The Batman Who Laughs (2018-2019) #1

The Batman Who Laughs

by Scott Snyder (Writer), Jock (Penciller), David Baron (Colorist)

“A Batman who laughs is a Batman who always wins.” Left rattled by the events of DARK METAL, Bruce Wayne must come face to face with the nightmares spawned from the Dark Multiverse. But even though evil devoured evil in the collapse of Challengers Mountain, the Dark Knight still has his doubts. He discovers that the Batman Who Laughs not only survived the fight with The Joker at the end of METAL, but now he is enacting a sinister plan across the Multiverse—something both terrifying and oddly familiar. But when Bruce Wayne realizes the only way to stop this madman is to kill him, he must consider violating the very rule Batman won’t break…the same rule that created this insatiable villain—the Batman Who Laughs!

Genres: Comics, Dc Comics, Comic Book, Graphic Novels, Superheroes, Batman, Graphic Novels Comics

30 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 12, 2018

About the author

Scott Snyder is the Eisner and Harvey Award winning writer on DC Comics Batman, Swamp Thing, and his original series for Vertigo, American Vampire. He is also the author of the short story collection, Voodoo Heart, published by the Dial Press in 2006. The paperback version was published in the summer of 2007.

Reviews

[Alejandro · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Batman Who Laughs strikes back!


This is #1 issue in a 6-part Miniseries focusing in The Batman Who Laughs, a villain introduced in the previous “Metal” event.


Creative Team:

Writer: Scott Snyder

Illustrator: Jock


DEADLY LAUGHING

Batman thought that Metal crisis was over (myself I don’t think so, and not only due this), but soon enough he’s involved in a new insidious mystery where he’s not the only menaced, but…

…also The Joker is in peril!

The Batman Who Laughs is back and he’s not alone!

And don’t think that I’m talking about of some of his previously introduced collaborators of the Dark Universe…

…ou, nouh!

The Batman Who Laughs has new assistance and even some of them don’t need to be even alive to be useful for his perverse plans!

However, before of getting deeper agains the Batman Who Laughs’ threat…

…he will need to deal with The Joker!

[Khurram · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good comic, a smuggling ring brings Batman face to face with his death. Now, two nightmare Batmen are lose. How will Batman deal with this threat, and how far will someone else go?

[gladiatrix ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the very first page you can see how well the writer, Scott Snyder and the astounding artist, Jock complement each other. Snyder, Jock and Baron set up a dark, minacious world. You can feel Batman’s as well as Bruce Wayne’s nightmare consuming him, forcing him to bend his morals (more than they already are). For example, turning to a once-upon-a-time psychopath for aid, and *pleading* him to turn back to his old ways.

The villain, The Batman Who Laughs, is a vicious one. He’s manipulative as he is brutal, to the point that it shook my confidence whether Batman would win this battle. The Grim Batman was also impressive. I wish he had a different ending, his departure was sudden and unsatisfying. Nevertheless, the ending itself was epic.

I’d recommend this graphic novel to anyone who looking for a gruesome, grisly Batman storyline.

[Siona Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked some aspects of this, but the ending/what happened to the "real" Batman and Joker wasn't really.... exciting to me. I do like seeing more of The Batman Who Laughs though, and the "Grim Knight" Batman is interesting.

[kirsten · Rating 3 out of 5]

"For what it's worth Batman insurance policies are called Dark Knight Returns"

Hmm. Not sure what to think of this one yet, but I'll check out the next issue to see what happens.

[Kay ☾ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Typical Batman and Joker comic with some poison toxin thrown in.

[Ｆｒａｎｋｈ · Rating 4 out of 5]

My gateway to Batman comics was during The New 52 when Scott Snyder became the head writer of the series. Considering the mixed bag that was New 52 in general, I barely could even remember the specifics of what made it great or bad because all I cared about was the main title and the accompanying Bat-related ones in the roster for that run. It seemed befitting then that I come back to this blog again to read and review his 2018 series, The Batman Who Laughs which he also collaborated with the artist Jock. This is exciting for me because I cannot stress enough how much I loved  The Black Mirror, their previous collaboration. And since I have no idea what's new with DC nowadays, my review of this series may lack some much needed context, but I will try to compensate by giving enough insight as I could based solely on appraising The Batman Who Laughs as a standalone.

The most gratifying thing where Synder's writing is concerned will always be his deft ability to weave immersive narrative. From the very first pages in which Bruce Wayne asked the reader what they recall was their earliest happy memory, Snyder also managed to set up ambiance and theme, elements which would play throughout a single issue and possibly for the rest of the arc itself. Jock's phenomenal art is complementary of the prose, and the skill in which he could draw can be found during the car chase scene, the exposition's opening action sequence that was engaging from start to finish.

I've pointed out in the past, however, that Synder has a tendency to chew the scenery too much as well. I recall certain issues from his arcs in his Batman run in which he indulged in exposition for way too long that the text overshadowed the sequences of the panels, rendering the visuals almost static in contrast to the words. But for the first issue of The Batman Who Laughs, it's never been more clear how much writer and artist understand each other's styles and how best to work around their flaws so that they could bring out their strengths together for each page.

Something that struck me in a lot of Synder's writings for Batman and Bruce Wayne was how frequently he employed horror tropes, particularly Batman as a noir detective. As much as I also enjoyed the colorful flamboyance and utterly insane stories that Grant Morrison have penned for titles like Batman Incorporated and his run for Batman and Robin, I think I still much prefer the disquiet and gloom that permeate in Synder's overall version of the Dark Knight since it's able to distinguish itself from earlier works post-Frank Miller era by not parroting the morbidity of said content. What we have in his version was a Batman that still clings to a more hopeful message of overcoming personal adversity in a city that time and time again could destroy you, and yet said destruction can also yield, even bloom, worthier developments in its people and the home it embodied.

In The Batman Who Laughs, certain pages delivered on the atmospheric horror mainly because Jock knew how to make each panel look subtly sinister. There was that moment in the morgue where a disguised Batman was examining the cadaver of his alternate self who made different choices after Bane broke his spine. But it's not all gloominess either; there was also that lighthearted banter exchanged between Batman and Alfred as they investigated. It made me feel safe in ways that were nostalgic and far too familiar, as if the dialogue was written to reassure me these are the good guys who will always save the day. Nothing felt forced about it, and when the twist midway leading to the cliffhanger came, it was even more bittersweet to look back on the lighter moments of the issue, such as that opening regarding a young Bruce and his parents playing a game. Synder has connected the thematic resonance of those earlier panels with that of the disturbing revelation on the last page.

But what is The Batman Who Laughs? He was apparently a Batman who went insane after he killed the Joker. There was a toxin released in the Joker's body which drove him mad, but he would also have the same memories, abilities, and level of intelligence, all while bereft of the moral code and values he had lived by as a caped crusader. This Batman (also known as 'Metal') was simply concerned less about imposing righteous justice but more about winning. It's a terrifying hybrid of what Batman never chose to stand for and what the Joker dreamed of in his most twisted, wildest fantasies.

To be honest, a lot of the premise that still eluded me, but I'll gladly chalk that up to the fact I'm a little rusty reading and reviewing Batman comics. Hopefully, I will have more substantial stuff to say for the next issue. I know this mini series only has six, and I intend to finish them even if reviews might be slow due to other commitments. I may resurrect this blog this year with more consistent material, such as following up on my readings of Tom King's run for the flagship title, but there are no guarantees.

RECOMMENDED: 8/10

DO READ MY BATMAN COMICS REVIEWS AT:

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

How is Batman getting out of this one? is the question I'm now stuck on. This was really well crafted, with Jock art always a treat and the turn-around theme of happiness/laughter. I enjoyed subtle things like the joke about insurance, and how Mr. Freeze tried to assist in his own way. (If you tie this in to Mr. Freeze's last run in during King's Batman run, that's extra poignant.)

I was less a fan of how much Alfred got shunted to the side. Either Alfred's portrayed as weak/annoying, or Batman's being a butt to him. I'm not a fan of either of these theories, but I suppose that just comes from inconsistency across all Batman titles for how these two work together.

Ultimately, though, for a first issue this does the job of dragging me in to a number of mysteries. It was enjoyable and dark with some humour.

39.75/50

[Monita Roy Mohan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scott Snyder returns to write the Dark Knight with an explosive expansion of the Dark Nights: Metal series. Can Batman win?

Read my full review at BamSmackPow.

[Anouk Reyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*

[Kelly Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loving this story line

[Logan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty decent first issue from Snyder!

[Evelyn Blackwater · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one I had a hard time figuring if I thought it was dumb or prolific.
The writing, particularly the dialogue and inner monologue were great!
Concept is solid. I especially love the idea of a Batman/Joker hybrid, and the mystery here is engrossing enough; that even if I am not especially impressed so far, I need to see it through because it's so intriguing and the questions that have been asked are bold enough to get to the bottom to.

Art is gorgeous. The movement of the panels was very fluid and brisk. I won't lie, it was a good time.

Some stuff sadly didn't gel with me.
I am fine with the Joker dying to make way for the new villain. But they do a fake out death and then they kill him for real later... That was a head scratcher for me. Seemed redundant and it occurs only a few pages apart.

That and this idea of if Batman kills the Joker... a toxin in his heart... is... released? An then Batman would...
oof. I'm not usually so negative. But that was dumb. I like the idea of this in a figurative sense. If Batman kills the Joker he is no better than him and could very well lose himself and do it again. That's a cool idea.
But to make it so literal and to have Batman actually say something like "I always had this hunch that if I killed Joker a toxin would release from his heart and turn me into him."

You see what I mean? It's weird. Cause everything, literally everything else is gold standard awesome. An then these two tiny (but kinda huge) things happen and... I don't know. If the mystery wasn't so good I'd say they lost me.

The best thing I can say is that this has been my introduction to not only Snyder's Batman, but Snyder in general.
And setting my personal issues with this chapter aside, I like the guy's writing a lot and I want to see more.

[Kyle Berk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alright this got me very interested.

It’s insane and off the walls. It’s Metal.

The title comes from the big event Metal that happened recently. Batman is doing his thing when a corpse of Bruce Wayne? Comes into his possession. But this Bruce Wayne is different he doesn’t have all the damage that Bruce has, he’s got less scares. He took up a different life. And then the Batman who Laughs comes back to kill the Joker.

I’ve already gotten extremely plot heavy and that isn’t even the whole thing. But the art by Jock is incredibly solid, very articulate in kinetic action. The story is interesting even if at any moment it could fail that balance between serious and wacky. And I had a ton of fun reading it. And really want to read the next issue.

It’s heavy on the dialogue, heavy on the plot, and heavy on the fun but if you like Snyder’s style then it’s definitely worth a read.

My only criticism is that balance leans a bit too wacky at times and it can rely on Batman is Batman moments. But I really liked this.

4 stars.

[Stratospherus · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are witnesses how sadly comics became part of pop culture, where everyone seems to be an ardent fan, where being a fan is simply cool.

Batman is by chance, no exception. He grew in popularity, and DC kept him practically since its inception as one of flagship characters. That is unchanged today. So, when I think about it, my thoughts are that DC should give him some rest, and that is really a question when someone will appear to at least breathe in the character a touch of freshness. That someone is either Scott Snyder or SG Murphy.

Snyder pulls some interesting twists here and Jokerized version of Batman is awesome. My only complaint is art. While comics are more about visual than storytelling in its nature (though it wouldn't be good if you just get addicted to pictures only), I dislike Jock's art intensely. His lines are loose, simple and overly cartoonish and it's the reason why I won't give this five stars.

[Liz (Quirky Cat) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Knew it had to happen sometime. The Batman Who Laughs was way too popular to keep him out of the universe indefinitely. I knew eventually he’d be back – either in the main continuity or in his own series. And it looks like I was right.
This was a decent first issue, on the whole. For a few moments I tricked myself into thinking something else was going on, which I liked. I like that they left us uncertain at moments. The conclusion erased any doubt, while setting up for the next issue.
I don’t think you have to have read Dark Metal in order to understand what’s happening here, but I think you’d appreciate it more if you had.

[Lynn Keith · Rating 3 out of 5]

And?

Every few years I will be drawn into buying a comic. I'll read a review or summary and get sucked in to the purchase. That happened here. So I looked. I saw. I yawned.
Novels are better. The way I imagine things is always better than the imagery of a comic animator, regardless of his artistry. I imagine things the way I want them, not anyone else's idea of how they should be. That makes them better for me. Once again, comics loose.

[Jose Carignan · Rating 5 out of 5]

the Batman Who Laughs is not like other comic books, what other comic books do is pull you into the dark for a short bit then let you back into the light, this book embraces that darkness and the whole book is spent in the more depressing, upsetting, scary parts of Batman, as he figures out to beat a enemy that is unbeatable. where he will have to embrace the evil side of Gotham and life in general.

[Edward Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

*The Batman Who Laughs #1* earns its 4‑star rating through its daring concept and powerful visuals. It thrills with bold ideas and energetic artwork, yet it stops just short of perfection due to pacing issues and a desire for more nuanced character development. This balance of high impact and minor shortcomings is precisely what makes it a memorable read that leaves you eager for more while still holding some reservations.

[Aron · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars. Maybe my favorite single issue of anything Scott Snyder has written. I like Snyder, but not near as much as most people, I think. Nonetheless, DC seems to be dead set on keeping Scott Snyder writing a Batman book from now on. However, I'm glad they are in this case, because I think this series has a lot of potential.

[Ashe Catlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not usually into the Scott Snyder's stuff but honestly this really captivated me. From the get go I was pulled it and to think it was only a simple chase scene, from there you some strange going ons.

Greg Capullo wasn't on art duty this time, the guy who did it has a very similar style though. So yeah a very good issue, hoping the Snyder doesn't let me down for once.

[Emily Stipkovich · Rating 1 out of 5]

This has been on my TBR for awhile now and I'm glad I finally read the first few volumes.
Sadly, superheroes just aren't my thing. I never got into the Marvel and DC universe hype. This just further proves my point that even a "darker" setting just doesn't do it for me.

Glad I tried, and I'm sure this is the absolute bee's knees for some people.

[Char · Rating 1 out of 5]

WTF

Story is very confusing jumps all over the place not sure what is going on from a freeway chase which makes no sense. Than a dead Bruce Wanye , to batman killing guards . Art work is poor to be honest also

[Zahin Wadud · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just started the series, so it will take some time to ... understand, what the heck is going on! As usual Synder's story! And don't even dare to think that line negatively. Synder's story is not just comics or just story; it's more like that thing is happening, really, somewhere ...

[Contina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this comic because of Booktuber's recommendation. This isn't my usual genre but I'm trying something new. I found this comic not attention grabbing at first. But once I got into it, I was all in. I enjoyed the complex story line of the multiverse.

[Chris Kester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Release the toxins!

I've been wanting to read this series for years now. Love the idea of a neurotoxin being released from Joker and causing whoever is around him to become a Joker. It's a great start to the series, and I'm definitely hooked. Ready to see how this all plays out!

[Dylan Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really, really good. I love how menacing the Batman Who Laughs is. Also, the ending was great. Only compaint: the Art.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aww bb, we missed you, welcome back

Joker heroics and madness, gorgeous red panel backgrounds, so so much blood

i'm in love all over again

[b · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little bit laughable in its edgiest moments, but a great conceit, and I look forward to seeing how it develops.

[H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intrigued, but not committed yet. Will check out the second.