Joker...
...and none of them want to be second place in the run of who will kill Batman first...
...and all-out war begins with Gotham City as the suffering battlefield,
This is a thrilling premise, two villains against each other, however, there are several things that they resulted odd or just not clicking...
...it's supposed to be only one year since the appearance of Batman, but it seems that the whole rogue gallery is already in existence, and while ONE major villain is presented how he began to rise in ranks, the rest of them seems that all appeared in a bunch at the same time and conveniently, no one is in jail of Arkham.
Also, while I liked a lot that ONE major player is introduced as an assistant to Joker, I think that recruiting the WHOLE gallery of super-criminals, just weaken the premise of being a war between Riddler and Joker.
Moreover, the angles that Batman (and oddly as Bruce Wayne too) decides to battle against both villains was off-course of the way that the Caped Crusader should react to this criminal war.
And other bizarre factors were the appearances of both villains: a Joker who doesn't laugh, and a Riddler who wants to play of Twilight's Jacob shirtless complex.
Therefore, besides some clever riddles and some funny jokes (that easily could be looked in other place and not necessarily personal inspiration of the author), definitely, this war between Riddler and Joker didn't develop in the way that I could wish about it.
November 14, 2017
The Joker’s lost his sense of humour and he’d kill to get it back - specifically Batman but also anyone standing in his way. Like The Riddler, whose ego won’t allow anyone else to take down Batman but him. And so the two go head to head in all-out war on the Gotham streets, roping in every villain in town in Batman, Volume 4: The War of Jokes and Riddles.
I’ve been surprisingly enjoying Tom King’s Batman run a lot though I’ve also been waiting to see how long it’ll be before he writes his first less-than-gravy Batman book - and here it is with The War of Jokes and Riddles which is mediocre at best. The story was full of too many plotholes for me to really get into.
First of all, the framing device is Bruce telling Selina this story of his past in the present - why? Because he wants her to know this terrible thing he did before she marries him. Except we have to wait until the next book to find out what that thing is, which is very unsatisfying.
Secondly, WHY is this set in the past? And not just the past, but the very earliest days of Batman’s career. Bruce dates the story at one point saying “And I was a year away from kicking a tree”, referencing that famous panel from Year One. But everything from Batman’s outfit, his fame, the setup, the villains, feel far too established to be this early on in the Batman mythos. A few years into Batman’s career maybe but even one year down the line from his first appearance doesn’t seem at all convincing. I don’t know why this couldn’t have been set in the present - setting it this far back in the past just throws up too many questions!
And, besides Joker and Riddler’s flimsy motivations for going to war against each other in the first place, why do nearly all of Batman’s rogues (again, accumulated far too many for such a supposedly short stretch of time!) all get involved - why not just sit back and watch Joker and Riddler kill each other? There’s no motivation for any of them to pick a particular side, let alone go to war in the first place!
Then there’s Kite Man. I kinda like that he’s been this bizarre running joke throughout Tom King’s Batman series but here he gets the full secret origin treatment with such a weirdly serious tone too! Did Tom King lose a bet or something? I mean, why else do we get this many pages devoted to this one-note character? It wouldn’t be bad if Kite Man were interesting but he’s as rubbish as he’s ever been and his origin was tedious to read.
Things get way out of hand in Gotham before the Feds step in which is another stupid detail and Riddler’s question mark scar was a bit naff too.
But there was stuff I liked here. It’s interesting to see a mirthless, grimacing Joker for a change and King writes him really well. Same goes for Riddler - in fact, King might’ve written the best version of Riddler ever in this book! Many of the riddles are clever and funny. The nine-course dinner scene, though pointless, was cool. Mikel Janin’s art has never looked better either. The book is visually spectacular and Janin draws Batman, Joker and Riddler as superbly as King writes them. Janin definitely elevates King’s patchy script up from a crap book to a middling one.
I didn’t hate The War of Jokes and Riddles but it’s very flawed. If you’ve been enjoying King’s Batman as much as I have, don’t expect the same high level of quality with this weak fourth volume.
I’ve been surprisingly enjoying Tom King’s Batman run a lot though I’ve also been waiting to see how long it’ll be before he writes his first less-than-gravy Batman book - and here it is with The War of Jokes and Riddles which is mediocre at best. The story was full of too many plotholes for me to really get into.
First of all, the framing device is Bruce telling Selina this story of his past in the present - why? Because he wants her to know this terrible thing he did before she marries him. Except we have to wait until the next book to find out what that thing is, which is very unsatisfying.
Secondly, WHY is this set in the past? And not just the past, but the very earliest days of Batman’s career. Bruce dates the story at one point saying “And I was a year away from kicking a tree”, referencing that famous panel from Year One. But everything from Batman’s outfit, his fame, the setup, the villains, feel far too established to be this early on in the Batman mythos. A few years into Batman’s career maybe but even one year down the line from his first appearance doesn’t seem at all convincing. I don’t know why this couldn’t have been set in the present - setting it this far back in the past just throws up too many questions!
And, besides Joker and Riddler’s flimsy motivations for going to war against each other in the first place, why do nearly all of Batman’s rogues (again, accumulated far too many for such a supposedly short stretch of time!) all get involved - why not just sit back and watch Joker and Riddler kill each other? There’s no motivation for any of them to pick a particular side, let alone go to war in the first place!
Then there’s Kite Man. I kinda like that he’s been this bizarre running joke throughout Tom King’s Batman series but here he gets the full secret origin treatment with such a weirdly serious tone too! Did Tom King lose a bet or something? I mean, why else do we get this many pages devoted to this one-note character? It wouldn’t be bad if Kite Man were interesting but he’s as rubbish as he’s ever been and his origin was tedious to read.
Things get way out of hand in Gotham before the Feds step in which is another stupid detail and Riddler’s question mark scar was a bit naff too.
But there was stuff I liked here. It’s interesting to see a mirthless, grimacing Joker for a change and King writes him really well. Same goes for Riddler - in fact, King might’ve written the best version of Riddler ever in this book! Many of the riddles are clever and funny. The nine-course dinner scene, though pointless, was cool. Mikel Janin’s art has never looked better either. The book is visually spectacular and Janin draws Batman, Joker and Riddler as superbly as King writes them. Janin definitely elevates King’s patchy script up from a crap book to a middling one.
I didn’t hate The War of Jokes and Riddles but it’s very flawed. If you’ve been enjoying King’s Batman as much as I have, don’t expect the same high level of quality with this weak fourth volume.
February 1, 2019
“A joke is a very serious thing.”
― Winston S. Churchill
“I can be cracked. I can be made.
I can be told. I can be played.
What am I?
A joke.”--Riddler
You have to have guts as a writer to even take on Batman, facing down all these (we) hyper-critical aficionados steeped in 80 years of Bat history. But Tom King does have them (the requisite guts). So part of his challenge in his Batman run is to take on all the expected villains, of course. In this one, The War of Riddles and Jokes, volume four, two supremely important comics maniacs who seem to want nothing more than to kill Batman (the best “punch”-out line ever?), two comedians, The Riddler and Joker, provide a couple technical challenges to King: 1) Fill the volume with as many (black humor, sad, absurd) jokes as possible (and they can’t just be corny, that was in the sixties, they now have to be actually good and clever jokes!), and also 2) create actual (murderous) terror. I say King does pretty darned well on both accounts. So he has to be clever, and he is; he has to capture the vicious edge of the scary jokesters, and he does.
The actual story is somewhat less than satisfying, that a war between Riddler and Joker is killing half of the populace, Bruce Wayne stepping in to solve it by having each of them to a seven-course dinner and asking them to make a case for why one of them should be the killer of Batman. But if you are willing to grant this bit of typical superhero comics silliness, it is otherwise generally quite satisfying as a volume.
Also, and don't ignore this: In the last volume, Batman asked Catwoman to marry him. In this volume, she gives her answer, on the very last page, and that moment really works. King can do funny, King can do over-the-top violent, and King can do sweet!
I like, miscellaneous:
*There’s a running joke through this, that a joke superhero (Kite Man??!) plays a central role in all this. Funny.
*I like a two-page spread of the photographs, names and ages of actual victims who died in the war between Riddler and Joker, just a sample of the thousands slaughtered. In superhero comics, the deaths of unnamed people generally feels unreal, a kind of escapist joke. This strategy, sometimes adopted in journalism feels like it undermines that typical comics move.
*Joker thinks that once the Riddler sees the difference between a joke and a riddle that he will truly understand what matters. Catwoman has an answer to that: “Who cares?” In other words, “In comparison to you and me--what we have and what we could have—who cares?” IN other words, what REALLY matters?! (Answer: Love)
― Winston S. Churchill
“I can be cracked. I can be made.
I can be told. I can be played.
What am I?
A joke.”--Riddler
You have to have guts as a writer to even take on Batman, facing down all these (we) hyper-critical aficionados steeped in 80 years of Bat history. But Tom King does have them (the requisite guts). So part of his challenge in his Batman run is to take on all the expected villains, of course. In this one, The War of Riddles and Jokes, volume four, two supremely important comics maniacs who seem to want nothing more than to kill Batman (the best “punch”-out line ever?), two comedians, The Riddler and Joker, provide a couple technical challenges to King: 1) Fill the volume with as many (black humor, sad, absurd) jokes as possible (and they can’t just be corny, that was in the sixties, they now have to be actually good and clever jokes!), and also 2) create actual (murderous) terror. I say King does pretty darned well on both accounts. So he has to be clever, and he is; he has to capture the vicious edge of the scary jokesters, and he does.
The actual story is somewhat less than satisfying, that a war between Riddler and Joker is killing half of the populace, Bruce Wayne stepping in to solve it by having each of them to a seven-course dinner and asking them to make a case for why one of them should be the killer of Batman. But if you are willing to grant this bit of typical superhero comics silliness, it is otherwise generally quite satisfying as a volume.
Also, and don't ignore this: In the last volume, Batman asked Catwoman to marry him. In this volume, she gives her answer, on the very last page, and that moment really works. King can do funny, King can do over-the-top violent, and King can do sweet!
I like, miscellaneous:
*There’s a running joke through this, that a joke superhero (Kite Man??!) plays a central role in all this. Funny.
*I like a two-page spread of the photographs, names and ages of actual victims who died in the war between Riddler and Joker, just a sample of the thousands slaughtered. In superhero comics, the deaths of unnamed people generally feels unreal, a kind of escapist joke. This strategy, sometimes adopted in journalism feels like it undermines that typical comics move.
*Joker thinks that once the Riddler sees the difference between a joke and a riddle that he will truly understand what matters. Catwoman has an answer to that: “Who cares?” In other words, “In comparison to you and me--what we have and what we could have—who cares?” IN other words, what REALLY matters?! (Answer: Love)
December 19, 2017
The Joker and Riddler go to war. We just see windows into the war instead of the war as a whole. While there were parts of this I liked (Kite Man, surprisingly), there was a lot that didn't ring true. For one, all of these villains picking a side. There are way too many egos involved for villains such as Two Face and the Penguin to willingly work for someone else. King's writing is often unclear. For a long time in this I was unsure if this was supposed to be a flashback or in current time. The way... King draws out... his narration... drives me nuts... You're often lucky to get one sentence of narration across 2 pages of art. I think he's taking lessons from Negan on The Walking Dead TV show.
Mikel Janin's art is stunning. He elevates the story to 3 stars for me.
Received an advance copy from Dc and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Mikel Janin's art is stunning. He elevates the story to 3 stars for me.
Received an advance copy from Dc and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
October 6, 2017
If you asked me to name top 5 villains of Batman both Joker AND Riddler would be on my list. While Joker is insane and his unpredictable tactics make him interesting, Riddler cold calculated, overbearing personality makes him almost as equally interesting. Put them together and at each other throats? Now that...that sounds like a book made for me.
The story starts with Bruce speaking with Selina and telling her what happen years ago. When Joker couldn't laugh anymore and Riddler couldn't solve the puzzle on Batman, and when Riddler offered to work together with Joker, and instead Joker shot him and started the war in Gotham. Instead of chasing the Bats they decided to go after each other to take control of gotham and THEN kill the Bats. For a anyone else this would be a way to get rid of your villains but you know Batman, he can't let that shit fly.
Good: I honestly enjoyed the fuck out of anything with Kite Man in here. Talk about a character I never cared about and turning him into someone I can get behind. HELL YEAH! But really...what happens to him and his family is tragic and really well done. Not in a overly cheesy way, I actually felt for this character, and I loved it.
I also really dug the idea of the way. I know a lot of people probably wanted to see more action but I just loved seeing how Gotham was being picked apart and you caught glimpses of the war. The Deadshot/Slade moment was a highlight and the breaking point for Bruce which came across as wonderful.
I also loved how sinister and dark joker was here. What he's capable of without his "hahahaha" attitude all the time. It reminded me of "Joker" from years ago made by Brain but not as boring. I also really enjoyed Riddler here and his way of going at war was pretty smart and actually interesting.
The ending was a nice touch and can't wait to see the future for Batman.
Bad: The Dinner scene. I mean, I know where in a world with flying aliens, walking talking croc, and a dude named Kite Man. Still...the dinner scene was a bit too much of a stretch. Why not just murder each other there? They're fucking killers. Especially how cold joker is, felt just dumb. This was the only issue I didn't enjoy.
Overall a very very solid entry into the Batman world. In fact I'll say this is probably my favorite arc Tom King has done. I know his run isn't for everyone (and I HATED I am suicide!) but I am Bane was really fun for me and this one was legitimately great. I love when we look away from just Batman and see the world of Gotham. I want more. Nice job king!
The story starts with Bruce speaking with Selina and telling her what happen years ago. When Joker couldn't laugh anymore and Riddler couldn't solve the puzzle on Batman, and when Riddler offered to work together with Joker, and instead Joker shot him and started the war in Gotham. Instead of chasing the Bats they decided to go after each other to take control of gotham and THEN kill the Bats. For a anyone else this would be a way to get rid of your villains but you know Batman, he can't let that shit fly.
Good: I honestly enjoyed the fuck out of anything with Kite Man in here. Talk about a character I never cared about and turning him into someone I can get behind. HELL YEAH! But really...what happens to him and his family is tragic and really well done. Not in a overly cheesy way, I actually felt for this character, and I loved it.
I also really dug the idea of the way. I know a lot of people probably wanted to see more action but I just loved seeing how Gotham was being picked apart and you caught glimpses of the war. The Deadshot/Slade moment was a highlight and the breaking point for Bruce which came across as wonderful.
I also loved how sinister and dark joker was here. What he's capable of without his "hahahaha" attitude all the time. It reminded me of "Joker" from years ago made by Brain but not as boring. I also really enjoyed Riddler here and his way of going at war was pretty smart and actually interesting.
The ending was a nice touch and can't wait to see the future for Batman.
Bad: The Dinner scene. I mean, I know where in a world with flying aliens, walking talking croc, and a dude named Kite Man. Still...the dinner scene was a bit too much of a stretch. Why not just murder each other there? They're fucking killers. Especially how cold joker is, felt just dumb. This was the only issue I didn't enjoy.
Overall a very very solid entry into the Batman world. In fact I'll say this is probably my favorite arc Tom King has done. I know his run isn't for everyone (and I HATED I am suicide!) but I am Bane was really fun for me and this one was legitimately great. I love when we look away from just Batman and see the world of Gotham. I want more. Nice job king!
December 21, 2017
Tom King is firing on all cylinders with The War of Jokes and Riddles. An incredibly tense, emotional and downright scary story of a mob war between two of Batman's greatest villains, the Joker and the Riddler. I could get a bit nitpicky and say that not every story beat here works well, but damn, the overall result is still incredible, reaching Zero Year levels of impact. Speaking of which, in my opinion Tom King has already surpassed Scott Snyder as the Batman writer, and if his run keeps going as strong as this, he could even top Morrison. What a ride! I can't wait to get my hands on the next volume.
January 9, 2018
FINALLY! Finally, a solid, well-done solo Rebirth Batman story! I was not a fan of the first three volumes in this series, but this one really made up for it. Tom King has had some great ideas in this series but until now, they've all been fumbled by messy storytelling. This one was concise and compelling, I'd love to see them make a movie out of it!
Bruce has recently proposed to Catwoman but before she answers, in an effort for her to really know the man he is, he wants to confess during a bout of pillow talk about actions he took a year after becoming Batman, in a crisis known as the War of Jokes and Riddles, a violent turf war between The Joker and The Riddler that shook Gotham to its core. This is that story.
Most Batman fans have compared Joker and Riddler, because they seem so similar at first glance. But this book really focused on why the two are so fundamentally different. A joke is surprise and chaos, while a riddle is in essence about order and logic. And I loved King's exploration of this dichotomy.
Unlike the other volumes in this run, this was really interesting and always kept my attention, whether it was Tom King's amazing interpretation of the Riddler that rivals even Scott Snyder's version, or his creepily unhumorous Joker. King even manages to take one of the sillier Batman villains, Kite Man (Hell Yeah!), and shine a light on him, making him the most surprising and fascinating character in the book (probably in the entire Tom King Rebirth run so far), and the real heart of the story. Seriously, his story is great. Even though I didn't really buy into the idea that all of Gotham's villains would take the sides of Joker or Riddler and the motivation for the war is a bit weak, I really enjoyed this one and would definitely recommend it.
Bruce has recently proposed to Catwoman but before she answers, in an effort for her to really know the man he is, he wants to confess during a bout of pillow talk about actions he took a year after becoming Batman, in a crisis known as the War of Jokes and Riddles, a violent turf war between The Joker and The Riddler that shook Gotham to its core. This is that story.
Most Batman fans have compared Joker and Riddler, because they seem so similar at first glance. But this book really focused on why the two are so fundamentally different. A joke is surprise and chaos, while a riddle is in essence about order and logic. And I loved King's exploration of this dichotomy.
Unlike the other volumes in this run, this was really interesting and always kept my attention, whether it was Tom King's amazing interpretation of the Riddler that rivals even Scott Snyder's version, or his creepily unhumorous Joker. King even manages to take one of the sillier Batman villains, Kite Man (Hell Yeah!), and shine a light on him, making him the most surprising and fascinating character in the book (probably in the entire Tom King Rebirth run so far), and the real heart of the story. Seriously, his story is great. Even though I didn't really buy into the idea that all of Gotham's villains would take the sides of Joker or Riddler and the motivation for the war is a bit weak, I really enjoyed this one and would definitely recommend it.
December 2, 2019
Amount of collected editions of Batman read today: 4
My productivity at work today : 0
My productivity at work today : 0
November 6, 2017
Pretty good! So The War of Jokes and Riddles has been a pretty good batman arc that's been happening low key while Snyder is doing his METAL story. I think overall I liked this one! So the story is Batman telling Catwoman the story of The War of Jokes and Riddles, which is basically in the same vein as The Long Halloween I feel, where its this year long story, with Batman's entire rogues gallery. In the story, Joker cannot laugh, he doesn't find anything funny anymore; then a war breaks out between him and The Riddler, half the villains flock to Jokers side, the other to Riddler's and thus the war begins with Batman caught in the middle. The story I will admit can be odd at times, with some really weird throwaway issues. Its also odd to see a story where Joker has a straight face the entire time, although I'll give King the points for the creativity, there not many stories where you can say that happens. Riddler was bit annoying though, his design is weird where he walks around with his hair gelled back, his shirt always open with this six pack showing like a jack ass! However at least Riddler's dialogue is short and to the point, unlike if Snyder wrote this and each of his speech bubbles would be an entire essay worth of dialogue; so I think overall King writes him better.
Also we see a spectacular return of Kite-Man, Hell yeah! No jokes though, the issues that focus more on Kite-Man are actually the best issues I felt, and I don't think anyone has ever given Kite-Man such a meaningful arc like King has here. Kite-Man although not my favourite villain or anything, definitely was a stand out here!
Also in the background there's the BIG arc with Catwoman and Batman which I actually thought was pretty sweet and I think King has brought a sweet turn in Batman's and Catwomans relationship.
But overall this was a pretty well told story, as much as there were some throwaway issues, this book made me laugh quite a bit, and I think King is taking Batman comics in an interesting direction. The Conclusion to this story was also very good!
Also we see a spectacular return of Kite-Man, Hell yeah! No jokes though, the issues that focus more on Kite-Man are actually the best issues I felt, and I don't think anyone has ever given Kite-Man such a meaningful arc like King has here. Kite-Man although not my favourite villain or anything, definitely was a stand out here!
Also in the background there's the BIG arc with Catwoman and Batman which I actually thought was pretty sweet and I think King has brought a sweet turn in Batman's and Catwomans relationship.
But overall this was a pretty well told story, as much as there were some throwaway issues, this book made me laugh quite a bit, and I think King is taking Batman comics in an interesting direction. The Conclusion to this story was also very good!
July 15, 2018
OK. So I suppose the new D.C. Rebirth is going to do a reboot. They seem to have suckered Tom King into doing it.
Batman is caught between two rivals- The Riddler and the Joker. They are battling to kill each other and Batman. To be fair, Batman is mostly reacting to events. It's Joker and Riddler who are truly driving the events. So the premise is that the Joker can't laugh and Riddler can't riddle-so they decide to band togther (it doesn't last very long) and take out Batman. Then they go to war against themselves. All sorts of secondary villains appear from Ivy to Deadshot to Slade Wilson. Again Batman only reacts to the whole situation and doesn't seem to be in control for the vast majority of the story. The whole Bruce Wayne sits the Riddler and the Joker to dinner to hash it out is really freaking stupid. Seriously? Do billionaries have connections with criminal madmen? "HI Joker's secretary? Bruce Wayne's secretary-can we do lunch?" Is that how it works? Also does King think Billionarie businessmen routinely hang out with and are respected by sociopathic lunatics like the Riddler and Joker? Yeah? What's worse is they both accepted. Two of the most crazy and violent people in Gotham and they are sitting around being lectured too by Bruce fucking Wayne? Yeah? I'm not buying it. In fact, this was one of the reasons I gave this story such low marks. It is kinda dumb. Like high-school level logic. "So um...there's a rich guy and umm super criminal psycho listens to him...cuz uhh..he's rich. Ummm OMG WTF LOL." Yes, that kind of sophomoric nonsense. If you found the previous quote to be agreeable then you will love this issue. For the rest of us, the War between the Joker and Riddler was nothing great. The artwork was nice though. Shame the story was lacking.
Batman is caught between two rivals- The Riddler and the Joker. They are battling to kill each other and Batman. To be fair, Batman is mostly reacting to events. It's Joker and Riddler who are truly driving the events. So the premise is that the Joker can't laugh and Riddler can't riddle-so they decide to band togther (it doesn't last very long) and take out Batman. Then they go to war against themselves. All sorts of secondary villains appear from Ivy to Deadshot to Slade Wilson. Again Batman only reacts to the whole situation and doesn't seem to be in control for the vast majority of the story. The whole Bruce Wayne sits the Riddler and the Joker to dinner to hash it out is really freaking stupid. Seriously? Do billionaries have connections with criminal madmen? "HI Joker's secretary? Bruce Wayne's secretary-can we do lunch?" Is that how it works? Also does King think Billionarie businessmen routinely hang out with and are respected by sociopathic lunatics like the Riddler and Joker? Yeah? What's worse is they both accepted. Two of the most crazy and violent people in Gotham and they are sitting around being lectured too by Bruce fucking Wayne? Yeah? I'm not buying it. In fact, this was one of the reasons I gave this story such low marks. It is kinda dumb. Like high-school level logic. "So um...there's a rich guy and umm super criminal psycho listens to him...cuz uhh..he's rich. Ummm OMG WTF LOL." Yes, that kind of sophomoric nonsense. If you found the previous quote to be agreeable then you will love this issue. For the rest of us, the War between the Joker and Riddler was nothing great. The artwork was nice though. Shame the story was lacking.
November 5, 2019
Yup, another Batman comic. What can I say: since we went to see the "Joker" movie I have gone full Harley Quinn and will happily read anything featuring my beloved Clown Prince of Crime.
Tom King served me a war between Joker and the Riddler on a silver platter: who was I to say no? While I have been reading his Batman comics a little sporadically (i.e. all in the wrong order, and originally because they were the prelude to Joelle Jones’s Catwoman series), I have also been enjoying them – as much as I am likely to enjoy Batman stories. In “The War of Jokes and Riddles”, we get exactly what the title implies: the Joker and the Riddler go to war over the right to kill Batman.
Considering they are both violent, insane criminals, things escalate and get bloody fast – something King does not shy away from, which I appreciate (the tendency to gloss over what the bad guys do bothers me, not because I love the gore, but because I find it to be a less honest approach to story-telling). In order to curb the bloodshed, Batman himself intervenes, and invites them to debate the matter over a fancy meal.
A really good, dark comic, with a great new twist on the "knock-knock" joke.
Tom King served me a war between Joker and the Riddler on a silver platter: who was I to say no? While I have been reading his Batman comics a little sporadically (i.e. all in the wrong order, and originally because they were the prelude to Joelle Jones’s Catwoman series), I have also been enjoying them – as much as I am likely to enjoy Batman stories. In “The War of Jokes and Riddles”, we get exactly what the title implies: the Joker and the Riddler go to war over the right to kill Batman.
Considering they are both violent, insane criminals, things escalate and get bloody fast – something King does not shy away from, which I appreciate (the tendency to gloss over what the bad guys do bothers me, not because I love the gore, but because I find it to be a less honest approach to story-telling). In order to curb the bloodshed, Batman himself intervenes, and invites them to debate the matter over a fancy meal.
A really good, dark comic, with a great new twist on the "knock-knock" joke.
January 10, 2018
Nothing in King's run on Batman ever matters. Remember when Bane got his back broken, but he was fine the next issue? Or when Bane broke into the bat cave hanged three robins, but no one died? So in this volume we are treated to more things that look "cool" but will once again never matter. Riddler shot in a fatal manner? Don't worry he will be back with the worst scar in all of comics. Riddler and joker fight a dumb war because that would be cool and they bring all the bad guys ever. Batman is a dumdum and decides rather than punching these guys to jail like usual, he needs to be Bruce Wayne and give them a dinner party. He promises them a billion dollars for the war, but then never gives it to them. The plot like our villains forget this promise instantly. Instead batman joins a team. In another instance of great story telling, dead shot and death stroke shoot each other's bullet, because that would be cool right? We have the least believable escape from Arkham ever. A Character that always wears the same clothes. Everyone seems to forget that a bullet would kill one of these guys ( in mean in our would, not in a King book because nothing matters, but going from cool thing to cool thing) prison guards, Feds, police, all of them are to afraid to actually kill one of these mass murderers. No jury in the world old ever convict someone who shot the joker. I can't wait until next parade of cool stuff that doesn't matter is unleashed in volume five.
February 18, 2018
You can find my review on my blog by clicking here.
With unique charisma and a never-before seen story, writer Tom King, alongside artists Mikel Janín, June Chung and Clay Mann, resuscitate the hopes of fans with what will probably go down as one of the most intriguing wars that the Dark Knight and Gotham have ever faced.
Taking place after the events of the New 52’s Zero Year, The War of Jokes and Riddles tosses two of the most unpredictable villains in a pursuit of happiness. Narrated by Bruce Wayne as he raises the curtains on this event to his newfound love Serena Kyle, the War of Jokes and Riddles offers readers a glimpse into the madness that veiled upon Gotham and that flirted with the resolve of Batman.
While the first couple story arcs written by Tom King have been shaky at best, his writing style begins to show confidence. Although the repetitive nature of his script is still present, it now has new purpose and works a lot better with characters whose sanity can be questioned. Tom King also shows that he can have a better grip on his narrative with the extra couple of issues; this volume collects issues #25 to 32.
One of the most surprising joys of this volume also lies in Tom King’s characterization of some of the most iconic villains of all time. His portrayal of both the Joker and the Riddler aren’t reminiscent of the images that fans have of these characters in the past year. Joker is introduced as the maniac we all have grown to love, but also comes with a life crisis. Batman’s ability to predict all of his moves has taken away the Joker’s ability to be unpredictable, hence taking also away his ability to laugh since being unpredictable is what cracked him up. This struggle to find anything funny is what is developed throughout the story arc and is delivered remarkably in my books.
Riddler is also portrayed differently with far more charisma and with a stronger physical build. He shares a struggle with Joker and looks to solve the greatest riddle of them all: Batman. But the problem that he points us is how they’ll both lose if either one of them does the one thing they both want first: kill the Batman. In hopes of building a partnership, these two villain quickly show readers that they are however incredibly incompatible. And so was born the War of Jokes and Riddles.
With two completely different modi operandi, these two insane villains grow in threat level and seek the aid of other villains, thus creating a massive division among all the criminals in Gotham. Tom King does a fantastic job in showing how this war among criminals could only create more casualties as the days go by, but it’s the artwork that delivers the biggest jolt by presenting us with majestic and exquisite full-page panels of the chaos that rids Gotham.
Credit has to be given to Mikel Janín (as well as the other artists who have worked on this story arc) for pencils and ink. Although there’s a lot of action going on, the story also focuses on the characters. A lot of panels are devoted to the details and the little gestures, but don’t be fooled. As little as they may be, they often held a lot of meaning. For example, there’s a whole page with equal-sized panels with just Joker trying to laugh. I felt like they really nailed those moments and conveyed far more than what words could ever have been able to do within a page.
The story also introduces us to an intriguing character who plays a pivotal role in the denouement. An interlude chapter offers readers the opportunity to understand his character and to quickly build an emotional connection to his destiny. At first he’ll feel like a question with no answers, but as Bruce Wayne continues to tell this story, you’ll only feel the ultimate blow when the character’s real purpose is revealed. Which brings me to mention how brilliant the ending was.
The final issue of this story arc is one that hit the Internet like a storm. Not only did it end on Serena Kyle’s verdict on Bruce Wayne’s big question, it also gave us the ultimate plot twist to the War of Jokes and Riddles. Readers found out what Riddler’s real intention were, plans within plans were outplayed and Batman gave us a glimpse into his mind and his conflict regarding what really distinguishes him from all the villains out there.
Brilliantly executed and cleverly plotted, Tom King sets the table for bigger things to come. While there are scenes throughout the story that challenged my sense of belief, I’ve come to compromise with King’s vision and see if this story arc is the beginning of great stories to come. One thing is for sure. The War of Jokes and Riddles is by far the best story arc that King has written so far for Batman.
Yours truly,
Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer
Official blog: https://bookidote.com/
With unique charisma and a never-before seen story, writer Tom King, alongside artists Mikel Janín, June Chung and Clay Mann, resuscitate the hopes of fans with what will probably go down as one of the most intriguing wars that the Dark Knight and Gotham have ever faced.
Taking place after the events of the New 52’s Zero Year, The War of Jokes and Riddles tosses two of the most unpredictable villains in a pursuit of happiness. Narrated by Bruce Wayne as he raises the curtains on this event to his newfound love Serena Kyle, the War of Jokes and Riddles offers readers a glimpse into the madness that veiled upon Gotham and that flirted with the resolve of Batman.
While the first couple story arcs written by Tom King have been shaky at best, his writing style begins to show confidence. Although the repetitive nature of his script is still present, it now has new purpose and works a lot better with characters whose sanity can be questioned. Tom King also shows that he can have a better grip on his narrative with the extra couple of issues; this volume collects issues #25 to 32.
One of the most surprising joys of this volume also lies in Tom King’s characterization of some of the most iconic villains of all time. His portrayal of both the Joker and the Riddler aren’t reminiscent of the images that fans have of these characters in the past year. Joker is introduced as the maniac we all have grown to love, but also comes with a life crisis. Batman’s ability to predict all of his moves has taken away the Joker’s ability to be unpredictable, hence taking also away his ability to laugh since being unpredictable is what cracked him up. This struggle to find anything funny is what is developed throughout the story arc and is delivered remarkably in my books.
Riddler is also portrayed differently with far more charisma and with a stronger physical build. He shares a struggle with Joker and looks to solve the greatest riddle of them all: Batman. But the problem that he points us is how they’ll both lose if either one of them does the one thing they both want first: kill the Batman. In hopes of building a partnership, these two villain quickly show readers that they are however incredibly incompatible. And so was born the War of Jokes and Riddles.
With two completely different modi operandi, these two insane villains grow in threat level and seek the aid of other villains, thus creating a massive division among all the criminals in Gotham. Tom King does a fantastic job in showing how this war among criminals could only create more casualties as the days go by, but it’s the artwork that delivers the biggest jolt by presenting us with majestic and exquisite full-page panels of the chaos that rids Gotham.
Credit has to be given to Mikel Janín (as well as the other artists who have worked on this story arc) for pencils and ink. Although there’s a lot of action going on, the story also focuses on the characters. A lot of panels are devoted to the details and the little gestures, but don’t be fooled. As little as they may be, they often held a lot of meaning. For example, there’s a whole page with equal-sized panels with just Joker trying to laugh. I felt like they really nailed those moments and conveyed far more than what words could ever have been able to do within a page.
The story also introduces us to an intriguing character who plays a pivotal role in the denouement. An interlude chapter offers readers the opportunity to understand his character and to quickly build an emotional connection to his destiny. At first he’ll feel like a question with no answers, but as Bruce Wayne continues to tell this story, you’ll only feel the ultimate blow when the character’s real purpose is revealed. Which brings me to mention how brilliant the ending was.
The final issue of this story arc is one that hit the Internet like a storm. Not only did it end on Serena Kyle’s verdict on Bruce Wayne’s big question, it also gave us the ultimate plot twist to the War of Jokes and Riddles. Readers found out what Riddler’s real intention were, plans within plans were outplayed and Batman gave us a glimpse into his mind and his conflict regarding what really distinguishes him from all the villains out there.
Brilliantly executed and cleverly plotted, Tom King sets the table for bigger things to come. While there are scenes throughout the story that challenged my sense of belief, I’ve come to compromise with King’s vision and see if this story arc is the beginning of great stories to come. One thing is for sure. The War of Jokes and Riddles is by far the best story arc that King has written so far for Batman.
Yours truly,
Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer
Official blog: https://bookidote.com/
January 20, 2022
40% | D+ | Meh
"And we are all here to find an end to this suffering"
King's Batman run really is a rollercoaster, huh? I feel like I've just read 200 pages of nothing. It's a sad day when Kite Man is the standout in a story containing Batman, The Joker, The Riddler and more. Remember the MCU Civil War film which resulted in heroes
blandly
fighting at an airport but they tried to hype it up anyway? This feels like the comic equivalent to me. They pretend the stakes are high, when, in fact, it is basically inconsequential. At least the different sides sort of made sense in Civil War. Here, I have no idea how Joker and Riddler got all of these other classic villains to become their lackies. Like, please explain why someone like Two-Face is suddenly content with being a henchman??? The few things I enjoy about this are Kite Man and the art, and between them, they make up the two star rating. Perhaps if King's writing had been more consistent throughout, this would have scraped three stars.
"And we are all here to find an end to this suffering"
The Joker and The Riddler are at war, each recruiting various villains across Gotham City to their side, and it's up to Batman to end it before it gets out of hand
King's Batman run really is a rollercoaster, huh? I feel like I've just read 200 pages of nothing. It's a sad day when Kite Man is the standout in a story containing Batman, The Joker, The Riddler and more. Remember the MCU Civil War film which resulted in heroes
May 28, 2018
I received this from Edelweiss and DC Comics in exchange for an honest review. I also received a copy from Netgalley.
Another instance with blank pages, with the added bonus of missing the last two issues. An incomplete volume, and that makes this nearly impossible to review.
Another instance with blank pages, with the added bonus of missing the last two issues. An incomplete volume, and that makes this nearly impossible to review.
December 30, 2017
Really good that is hurt by a choppy issue 3 and 4.
World: The art is great, this is the Joker I love, the Riddler that is interesting to me and the splash pages are so good. The art is subtle and brings so much emotions to the story without a single word bubble (just look at Joker when he's thinking). The world building is also fantastic, pulling in the past of the characters and building towards the new status quo of Batman in the Rebirth universe. The pieces that King plays with and the Rogues he chooses for each side is great.
Story: On paper the story is fantastic, the idea of a war between the Joker and the Riddler feels supremely 2000s Batman and it is! The different between both is wonderfully displayed and they play off each other so well, where they are the same, where they are different, it's brilliant. The first 3 issues of the arc is pretty fantastic and the tone is exquisite. The lines being drawn, the helplessness that Batman feels. His narration was wonderful. The finale is also beautifully executed but the big reveal of Bats is done to the point of cliche so that's a knock on the reveal to Selina, the finale with Joker and Riddler was great. Where is story stalls a little is issues 4-5 when the story rushes towards the end and the machinations of the story calls for a choppy read, but oh well. Overall this story was fantastic and a beautiful read.
Characters: Joker and Riddler get the bulk of the development and it's fantastic. King has obviously thought a lot about these two characters and what makes them tick. They are beautifully realized and a joy for readers to behold. The dialog when it's them together is at a whole level in itself. Batman is okay, he is what he is and is merely there as the catalyst and even the last issue reveal was rather ho hum and done before but it's the villains that really shine. What can I say about King and what he did with Kite Man? He made a throwaway character deep and complex and kinda cool, he's still a joke that would not exist well outside of the confines of this story but in this story he's fantastic.
A great great addition to the Batman mythos...actually more the Rogues mythos. King has carved himself a nice little name for himself since I am Gotham and I have been very surprised indeed.
Onward to the next book!
World: The art is great, this is the Joker I love, the Riddler that is interesting to me and the splash pages are so good. The art is subtle and brings so much emotions to the story without a single word bubble (just look at Joker when he's thinking). The world building is also fantastic, pulling in the past of the characters and building towards the new status quo of Batman in the Rebirth universe. The pieces that King plays with and the Rogues he chooses for each side is great.
Story: On paper the story is fantastic, the idea of a war between the Joker and the Riddler feels supremely 2000s Batman and it is! The different between both is wonderfully displayed and they play off each other so well, where they are the same, where they are different, it's brilliant. The first 3 issues of the arc is pretty fantastic and the tone is exquisite. The lines being drawn, the helplessness that Batman feels. His narration was wonderful. The finale is also beautifully executed but the big reveal of Bats is done to the point of cliche so that's a knock on the reveal to Selina, the finale with Joker and Riddler was great. Where is story stalls a little is issues 4-5 when the story rushes towards the end and the machinations of the story calls for a choppy read, but oh well. Overall this story was fantastic and a beautiful read.
Characters: Joker and Riddler get the bulk of the development and it's fantastic. King has obviously thought a lot about these two characters and what makes them tick. They are beautifully realized and a joy for readers to behold. The dialog when it's them together is at a whole level in itself. Batman is okay, he is what he is and is merely there as the catalyst and even the last issue reveal was rather ho hum and done before but it's the villains that really shine. What can I say about King and what he did with Kite Man? He made a throwaway character deep and complex and kinda cool, he's still a joke that would not exist well outside of the confines of this story but in this story he's fantastic.
A great great addition to the Batman mythos...actually more the Rogues mythos. King has carved himself a nice little name for himself since I am Gotham and I have been very surprised indeed.
Onward to the next book!
January 4, 2022
This one was really good!!
I kinda enjoyed this story and it focuses on the war between Joker and riddler after zero year and well both want to kill batman and sees the other as competition and they divide the Gotham villain gallery between them and we see how normal people are suffering due to this and its insane to see this and its amazing how King handles Kite-man here and shows his tragic origin and switching sides and the big mistake Bruce made and how his mistakes have come to haunt him here and the big conclusion which changes the game!
I loved this story and the big thing is what happens with Kite-man and you feel remorse for the character and King does it really well and gives him that spark of life that makes him memorable but also shows Batman at his lets say not best and tragic choices he had chosen and how it informs his present and all that, some people might not like it but its alright and makes for a fun story and one of the better King stories I have read and the art by Janin is just too good.
I kinda enjoyed this story and it focuses on the war between Joker and riddler after zero year and well both want to kill batman and sees the other as competition and they divide the Gotham villain gallery between them and we see how normal people are suffering due to this and its insane to see this and its amazing how King handles Kite-man here and shows his tragic origin and switching sides and the big mistake Bruce made and how his mistakes have come to haunt him here and the big conclusion which changes the game!
I loved this story and the big thing is what happens with Kite-man and you feel remorse for the character and King does it really well and gives him that spark of life that makes him memorable but also shows Batman at his lets say not best and tragic choices he had chosen and how it informs his present and all that, some people might not like it but its alright and makes for a fun story and one of the better King stories I have read and the art by Janin is just too good.
June 18, 2018
Most of this volume is an extended flashback. There's a framing sequence set in the present where Bruce is telling Selina about a pivotal adventure from early in his career, what pushed him to the edge, what stopped him from going over, and how the Joker regained his sense of humor.
It's very well-written, some of the best I’ve ever seen from Tom King. Characterizations are well-nigh perfect, and he even manages to write Kiteman in a way that stays true to his roots, but turns him from something of a joke into a deeply sympathetic character. I do question somewhat the Riddler’s boasting about the subtlety of his planning towards the end. It seems more like someone taking credit for things that happened on their own. Yes, this version of him is all about the subtle plans, but I think he's reaching just a bit …
Also in this volume, Selina responds to the proposal, though if you’ve been even halfway paying attention to news from the world of comics, you knew about that already …
Not just this volume, but the entirety of King’s run on Batman is highly recommended!
It's very well-written, some of the best I’ve ever seen from Tom King. Characterizations are well-nigh perfect, and he even manages to write Kiteman in a way that stays true to his roots, but turns him from something of a joke into a deeply sympathetic character. I do question somewhat the Riddler’s boasting about the subtlety of his planning towards the end. It seems more like someone taking credit for things that happened on their own. Yes, this version of him is all about the subtle plans, but I think he's reaching just a bit …
Also in this volume, Selina responds to the proposal, though if you’ve been even halfway paying attention to news from the world of comics, you knew about that already …
Not just this volume, but the entirety of King’s run on Batman is highly recommended!
January 4, 2018
I really loved the characterizations of the Joker and the Riddler in this book. They came across as very dangerous and mysterious figures. Also, it explores Batman's insecurities, and a dark secret that he must tell Catwoman before she responds to his proposal. Oh, and we get Catwoman's answer in this volume. Without giving any spoilers, I can say that this book sets up an very interesting future for this series.
October 15, 2018
In this story we see batman propose to cat woman but before he asks her to commit to him he tells her the story of the jokes and riddles war where batman lost his shit.
Pretty cool volume, I’ve never seen joker or the riddler written so well in a while.
Pretty cool volume, I’ve never seen joker or the riddler written so well in a while.
December 15, 2018
Read as part of Batman: The Rebirth Deluxe Edition Book 2.
March 18, 2025
Sem dúvidas o melhor arco do Tom King com o Batma até agora. A Guerra das Piadas e Charadas foi bem desenvolvido pelo roteirista, trazendo aos holofotes 2 vilões do Batman que são opostos: o Charada que é inteligente e previsível, contra o Coringa, doido e imprevisível.
Apesar dos 2 vilões serem insanos, os mesmos são opostos e podem ser associados a duas características do próprio Batman, sendo o Charada o lado racional do Cavaleiro das Trevas, que o permitiu a alcunha de o melhor detetive do mundo; enquanto que o Coringa representa a insanidade do Batman, que é um doido que se veste de morcego e vai bater na bandidagem durante a noite.
Essa ideia e a perspectiva que o Tom King aborda é algo que outros roteiristas já fizeram, mas King se destaca por representar essas facetas do Batman em seus vilões, o que eu achei bem interessante.
O que eu tive de ressalva quanto a esse quadrinho, foi a respeito da própria guerra em si, no que tange sua reverberação na população e no funcionamento da cidade. Todo o impacto que a guerra causou, foi mostrado ao leitor por meio de relatos de personagens e por meio de noticiário. Isso causou uma falta de noção quanto aos impactos que foram realmente causados em Gotham, pois os personagens dizem que a cidade ficou dividida entre Leste e Oeste, cada qual com um dos vilões, com o centro sendo area de conflito. Com a devida proporção, isso me lembra Batman terremoto (no que tange as gangues) e lá realmente mostrava o quanto as guerras de gangues ocasionaram com a população e a cidade.
Ainda, destaco o tato do Tom King em trabalhar os sentimentos, principalmente de tristeza e sofrimento, dos personagens que ele escreve. Agora eu entendo o que o roteirista fez com o Homem Pipa, e realmente foi um bom trabalho. Ele pegou o vilão que era tratado como piada (ainda é) e deu um background melancólico e sofrido para o personagem, deixando-o ainda mais interessante. Inclusive, o plot twist do arco é fundamentado no vilão, o que me surpreendeu bastante.
Apesar dos 2 vilões serem insanos, os mesmos são opostos e podem ser associados a duas características do próprio Batman, sendo o Charada o lado racional do Cavaleiro das Trevas, que o permitiu a alcunha de o melhor detetive do mundo; enquanto que o Coringa representa a insanidade do Batman, que é um doido que se veste de morcego e vai bater na bandidagem durante a noite.
Essa ideia e a perspectiva que o Tom King aborda é algo que outros roteiristas já fizeram, mas King se destaca por representar essas facetas do Batman em seus vilões, o que eu achei bem interessante.
O que eu tive de ressalva quanto a esse quadrinho, foi a respeito da própria guerra em si, no que tange sua reverberação na população e no funcionamento da cidade. Todo o impacto que a guerra causou, foi mostrado ao leitor por meio de relatos de personagens e por meio de noticiário. Isso causou uma falta de noção quanto aos impactos que foram realmente causados em Gotham, pois os personagens dizem que a cidade ficou dividida entre Leste e Oeste, cada qual com um dos vilões, com o centro sendo area de conflito. Com a devida proporção, isso me lembra Batman terremoto (no que tange as gangues) e lá realmente mostrava o quanto as guerras de gangues ocasionaram com a população e a cidade.
Ainda, destaco o tato do Tom King em trabalhar os sentimentos, principalmente de tristeza e sofrimento, dos personagens que ele escreve. Agora eu entendo o que o roteirista fez com o Homem Pipa, e realmente foi um bom trabalho. Ele pegou o vilão que era tratado como piada (ainda é) e deu um background melancólico e sofrido para o personagem, deixando-o ainda mais interessante. Inclusive, o plot twist do arco é fundamentado no vilão, o que me surpreendeu bastante.
December 25, 2017
I've read a lot of Batman throughout my life. There's been plenty I've had to muscle thru, but also a lot I couldn't put down. This was the latter. You've done it, Tom King, you've made me fall in love with your Batman. An even greater compliment is that this style of story also doesn't fit with my typical preference. *SPOILER* I'm not big on the entire rogues gallery appearing throughout a single storyline. It usually just feels like the writers attempt at a summer blockbuster on paper - a reason I never loved Hush. But when they're used as pawns and we get to focus on the two villains with the most potential? *golf clap*
King's Batman has been unpopular with some, mostly because I think anyone after Snyder was going to face an uphill battle of expectations. But I must say, I do enjoy his take. He's retained most of the qualities we love, while adding a vulnerability we usually don't see. It's not weakness, but rather a Batman who is aware of his human limitations, and has to go out there anyways. Snyder's Batman on the other hand was Houdini, who could get out of any situation unscathed (even actual death). Speaking of human vulnerability, King writes every character that way. He's fantastic at writing human characters. Who gives a crap about Kite Man? Well I do now.
Pacing, dialogue, or just setting up the scene page to page, it all works for me in this volume - to the point that I would put it down, then be itching to pick it back up to see where it goes next.
Well done, King. Your Batman has slowly become one of my favorite interpretations.
Oh, and isn't it so much fun to have a Riddler these days worth taking seriously? Thank you, Scott Snyder and Tom King. No more of the asthmatic dweeb who leaves a clue after a jewel heist.
King's Batman has been unpopular with some, mostly because I think anyone after Snyder was going to face an uphill battle of expectations. But I must say, I do enjoy his take. He's retained most of the qualities we love, while adding a vulnerability we usually don't see. It's not weakness, but rather a Batman who is aware of his human limitations, and has to go out there anyways. Snyder's Batman on the other hand was Houdini, who could get out of any situation unscathed (even actual death). Speaking of human vulnerability, King writes every character that way. He's fantastic at writing human characters. Who gives a crap about Kite Man? Well I do now.
Pacing, dialogue, or just setting up the scene page to page, it all works for me in this volume - to the point that I would put it down, then be itching to pick it back up to see where it goes next.
Well done, King. Your Batman has slowly become one of my favorite interpretations.
Oh, and isn't it so much fun to have a Riddler these days worth taking seriously? Thank you, Scott Snyder and Tom King. No more of the asthmatic dweeb who leaves a clue after a jewel heist.
February 13, 2018
I had eagerly grabbed Vol. 4: The War of Jokes and Riddles at my library once it hit the new release shelf -- it had been about four months since I had read the previous books. I was curious to see status of Bruce and Selina after some of the prior developments, if nothing else.
Well, in the first ten pages and so for personal reasons the book derailed early on and never really recovered for me. End of soapbox.
As for the story, it seemed unnecessarily slow and drawn-out, but there was an effective moment where Batman, recounting a particularly violent week in said war between the villains' factions, sounds like he's beginning to crack from dealing with the mounting carnage.
Well, in the first ten pages and so for personal reasons the book derailed early on and never really recovered for me. End of soapbox.
As for the story, it seemed unnecessarily slow and drawn-out, but there was an effective moment where Batman, recounting a particularly violent week in said war between the villains' factions, sounds like he's beginning to crack from dealing with the mounting carnage.
December 19, 2017
You can definitely say that Batman has the greatest rogues gallery in comics for many reasons. Each villain is so distinctive that there have been many stories about these characters that even steal the spotlight away from the Dark Knight, which was a curse during the Tim Burton/Joel Schumacher cinematic era. Although there is a section of the audience that would suggest that the villains are the only interesting element in the Bat-mythos — something that the TV series Gotham seems to suggest — what makes these characters special is Batman’s relationship with them, which is key to this latest volume of Tom King’s Batman run.
Please click here for my full review.
Please click here for my full review.
November 19, 2018
Actually kind of disappointing for the villain line-up and themes it was aiming at. Could have been an all timer.
August 9, 2023
Wowza! What a fun ride. The third and fourth volume of King's Batman run have become some of my all-time favorite Batman comics and they solidified my wish to read King's run in full. His version of Batman/Bruce is just so fucking funny, kinda sexy, and super thrilling. I am here for it. Also LOVE all the different artists that got to work on this series!
The War of Jokes and Riddles (issues #25-32) is an eight-part Batman storyline, featuring the war between the Joker and the Riddler during Batman's second year. King uses the device of the flashback by having Bruce retell the events to Cat in present day before hearing her answer on if she would marry him.
"And so it came. Over the next months as I fought to hold the city together, Gotham divided. Then fell. Into slaughter. Misery. Torture. Mayhem. Havoc. Betrayal. Devastation. Insanity. People think they understand me. Alfred, Gordon, the boys. All of Gotham, in its way. Even you. A man in pain, trying to save who he can. They think...but... they don't understand...anything. They don't know a thing about me. But you have to. Before. Before any of this. You have to know. What I did...what I had to do. During the War of Jokes and Riddles."
Highlights:
– "Riddle me this, riddle me that, who's afraid of the Big Black Bat?"
– Riddler waltzing into the Joker's "office" with "Knock, knock." and the Joker replying "Who's there?" (MY KIND OF HUMOR)
– also I hate to be that bitch but this version of Nygma is fucking hot (with his shirt half open, like YESSIR)
– Riddler suggests they kill Batman together, Joker shoots him in the stomach and leaves him to die => beginning of a conflict that would plague Gotham City for months
– "It took a few more weeks before the city saw what it was. Before people realized that these dead weren't the normal dead of Gotham. That the bodies were coming too fast. That the threat was not limited to one alley or one neighborhood. That the monsters were choosing sides. That anyone stuck between the monsters was just a thing to be put aside. To be put down. A few weeks. Before they called it a war."
– Riddler and Ivy - ICONIC DUO
– Riddler and Joker putting my man Gordon through hell (making him show up in his underwear, lmao)
– Kite-Man's origin story (very well flashed out, him being a father, his son asking him if he's a "joke" etc.)
– GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER (gurl, Alfred having to serve Joker and Riddler at Wayne Manor was sooo fucking good => the entire dinner was devised so that Bruce could decide which villain he was going to assist in defeating the other, ultimately choosing Nygma)
– I also love the look of the Joker in this issue, he's so menacing, and I love that he's unable to laugh, him being so grim makes him even scarier
– "What happened next, when it was just us...no one--no one but the insane know what happened next. But I have to tell you. You have to know, Cat. Because, then, you'll know me. Who I am. And then you can decide. If I'm worth your life, your love. If you can forgive me. If you can marry me."
– Joker being the one who kept Batman from his first (and only) kill at the end and finally being able to laugh again at that moment - LOVE IT
– Cat finally saying YES !!!
The War of Jokes and Riddles (issues #25-32) is an eight-part Batman storyline, featuring the war between the Joker and the Riddler during Batman's second year. King uses the device of the flashback by having Bruce retell the events to Cat in present day before hearing her answer on if she would marry him.
"And so it came. Over the next months as I fought to hold the city together, Gotham divided. Then fell. Into slaughter. Misery. Torture. Mayhem. Havoc. Betrayal. Devastation. Insanity. People think they understand me. Alfred, Gordon, the boys. All of Gotham, in its way. Even you. A man in pain, trying to save who he can. They think...but... they don't understand...anything. They don't know a thing about me. But you have to. Before. Before any of this. You have to know. What I did...what I had to do. During the War of Jokes and Riddles."
Highlights:
– "Riddle me this, riddle me that, who's afraid of the Big Black Bat?"
– Riddler waltzing into the Joker's "office" with "Knock, knock." and the Joker replying "Who's there?" (MY KIND OF HUMOR)
– also I hate to be that bitch but this version of Nygma is fucking hot (with his shirt half open, like YESSIR)
– Riddler suggests they kill Batman together, Joker shoots him in the stomach and leaves him to die => beginning of a conflict that would plague Gotham City for months
– "It took a few more weeks before the city saw what it was. Before people realized that these dead weren't the normal dead of Gotham. That the bodies were coming too fast. That the threat was not limited to one alley or one neighborhood. That the monsters were choosing sides. That anyone stuck between the monsters was just a thing to be put aside. To be put down. A few weeks. Before they called it a war."
– Riddler and Ivy - ICONIC DUO
– Riddler and Joker putting my man Gordon through hell (making him show up in his underwear, lmao)
– Kite-Man's origin story (very well flashed out, him being a father, his son asking him if he's a "joke" etc.)
– GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER (gurl, Alfred having to serve Joker and Riddler at Wayne Manor was sooo fucking good => the entire dinner was devised so that Bruce could decide which villain he was going to assist in defeating the other, ultimately choosing Nygma)
– I also love the look of the Joker in this issue, he's so menacing, and I love that he's unable to laugh, him being so grim makes him even scarier
– "What happened next, when it was just us...no one--no one but the insane know what happened next. But I have to tell you. You have to know, Cat. Because, then, you'll know me. Who I am. And then you can decide. If I'm worth your life, your love. If you can forgive me. If you can marry me."
– Joker being the one who kept Batman from his first (and only) kill at the end and finally being able to laugh again at that moment - LOVE IT
– Cat finally saying YES !!!
March 7, 2018
I think King wanted this to be over the top epic, but it just read as really average for me. I mean how much can you really draw out a story centered on two villains pitted against each other before it gets old. Especially the whole dinner scene that was really meh.
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