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Batman by James Tynion IV
Batman, Vol. 2: The Joker War
This Barnes & Noble Exclusive Edition includes a bonus lithograph and a variant cover.
This is it: the Clown Prince of Crime battles the Dark Knight Detective head-to-head for the last time. And one way or another, this will be the final chapter of their agelong conflict.
The Clown Prince of Crime and the Dark Knight Detective go head-to-head for the last time. The Joker has never wanted to win before, he's never wanted his battle with Batman to end, but now his motivation has shifted. As The Joker's plan to assemble an army materializes, the only person who can save Batman from the brink of true madness is Harley Quinn. And while all this is happening, the villains of Gotham City are waiting out the carnage Joker has unleashed—and Catwoman assembles an army of her own!
Collects Batman #95-100.
This is it: the Clown Prince of Crime battles the Dark Knight Detective head-to-head for the last time. And one way or another, this will be the final chapter of their agelong conflict.
The Clown Prince of Crime and the Dark Knight Detective go head-to-head for the last time. The Joker has never wanted to win before, he's never wanted his battle with Batman to end, but now his motivation has shifted. As The Joker's plan to assemble an army materializes, the only person who can save Batman from the brink of true madness is Harley Quinn. And while all this is happening, the villains of Gotham City are waiting out the carnage Joker has unleashed—and Catwoman assembles an army of her own!
Collects Batman #95-100.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published February 9, 2021
151 people are currently reading
618 people want to read
About the author
James Tynion IV
1,665 books1,999 followersPrior to his first professional work, Tynion was a student of Scott Snyder's at Sarah Lawrence College. A few years later, he worked as for Vertigo as Fables editor Shelly Bond's intern. In late 2011, with DC deciding to give Batman (written by Snyder) a back up feature, Tynion was brought in by request of Snyder to script the back ups he had plotted. Tynion would later do the same with the Batman Annual #1, which was also co-plotted by Snyder. Beginning in September 2012, with DC's 0 issue month for the New 52, Tynion will be writing Talon, with art by Guillem March. In early 2013 it was announced that he'd take over writing duties for Red Hood and the Outlaws in April.
Tynion is also currently one of the writers in a rotating team in the weekly Batman Eternal series.
Tynion is also currently one of the writers in a rotating team in the weekly Batman Eternal series.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 218 reviews
May 11, 2021
I liked this story but I wasn't blown away.
Here's the thing, I'm beyond over Joker. I would love for him to just disappear from comics for a year or two.
GO AWAY SO I CAN MISS YOU!
Please.
After the events of Their Dark Designs, Batman and his allies have to... Well, the title says it all.
It's a war with the Joker.
And why?
Because he's stolen all of Bruce Wayne's assets and now his henchmen are running amok in Gotham. The GCPD has their hands tied due to plot whilst they burn, loot, and kill their way through the streets. <--that makes no fucking sense.
Unrealistically, ONE BOY (calling himself Clownhunter) is the lone Gothamite that stands up, grabs a bat, and starts fucking up these completely non-superpowered criminals.
What?
Gotham is set in America, yes? I mean, is everyone in Gotham as afraid of guns as Batman is? I simply cannot imagine a scenario where psychopaths in clown masks could possibly ride roughshod on my neighborhood like this.
And of course, Bao Pham (Clownhunter) is portrayed as someone that Batman needs to save from himself, when in reality, he's doing the job Batman should have done. If you run across some asshole raping an old woman or killing a kid, you just shoot them in the fucking face and move on with your day.
Oh no! It will taint your soul.
Get the fuck out of here with that pussy nonsense.
Alright, before I start to sound like your 90 year old uncle, let's move on.
I thought the writing was just fine. I was never bored and I didn't groan at the thought of finishing the volume. I'm probably just more annoyed with having to read one more Joker story than anything else.
I do like the addition of Punchline for now. Looks like she'll be a bad because I'm bad kind of character, and that's just fine with me when it comes to Joker's girlfriend. He's vapid, she's vapid, and they can go off and do evil for the sake of evil all day long together.
Punchline and Harley Quinn fight because why not? If I were in charge and had the opportunity to pit those two together, I'd milk that cash cow for all it was worth.
Not even mad.
There's a tear-jerking Alfred montage in this volume, as well.
Again, why not? As soon as they bring him back you're going to lose the opportunity to wring out all the emotional moments.
Dead Alfred: I'm so very proud of you, Master Bruce.
Batsadman: You were more than my butler, you were my f-f-father!
*drinks imaginary cup of tea together*
Honestly, I think most people are going to love this volume.
Recomended for Batfans who aren't sick of Joker.
Here's the thing, I'm beyond over Joker. I would love for him to just disappear from comics for a year or two.
GO AWAY SO I CAN MISS YOU!
Please.
After the events of Their Dark Designs, Batman and his allies have to... Well, the title says it all.
It's a war with the Joker.
And why?
Because he's stolen all of Bruce Wayne's assets and now his henchmen are running amok in Gotham. The GCPD has their hands tied due to plot whilst they burn, loot, and kill their way through the streets. <--that makes no fucking sense.
Unrealistically, ONE BOY (calling himself Clownhunter) is the lone Gothamite that stands up, grabs a bat, and starts fucking up these completely non-superpowered criminals.
What?
Gotham is set in America, yes? I mean, is everyone in Gotham as afraid of guns as Batman is? I simply cannot imagine a scenario where psychopaths in clown masks could possibly ride roughshod on my neighborhood like this.
And of course, Bao Pham (Clownhunter) is portrayed as someone that Batman needs to save from himself, when in reality, he's doing the job Batman should have done. If you run across some asshole raping an old woman or killing a kid, you just shoot them in the fucking face and move on with your day.
Oh no! It will taint your soul.
Get the fuck out of here with that pussy nonsense.
Alright, before I start to sound like your 90 year old uncle, let's move on.
I thought the writing was just fine. I was never bored and I didn't groan at the thought of finishing the volume. I'm probably just more annoyed with having to read one more Joker story than anything else.
I do like the addition of Punchline for now. Looks like she'll be a bad because I'm bad kind of character, and that's just fine with me when it comes to Joker's girlfriend. He's vapid, she's vapid, and they can go off and do evil for the sake of evil all day long together.
Punchline and Harley Quinn fight because why not? If I were in charge and had the opportunity to pit those two together, I'd milk that cash cow for all it was worth.
Not even mad.
There's a tear-jerking Alfred montage in this volume, as well.
Again, why not? As soon as they bring him back you're going to lose the opportunity to wring out all the emotional moments.
Dead Alfred: I'm so very proud of you, Master Bruce.
Batsadman: You were more than my butler, you were my f-f-father!
*drinks imaginary cup of tea together*
Honestly, I think most people are going to love this volume.
Recomended for Batfans who aren't sick of Joker.
September 14, 2025
Every bit as dark and violent as I was expecting. The Joker has torn up the old script of his war on Batman. Now, he is taking his war to Bruce Wayne, with his own money and assets. With Gotham City caught in the crossfire.
Apart from being a huge story and the other thing I did like about this is it did give Batman a chance at a bit of closure on something I think should have had a little more time devoted to it in the city of Bane and its aftermath.
The artwork is awesome, and the story is epic. The Joker has made his move, but will it be up for the counter? A great finale that leads into the next chapter, nobody and nothing will be the same by the end of this book. Every issue/chapter starts with the issue cover in a full-page format. The cover gallery contains the variant covers and some character designs.
Apart from being a huge story and the other thing I did like about this is it did give Batman a chance at a bit of closure on something I think should have had a little more time devoted to it in the city of Bane and its aftermath.
The artwork is awesome, and the story is epic. The Joker has made his move, but will it be up for the counter? A great finale that leads into the next chapter, nobody and nothing will be the same by the end of this book. Every issue/chapter starts with the issue cover in a full-page format. The cover gallery contains the variant covers and some character designs.
April 20, 2021
Joker’s got Bruce Wayne’s fortune - what does he do with it? Wage “war” on Gotham. This is The Joker War. Zzz…
James Tynion IV’s Batman run goes from bad to worse with only the second volume, The Joker War. I’d hoped Tynion had something more interesting in mind with this storyline but, nope, all he’s got is: Joker doing his usual Joker stuff. It’s so unimaginative!
I mean, didn’t we just do a version of this with City of Bane? And then before that with Arkham City? And then before that with No Man’s Land? How many times is DC going to do this “Gotham City gets taken over by *insert arbitrary villain name here*”?! And, speaking of Arkham City, Joker War read like a video game storyline in that it was weak and superficial but at least it would’ve allowed the player to fight as Batman against an array of baddies. Take away the gameplay component though and you’ve got an utterly unengaging and indistinct narrative, which is what this book is.
It doesn’t make any sense. Clearly what Joker’s doing isn’t legal so this conceit of the GCPD having their hands tied is absurd. The Joker gangs are literally going around burning city blocks and murdering people in the street!
Like the new Joker girlfriend character Punchline, Tynion introduces another new character: Clownhunter, a random teenager with a dumb name, worse outfit, and even more unremarkable MO: he goes around murdering thugs in clown masks. These new characters Tynion’s adding to Batman’s world are so bad.
Also, in a scene that excited nobody, Punchline and Harley fight - with zero consequences (of course). Remember in Heroes in Crisis when Harley took out Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman all at once? Yeah, apparently she can do that but here she struggles to deal with a chemistry student with a switchblade.
Tynion’s Joker characterisation couldn’t be more boring. He says nothing interesting, his actions are predictable: shoot henchmen, laugh, leer, shoot more henchmen, blow up everything for no reason. The concept, storytelling, dialogue and characterisation in this book are so basic - Tynion couldn’t have produced a less compelling story.
We’re only two books into it but Tynion’s Batman run is shaping up to be the worst in years. He’s got no good Batman stories to tell, nothing to say about any of the characters and nothing original (that’s not derivative and/or plain crap) to contribute to the canon. Batman, Volume 2: The Joker Bore is tedious, uncreative pigslop from miserable start to miserable finish.
James Tynion IV’s Batman run goes from bad to worse with only the second volume, The Joker War. I’d hoped Tynion had something more interesting in mind with this storyline but, nope, all he’s got is: Joker doing his usual Joker stuff. It’s so unimaginative!
I mean, didn’t we just do a version of this with City of Bane? And then before that with Arkham City? And then before that with No Man’s Land? How many times is DC going to do this “Gotham City gets taken over by *insert arbitrary villain name here*”?! And, speaking of Arkham City, Joker War read like a video game storyline in that it was weak and superficial but at least it would’ve allowed the player to fight as Batman against an array of baddies. Take away the gameplay component though and you’ve got an utterly unengaging and indistinct narrative, which is what this book is.
It doesn’t make any sense. Clearly what Joker’s doing isn’t legal so this conceit of the GCPD having their hands tied is absurd. The Joker gangs are literally going around burning city blocks and murdering people in the street!
Like the new Joker girlfriend character Punchline, Tynion introduces another new character: Clownhunter, a random teenager with a dumb name, worse outfit, and even more unremarkable MO: he goes around murdering thugs in clown masks. These new characters Tynion’s adding to Batman’s world are so bad.
Also, in a scene that excited nobody, Punchline and Harley fight - with zero consequences (of course). Remember in Heroes in Crisis when Harley took out Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman all at once? Yeah, apparently she can do that but here she struggles to deal with a chemistry student with a switchblade.
Tynion’s Joker characterisation couldn’t be more boring. He says nothing interesting, his actions are predictable: shoot henchmen, laugh, leer, shoot more henchmen, blow up everything for no reason. The concept, storytelling, dialogue and characterisation in this book are so basic - Tynion couldn’t have produced a less compelling story.
We’re only two books into it but Tynion’s Batman run is shaping up to be the worst in years. He’s got no good Batman stories to tell, nothing to say about any of the characters and nothing original (that’s not derivative and/or plain crap) to contribute to the canon. Batman, Volume 2: The Joker Bore is tedious, uncreative pigslop from miserable start to miserable finish.
March 1, 2021
The Joker steals Bruce Wayne's money and uses it to wreak havoc on Gotham. This has got everything you want in a Batman story. Lots of action. Batman coming to terms with Alfred's death. Joker. Harley Quinn. (She's a beast in this. I love her as Batman's voice of reason.) Clown Hunter (He's a teenager murdering Joker's henchmen.) Patman's posse. Punchline (Another great addition to Batman's rogues gallery.)
Jorge Jimenez's art is phenomenal. The dude can do it all, including drawing the entire arc without help.
Jorge Jimenez's art is phenomenal. The dude can do it all, including drawing the entire arc without help.
March 15, 2021
This series continues to be over the top in its absurdity. It also continues to be relentlessly entertaining and the art, as ever, is absolutely gorgeous.
Check your disbelief at the door, sit back, and enjoy the beautifully crazy ride.
Check your disbelief at the door, sit back, and enjoy the beautifully crazy ride.
April 8, 2022
Reread: 08/04/2022
Re-reading it after almost 1.5 years and wow my feelings on the story don't change. Its epic in a single word like the story pretty much pits Joker against Batman after the whole Designer debacle and Joker thinks Batman is so boring now and he carries on a personal attack and we see him attack Bruce Wayne and tear everything down that makes him Batman and challenges him on a spiritual level almost like the way he is doused out with toxins by Punchline and then everything he knows been taken away. I like how Tynion uses this opportunity to give the final moment/levity that Batman needed after Alfred's death and thankfully Tynion does a wonderful job of closing that out and showcasing the final talks between father and son and its beautiful to read!
Then the big return of the Bat-family and the war taken to Joker and I love how he includes Harley over here too and gives her a much needed character arc too and makes her feel a part of the story and gives closure to the Joker relationship they had and then the big moment for Batman as he realizes the city is changing and a whole lot of threats to come: Ghostmaker, Scarecrow and Magistrate and all. Plus the artwork here is so good, every page feels so awesome, manga-ish style for sure! Loved it! One of my fav stories!
_______________________________________________________________________________________
This story pits the JOKER against Batman and he has every toy of batman and every money of his and has Punchline and his Joker gang who are destroying the city and like the cityhall and mayor are not doing anything because he has given them a lot of Money. Joker wants to kill people by showing them the mark of zorro movie and all and Batman is in a worse position than he has ever been. Will he win? This story is a fascinating read from the get go and breaks down Bruce so much and has amazing moments like his talk with Alfred and letting him go and calling in the family and having that talk with Harley and finally a new dawn emerges! But new enemies also rising: Clownhunter, Ghost-maker and the Hench-master! And whatever is going on with Punchline after this?!
Re-reading it after almost 1.5 years and wow my feelings on the story don't change. Its epic in a single word like the story pretty much pits Joker against Batman after the whole Designer debacle and Joker thinks Batman is so boring now and he carries on a personal attack and we see him attack Bruce Wayne and tear everything down that makes him Batman and challenges him on a spiritual level almost like the way he is doused out with toxins by Punchline and then everything he knows been taken away. I like how Tynion uses this opportunity to give the final moment/levity that Batman needed after Alfred's death and thankfully Tynion does a wonderful job of closing that out and showcasing the final talks between father and son and its beautiful to read!
Then the big return of the Bat-family and the war taken to Joker and I love how he includes Harley over here too and gives her a much needed character arc too and makes her feel a part of the story and gives closure to the Joker relationship they had and then the big moment for Batman as he realizes the city is changing and a whole lot of threats to come: Ghostmaker, Scarecrow and Magistrate and all. Plus the artwork here is so good, every page feels so awesome, manga-ish style for sure! Loved it! One of my fav stories!
_______________________________________________________________________________________
This story pits the JOKER against Batman and he has every toy of batman and every money of his and has Punchline and his Joker gang who are destroying the city and like the cityhall and mayor are not doing anything because he has given them a lot of Money. Joker wants to kill people by showing them the mark of zorro movie and all and Batman is in a worse position than he has ever been. Will he win? This story is a fascinating read from the get go and breaks down Bruce so much and has amazing moments like his talk with Alfred and letting him go and calling in the family and having that talk with Harley and finally a new dawn emerges! But new enemies also rising: Clownhunter, Ghost-maker and the Hench-master! And whatever is going on with Punchline after this?!
February 22, 2021
The Joker War brings a totally new and never before seen arc to Batman. It's about the Joker...bringing war...to Gotham.
Okay jokes aside, and you probably saying "not another Joker story" This was pretty good. The storyline is simple enough and seen it done million times. But the fact James REALLY nails some of these character moments. Sure Joker's idea to take away Bruce's money and make him suffer personally is cool but it's the moments with Dick's return, Batman and Alfred, Harley Quinn being a goddamn QUEEN, and so many more smaller moments worked real well.
It also helps that the new characters are well done. Both Punchline and Clownhunter are awesome additions to the Batman Mythos. I also really loved the art. Just so damn good. The action flows so well and the sexiness of everyone from Batman to Harley Quinn to Punchline is SO good. I need more of that shit.
The pacing was a bit off and parts felt stilted in terms of storyline. But when the character moments came up they shined so good.
A 4 out of 5.
Okay jokes aside, and you probably saying "not another Joker story" This was pretty good. The storyline is simple enough and seen it done million times. But the fact James REALLY nails some of these character moments. Sure Joker's idea to take away Bruce's money and make him suffer personally is cool but it's the moments with Dick's return, Batman and Alfred, Harley Quinn being a goddamn QUEEN, and so many more smaller moments worked real well.
It also helps that the new characters are well done. Both Punchline and Clownhunter are awesome additions to the Batman Mythos. I also really loved the art. Just so damn good. The action flows so well and the sexiness of everyone from Batman to Harley Quinn to Punchline is SO good. I need more of that shit.
The pacing was a bit off and parts felt stilted in terms of storyline. But when the character moments came up they shined so good.
A 4 out of 5.
August 26, 2021
This volume reeled me back in a little following the stage-setting of the first volume, though now I am definitely ready to take a looooong break from Joker-centric stories.
That means you too, Harley.
That means you too, Harley.
September 9, 2025
Can someone please kill Joker!
January 28, 2021
You can find my review on my blog by clicking here.
Gotham City has always been a dangerous terrain, burdened by a past brimming with corruption and criminality. Despite the heroic and visionary feats of past heroes, it always somehow manages to transform certain individuals into their worse nightmares. For some, Gotham will always have a dark core embellished by foolish ideals promoted by the rich and famous. For others, Gotham is a gentle soul terribly mistreated by ill-intentioned lunatics and only desperately requiring someone to protect it from these wretched creatures. In his second story-arc as the lead writer of the ongoing Batman comic book series, James Tynion IV teams up with artist Jorge Jimenez to deliver a battle of visions centered around the World’s Greatest Detective and the Clown Prince of Crime.
What is Batman: The Joker War? Picking up where things were left off in Their Dark Designs, the Joker begins his ultimate plan in the age-long conflict with the Dark Knight Detective. Having taken care of The Designer, the Joker now finds himself in a dominant and unparalleled position of power as he works with his newest sidekick Punchline to take control of key locations that will ultimately serve as Batman’s grave. Unfortunately for them, Harley Quinn isn’t out of the picture just yet as she turns into an undesired thorn in the grand scheme at play. In the midst of this chaos, new and old players join the war and unleash their own dose of justice while the Caped Crusader comes to terms with his past and works to find his footing to stop the Joker once and for all.
Collecting issues #95 to #100, this epic Batman event had countless repercussions across the DC world, especially with the heroes within Gotham City. Writer James Tynion does a truly exciting job in building up the tension and suspense as he gives us tidbits of what the Joker has planned for Batman this time around. While the event is not an end in itself, it does allow him to focus on the two contrasting ideologies embodied by Batman and the Joker, the former believing that Gotham is his to protect and save, the latter believing that Gotham is being deprived of its rawest form, one that is dark, hungry, and deadly. On top of this discourse, writer James Tynion IV does a fantastic job in exploring the grief embraced by Batman as he now faces head-on with the loss he recently suffered and has yet to truly accept. Explored through a hallucinogenic subplot, it allowed Bruce Wayne to refocus his purpose in life and clarify the vision he has for the future, while also understanding what he needs to do going forward.
Unfortunately, the grand spectacle is undermined by the short-length of this story-arc and by the heavy-hitting themes explored throughout this volume. This is mostly due to an imbalance in scope as the story mashes together a tale of love, loss, family, betrayal, society, and war in a bag too small to keep it all together. As the narrative is rushed to the finish line, the decisive moment is superficially glossed over instead of allowing the Batman and Joker battle to remain central to the plot. Joker’s motive to orchestrate this plan is thus diluted and consequently lost as writer James Tynion IV remembers by the end that this ultimate war needs to serve as a foundation for things to come, forcing the narrative to fizzle out as the epilogue desperately, and maybe even successfully, tries to spark things up.
It would be a mistake not to mention the phenomenal artwork by Jorge Jimenez. Continuing his exposure to superhero comics, this time around he picks up the totality of the burden of this story-arc as he draws some of the most gorgeous characters and settings ever. Trust me when I tell you that it’s astonishing what he’s able to accomplish. Every panel is jammed with life and emotion, even the subtlest of expressions is captured through body language and gaze. Then you have his splash pages that will indubitably have you dragging your jaw across the floor. Respect must also be given to colourist Tomeu Morey who somehow knows how to meticulously inject the right colours in the right places, assuring readers that every page is a sight worth seeing and framing. At this point, I think anything that Jorge Jimenez draws would have me in ecstasy.
Batman: The Joker War is a visually mind-blowing event pitting two icons against one another in a war to win dominion over the future of Gotham City.
Yours truly,
Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer
Official blog: https://bookidote.com/
March 16, 2024
I thought this one was pretty good... it wasn't the coolest thing since sliced bread like the hype was supposed to make it sound, but the art was great, and the story was okay. It was a bit darker than it needed to be in spots, there were some cameo appearances that didn't accomplish much, and no one anywhere really believes that the Joker is gone for good, but it was a well told tale. It was a little less standalone than I would have liked, and I felt that there were probably several other books that I was supposed to have read to really grasp all of this one. Harley stole the show as the voice of reason, Punchline was a cool character new to me, and Batman seemed genuinely distraught that Alfred was gone. Not as good as some of the classic arcs, but much better than the more recent interminably bleak films.
February 5, 2021
The Joker has stolen all of Bruce Wayne's money, and he's going to use it to take over Gotham once and for all. Worse still, he knows that Bruce Wayne is Batman, and he's not about to let this newfound knowledge go to waste as the Joker War sweeps the streets!
Look, this story's dumb. I know that, you know that. But does that stop it being good? Absolutely not. It's Batman turned up to 11, with his archnemesis doing awful things (including a few surprises) and some fun stuff going on with both Harley Quinn and Punchline. Tynion IV knows the kind of story he wants to tell, and damn, he's good at it. Is it daft? Yes. Is it enjoyable? Yes. It's like a Fast & The Furious movie, with Bat ears. I was a little disappointed that the ending didn't turn out the way I'd hoped, but Tynion IV zigging when he could have zagged right at the last minute wasn't enough to dampen my enjoyment.
Plus it looks phenomenal, because Jorge Jimenez draws the hell out of everything. The dude draws all six issues including the extra-sized #100, and it looks amazing from top to bottom.
Tynion IV's Batman run continues to impress. It's in a different vein to his other Bat stories thus far, but it's no less fun; comics are meant to be fun, after all.
Look, this story's dumb. I know that, you know that. But does that stop it being good? Absolutely not. It's Batman turned up to 11, with his archnemesis doing awful things (including a few surprises) and some fun stuff going on with both Harley Quinn and Punchline. Tynion IV knows the kind of story he wants to tell, and damn, he's good at it. Is it daft? Yes. Is it enjoyable? Yes. It's like a Fast & The Furious movie, with Bat ears. I was a little disappointed that the ending didn't turn out the way I'd hoped, but Tynion IV zigging when he could have zagged right at the last minute wasn't enough to dampen my enjoyment.
Plus it looks phenomenal, because Jorge Jimenez draws the hell out of everything. The dude draws all six issues including the extra-sized #100, and it looks amazing from top to bottom.
Tynion IV's Batman run continues to impress. It's in a different vein to his other Bat stories thus far, but it's no less fun; comics are meant to be fun, after all.
September 26, 2021
Artist Jorge Jimenez does some great art, but the story is just OK. The whole situation just seems a bit too improbable.
October 13, 2020
A fun Batman event story! So the story has Joker take over Wayne Enterprises and Bruce Waynes fortune and now he has an army of clowns that controls the city. I haven't really been keeping up with any in-continuity stuff, since Tom King and DC really did just ruin everthing Batman related for me. But this story has been turning a lot of heads so I'd thought I'd check it out. I only read the main batman title and didn't bother with any of the tie ins.
For the most part, it's a fun Batman story with some gorgeous art by Jorge Jimenez! Seriously some of the panels are just amazing! I read this on my phone and couldn't help but take screen shots of some of it. I also like how James Tynion plays around with Alfred being gone and how it's affecting Bruce, ironic since thats when I gave up on the main continuity. But even though Alfred won't be gone for long, at least we can get some good stories out of it. But overall, this was a fun event but nothing mind blowing.
For the most part, it's a fun Batman story with some gorgeous art by Jorge Jimenez! Seriously some of the panels are just amazing! I read this on my phone and couldn't help but take screen shots of some of it. I also like how James Tynion plays around with Alfred being gone and how it's affecting Bruce, ironic since thats when I gave up on the main continuity. But even though Alfred won't be gone for long, at least we can get some good stories out of it. But overall, this was a fun event but nothing mind blowing.
February 9, 2022
A really solid Joker centric entry despite hitting the same beats as about 80% of the other Clown Prince of Crime stories that exist. The thought of the Joker having the funds to do literally whatever he wants whilst Batman is left penniless, broken and alone is a neat idea and works as well on paper as it does in theory. The writing is great, with one of my favourite parts being the lovely moments between Bruce and Alfred that explore the theme of loss and closure. It also has a lot of action packed into the latter half. The Joker and Batman fight being paralleled with the Batfam taking back Gotham results in a lot of well-executed interactions and phenomenal art. Despite all of the positives, the ending is about what you would expect from an oversaturated villain like the Joker; the Joker escapes and lives another day for them to do it all over again...
February 22, 2021
It’s big. It’s fun. It’s going to sell new collectible action figures. It’s also.... just fine. This run has promise. And the art is as good as it gets. But it’s just so damn much that it ends up not being enough. For Batman to be at his best again, these stories need to be dialed down.
October 7, 2021
I keep reading Batman comics mainly for the art, I think. It's always stellar. The stories, on the other hand, are pretty much the same every time. It's like each new author is given strict parameters and one villain to play with. James Tynion IV drew the Joker from the hat, so he's crafted a "Joker War" in which Joker steals Bruce Wayne's billions and funds chaos in Gotham City. Why? Unclear. And why can only Batman save the day? Also unclear, but I suppose there wouldn't be any stakes otherwise.
Nothing in The Joker War feels fresh, but it's oh so beautiful to look at. In the end, the status quo is restored because how else would Batman comics continue on as they always have and always will?
Nothing in The Joker War feels fresh, but it's oh so beautiful to look at. In the end, the status quo is restored because how else would Batman comics continue on as they always have and always will?
October 28, 2020
This just kinda sucks, especially in light of a superior Joker Story (Three Jokers) being published around the same time.
Turns out all those hints of Joker knowing Batman's identity from Snyder's run were true, he really does know that Batman = Bruce Wayne, oh noooooo. What does Joker do with this knowledge? He...steals Bruce Wayne's money...somehow? That part happens in the previous arc, so I don't know how exactly that happened but I assume it's dumb. Joker then uses that money to fuel his brand of anarchy, alongside his new henchwoman Punchline, who I don't actually hate. I like the idea of her being someone who believes in Joker's "message", instead of somehow being smitten with his charm like Harley was (Seriously, Harley's origin has never made sense, except in Harleen) and her getting frustrated with how he handles his plans, seeing his obsession with Batman as a weakness.
I am much less kind to Clownhunter, who is basically just...Red Hood again? "Oh man he's a vigilante who kills criminals instead of jailing them, oh my god, how are we gonna give Batman the Moral High ground this time?" is just such a tired fucking trope at this point. And that's really my main issue, for all the posturing about how things are different this time they're just NOT.
Joker does some bullshit, Batman stops him, someone questions why he doesn't kill the Joker, he has no real answer but is given the high ground anyway, Joker escapes to do it all over again. I don't know when Comic writers are going to learn that superhero comics, for all their ability to be more than kiddie fair that some see them as, do have certain conventions that can't be broken and to constantly pick and prod at those unbreakable conventions without being able to give satisfactory answers as to why they still exist just makes readers question those conventions themselves and constantly think about how dumb they are.
Either do something that actually changes those conventions, or stop pointing them out, the more writers try to lean on the fourth wall and address the complaints that people have about the genre without actually having a damn good answer just makes everything worse. Everything Tynion has done with Batman has just not only made me miss King, who actually changed things and had something to say about Batman, but has also just made me almost give up on Batman as a character, and is systematic of the problems with Superhero comics as a whole.
Jiminez's art is amazing, like always, the only reason it gets 2 stars.
Turns out all those hints of Joker knowing Batman's identity from Snyder's run were true, he really does know that Batman = Bruce Wayne, oh noooooo. What does Joker do with this knowledge? He...steals Bruce Wayne's money...somehow? That part happens in the previous arc, so I don't know how exactly that happened but I assume it's dumb. Joker then uses that money to fuel his brand of anarchy, alongside his new henchwoman Punchline, who I don't actually hate. I like the idea of her being someone who believes in Joker's "message", instead of somehow being smitten with his charm like Harley was (Seriously, Harley's origin has never made sense, except in Harleen) and her getting frustrated with how he handles his plans, seeing his obsession with Batman as a weakness.
I am much less kind to Clownhunter, who is basically just...Red Hood again? "Oh man he's a vigilante who kills criminals instead of jailing them, oh my god, how are we gonna give Batman the Moral High ground this time?" is just such a tired fucking trope at this point. And that's really my main issue, for all the posturing about how things are different this time they're just NOT.
Joker does some bullshit, Batman stops him, someone questions why he doesn't kill the Joker, he has no real answer but is given the high ground anyway, Joker escapes to do it all over again. I don't know when Comic writers are going to learn that superhero comics, for all their ability to be more than kiddie fair that some see them as, do have certain conventions that can't be broken and to constantly pick and prod at those unbreakable conventions without being able to give satisfactory answers as to why they still exist just makes readers question those conventions themselves and constantly think about how dumb they are.
Either do something that actually changes those conventions, or stop pointing them out, the more writers try to lean on the fourth wall and address the complaints that people have about the genre without actually having a damn good answer just makes everything worse. Everything Tynion has done with Batman has just not only made me miss King, who actually changed things and had something to say about Batman, but has also just made me almost give up on Batman as a character, and is systematic of the problems with Superhero comics as a whole.
Jiminez's art is amazing, like always, the only reason it gets 2 stars.
February 13, 2021
I liked this a lot more than Tynion’s initial arc; it’s a much better executed version of his conception for the series as horror-tinged back-to-basics Batman stories with interesting new characters and gadgets for new readers and old fans alike. I do wish Tynion had been confident enough in his take on the series to avoid what feels like an overtly defensive monologue from the Joker about how people say they want something new, but really just want the same familiar things over and over except with new layers to them revealed.
One big positive change is there’s not so many new faces only making a brief appearance this time, which previously felt more like a marketing gimmick than an artistic choice. Instead, Clownhunter and Punchline are the only real newish faces and each gets plenty of pages to explore who they are beyond their striking appearances; each one feels like a promising twist on an existing Gotham archetype, too.
Joker being the one with unlimited funds and access to cutting edge tech this time is an interesting new angle to his and Batman’s ongoing conflict, and I thought the eventual reveal of Joker’s deeper goal was promising in how it reflected contemporary real-world anxieties about hollowed-out institutions that we depend on. There’s a more specific reading there about how easily a villainous figure can gain control of institutional bureaucracy and pervert it towards their own evil intent, but I’m not sure if Tynion intends it or has much to say on that subject so far if so.
Batman also gets another brief hallucinatory journey into his psyche that’s visually interesting and a decent critique of the mopey control-freak tendencies he’s been written with over the years, plus it offers more emotional resolution to the big loss from the end of Tom King’s recent run on the series. There’s also one of the most delightfully dad-joke named Bat gadgets ever, and I was glad to see art that’s more consistently to my taste than Tynion’s initial arc had. The epilogue suggests a promising next few issues too!
One big positive change is there’s not so many new faces only making a brief appearance this time, which previously felt more like a marketing gimmick than an artistic choice. Instead, Clownhunter and Punchline are the only real newish faces and each gets plenty of pages to explore who they are beyond their striking appearances; each one feels like a promising twist on an existing Gotham archetype, too.
Joker being the one with unlimited funds and access to cutting edge tech this time is an interesting new angle to his and Batman’s ongoing conflict, and I thought the eventual reveal of Joker’s deeper goal was promising in how it reflected contemporary real-world anxieties about hollowed-out institutions that we depend on. There’s a more specific reading there about how easily a villainous figure can gain control of institutional bureaucracy and pervert it towards their own evil intent, but I’m not sure if Tynion intends it or has much to say on that subject so far if so.
Batman also gets another brief hallucinatory journey into his psyche that’s visually interesting and a decent critique of the mopey control-freak tendencies he’s been written with over the years, plus it offers more emotional resolution to the big loss from the end of Tom King’s recent run on the series. There’s also one of the most delightfully dad-joke named Bat gadgets ever, and I was glad to see art that’s more consistently to my taste than Tynion’s initial arc had. The epilogue suggests a promising next few issues too!
March 25, 2021
So Joker War starts off decent, gets a little gloomy in the middle, and made me feel stupid for having read it by the end. There was a while there when I was thinking "this is sort of charming and I might even shell out the cash for that big honkin omnibus with all the side-stories and everything" but then the ending hit and I remembered that superhero comics are written for idiots. The advertising advertises that this is the real last Joker Batman story for real real, and even though this obviously isn't true it's also what is presented on the first page, so you gotta think that at least something is going to happen that will feel unique or special or whatever.
But what is true is that this advertising is a lie and the book can't even keep up the lie for the whole book. By the end it's just, like, a lie or whatever and nothing really happens. Joker fights the Batman. The end.
But what is true is that this advertising is a lie and the book can't even keep up the lie for the whole book. By the end it's just, like, a lie or whatever and nothing really happens. Joker fights the Batman. The end.
August 20, 2022
It still a bit disappointing that so soon after the “City of Bane” storyline that ended Tom King’s run Tynion jumps right into a story that bears so many similarities. It does feel like a bit of a rehash as we see Gotham once again under the control of a bad guy. This time, the Joker has taken control of Wayne Enterprises as well as all of Bruce’s assets and plans on turning Gotham into his own image. It’s like Tom King's "City of Bane" combined with Scott Snyder's "Endgame," and doesn’t feel at all original. But like the previous volume, aside from the lack of originality, James Tynion is apretty good writer and this story is still handled better than King's storyline and makes for good reading.
July 7, 2021
This was good. Now no more Joker for a few years or something.
April 28, 2021
Surprisingly entertaining considering the premises we’ve all seen a zillion times already: Bats is deep down in the dumps, Joker has the upper hand and goes on a rampage with Gotham as his playground. Nothing very original to say the least but the all-out action kind of offsets the lack of inventivity with a breathtaking roller coaster ride.
Jorge Jimenez (art) and Tomeu Morey (colors) are no small part in this achievement. Jimenez-sometimes reminding me of Sean Murphy- brings in agressive and dynamic storytelling and action scenes and Morey adds cool colors to ice the cake.
Thing is, I could have easily rate the book a star more but three things displeased me enough not to get too enthusiastic. First, Punchline-a character who failed to impress me so far- and her long battle with Harley. Second, the apparition of Clownkiller, a quite useless character with a ridiculous costume. Finally, and most of all, the conveniently unexplained reasons allowing Joker’s goons to freely maim and murder in the streets greatly irritated me. This was lazy writing, which scratch my suspension of disbelief in the wrong way even though Bullock kind of shone in lieu of Gordon through it all.
Jorge Jimenez (art) and Tomeu Morey (colors) are no small part in this achievement. Jimenez-sometimes reminding me of Sean Murphy- brings in agressive and dynamic storytelling and action scenes and Morey adds cool colors to ice the cake.
Thing is, I could have easily rate the book a star more but three things displeased me enough not to get too enthusiastic. First, Punchline-a character who failed to impress me so far- and her long battle with Harley. Second, the apparition of Clownkiller, a quite useless character with a ridiculous costume. Finally, and most of all, the conveniently unexplained reasons allowing Joker’s goons to freely maim and murder in the streets greatly irritated me. This was lazy writing, which scratch my suspension of disbelief in the wrong way even though Bullock kind of shone in lieu of Gordon through it all.
March 12, 2021
I really liked this comic book, what really liked about this comic is the number of fight scenes there were. I also showed not only the things that batman was thinking but it would also show how the joker thought
April 7, 2021
Lives up to expectations..gets real brutal pretty quickly and a number of questions at the end..
February 28, 2021
Batman Vol. 2 The Joker War collects issues 95-100 of the series written by James Tynion IV with art by Jorge Jiménez.
The Joker has taken possession of the Wayne family fortune and is using the money to take over Gotham City. Bruce Wayne is battling to save the city he loves and to redeem his family while still dealing with the grief from Aflred's death.
Overall, I think the story is slightly above average but it largely reuses previous stories of Joker taking over Gotham City. What I did like is that the books introduced some new characters in Punchline and Clownhunter. I really enjoyed Clownhunter and I think he could open up some really interesting storylines down the road. I really want to see him interact with Damian Wayne. I think Punchline could be also be a character that could be used for years to come. I also really like when Batman and Harley have an uneasy alliance. Their different personalities really compliment each other. I'm excited and curious to see where Tynion takes the series from here.
The Joker has taken possession of the Wayne family fortune and is using the money to take over Gotham City. Bruce Wayne is battling to save the city he loves and to redeem his family while still dealing with the grief from Aflred's death.
Overall, I think the story is slightly above average but it largely reuses previous stories of Joker taking over Gotham City. What I did like is that the books introduced some new characters in Punchline and Clownhunter. I really enjoyed Clownhunter and I think he could open up some really interesting storylines down the road. I really want to see him interact with Damian Wayne. I think Punchline could be also be a character that could be used for years to come. I also really like when Batman and Harley have an uneasy alliance. Their different personalities really compliment each other. I'm excited and curious to see where Tynion takes the series from here.
Read
January 18, 2021I like a lot of the things in here. Not so hot on other elements. But as an event I think this is solid, exciting plot, consistent art, and as much of an ending as event comics can have.
I do think though that the character beats are outstanding here. The work with Bruce and Alfred, Batman and Harley, and the reunion of family. It is when this comic is at its best. And how it handles the Batman and Joker eternal struggle problem is pretty good I think. And while I’m not in love with either of the new characters (ClownHunter and Punchline) I am interested to see how they’d progress in this title.
Ultimately I had a fun time with this and am enjoying pulling this book every month. I think this wasn’t as good as the first volume but still worth reading for those character beats I mentioned and the look at the shifting mentality of justice in superhero comics.
I do think though that the character beats are outstanding here. The work with Bruce and Alfred, Batman and Harley, and the reunion of family. It is when this comic is at its best. And how it handles the Batman and Joker eternal struggle problem is pretty good I think. And while I’m not in love with either of the new characters (ClownHunter and Punchline) I am interested to see how they’d progress in this title.
Ultimately I had a fun time with this and am enjoying pulling this book every month. I think this wasn’t as good as the first volume but still worth reading for those character beats I mentioned and the look at the shifting mentality of justice in superhero comics.
October 5, 2023
Liked it!!!
Every time theres a big story arc with The Joker we only get some twist and turns, some shocking moments, and that's it. Always the Joker scapes to dissapear a couple of years and nothing else happens, the Bat Family needs more exposure. Loved the Harley Quinn storyline.
And we need to se more from Punchline and Clown Killer, loved both Characters.
I'm in love with the Art.
Every time theres a big story arc with The Joker we only get some twist and turns, some shocking moments, and that's it. Always the Joker scapes to dissapear a couple of years and nothing else happens, the Bat Family needs more exposure. Loved the Harley Quinn storyline.
And we need to se more from Punchline and Clown Killer, loved both Characters.
I'm in love with the Art.
September 12, 2024
Well I was right to wait until vol.2 before judging Tynion's work.
I enjoyed the writing much better this volume. It seems the first was laying the groundwork for who his Batman was, and with that out of the way, he could do less of the thought box narrating, and let the story speak for itself.
Doesn't hurt that this volume had Jorge Jiminez, maybe the best artist in DC's roster at the moment, handling the bulk of the pencils.
Just two things that held it back for me:
1. This is a Batman story we've seen a thousand times:
- Batman seemingly loses everything, and is all but beaten.
- Batman pulls himself together. Realises he needs the Bat-family's help.
- Everyone descends on Gotham to save the day as a team.
- Also the Joker has been pulling everyone's strings all along.
2. 2 out of 3 of the Joker's big moves are resolved by the Bat-family in other books. The Joker War was an event of sorts, and so Batwoman solved one big problem in the pages of Detective Comics, and Catwoman another in her own series.
Nevertheless, this was a fun read and it looked great. I think I'm more excited to see what comes next though, as the consequences of this are dire of Bruce and the Wayne estate.
I enjoyed the writing much better this volume. It seems the first was laying the groundwork for who his Batman was, and with that out of the way, he could do less of the thought box narrating, and let the story speak for itself.
Doesn't hurt that this volume had Jorge Jiminez, maybe the best artist in DC's roster at the moment, handling the bulk of the pencils.
Just two things that held it back for me:
1. This is a Batman story we've seen a thousand times:
- Batman seemingly loses everything, and is all but beaten.
- Batman pulls himself together. Realises he needs the Bat-family's help.
- Everyone descends on Gotham to save the day as a team.
- Also the Joker has been pulling everyone's strings all along.
2. 2 out of 3 of the Joker's big moves are resolved by the Bat-family in other books. The Joker War was an event of sorts, and so Batwoman solved one big problem in the pages of Detective Comics, and Catwoman another in her own series.
Nevertheless, this was a fun read and it looked great. I think I'm more excited to see what comes next though, as the consequences of this are dire of Bruce and the Wayne estate.
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