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Joker's Asylum (Collected Editions) #2
Batman: Joker's Asylum, Vol. 2
Each of these tales is narrated by The Joker and gives readers an inside look into the insane lives of The Dark Knight’s greatest adversaries. This batch of tense tales spotlights The Riddler, Harley Quinn, Mad Hatter, Clayface and Killer Croc. Can you stand the madness?
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 18, 2011
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303 people want to read
About the author
Landry Q. Walker
198 books72 followersLandry Q. Walker is a New York Times bestselling author of comics and books. His work includes Star Wars stories, Batman and Supergirl comics, and the Project Terra series of novels. He also co-created a Saturday morning cartoon called Scary Larry. He likes castles and robots and also pop-tarts. Most days he sits in his office and pushes buttons on a keyboard until stories somehow happen.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
August 28, 2015
This is an anthology series featuring select Batman rogues and it’s hosted by The Joker. Different writers and artists take turns each issue, which means that the quality veers widely from story to story.
There’s a little Batman here, as well.
*sigh* Okay, not “little”, “some”, as in cameos.
Literalists!
Contained herein are stories about Mad Hatter, Harley Quinn, Killer Croc, Clay Face and The Riddler. Harley Quinn and Killer Croc tales are the standouts. The rest are just odd.
I have no idea what’s popping out of the Hatter’s hands. Maybe he’s channeling Jubilee’s electrical powers.
The story – Jervis falls for a girl, whose name sadly isn’t Alice. Unrequited mayhem ensues.
For the Riddler, sub out The Mad Hatter and the whole tired Alice in Wonderland schtick and substitute a horny Riddler and a mysterious visitor. Unrequited mayhem ensues II.
The cult of Clayface. He’s big with pimply faced alienated teen aged boys. Claymation mayhem ensues.
Lovable Killer Croc gets chosen for a pet by a couple who just vacationed in Florida.
Bone crunching fun ensues after they try to flush him down the toilet.
Yes, know your audience. In this case it would be, Batmanophiles, who need to read everything Bats related, including the adventures of Ace the Bat Hound.
Bottom line: Shelby won’t like it.
There’s a little Batman here, as well.
*sigh* Okay, not “little”, “some”, as in cameos.
Literalists!
Contained herein are stories about Mad Hatter, Harley Quinn, Killer Croc, Clay Face and The Riddler. Harley Quinn and Killer Croc tales are the standouts. The rest are just odd.
I have no idea what’s popping out of the Hatter’s hands. Maybe he’s channeling Jubilee’s electrical powers.
The story – Jervis falls for a girl, whose name sadly isn’t Alice. Unrequited mayhem ensues.
For the Riddler, sub out The Mad Hatter and the whole tired Alice in Wonderland schtick and substitute a horny Riddler and a mysterious visitor. Unrequited mayhem ensues II.
The cult of Clayface. He’s big with pimply faced alienated teen aged boys. Claymation mayhem ensues.
Lovable Killer Croc gets chosen for a pet by a couple who just vacationed in Florida.
Bone crunching fun ensues after they try to flush him down the toilet.
Yes, know your audience. In this case it would be, Batmanophiles, who need to read everything Bats related, including the adventures of Ace the Bat Hound.
Bottom line: Shelby won’t like it.
October 5, 2016
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
I picked this one up when errrrryone’s Suicide Squad fever was topping out at 105 and since it was on display at the ol’ liburrrrrrrrrrry as an homage to the same. Also because . . . .
Batman: Joker’s Asylum (Vol. 2) is a collection containing short tales of various miscreants narrated by the Joker. All of the stories but one (I’ll get to that later) find cohesion in that they are about love.
There’s a tale about a certain gentleman looking for a new Alice . . . .
One about a girl trying to spend Valentine’s Day with her Puddin’ . . . .
A man who is willing to change everything about himself in order to land the woman of his dreams . . . .
And a Killer Croc who may be falling for the wrong dame . . . .
EWWWWW! Mitchell, not THAT kind of croc!
Each of the stories also has the fact that right when things are starting to get good Batman comes along and ruins the fun . . . . .
All of them, that is, except for the story featuring Clayface. Not only does it not fit with the others in this collection, but I also have a hard time getting on board with reading about a fella who looks like . . . .
For the most part, though, this was decent. 3 Stars.
I picked this one up when errrrryone’s Suicide Squad fever was topping out at 105 and since it was on display at the ol’ liburrrrrrrrrrry as an homage to the same. Also because . . . .
Batman: Joker’s Asylum (Vol. 2) is a collection containing short tales of various miscreants narrated by the Joker. All of the stories but one (I’ll get to that later) find cohesion in that they are about love.
There’s a tale about a certain gentleman looking for a new Alice . . . .
One about a girl trying to spend Valentine’s Day with her Puddin’ . . . .
A man who is willing to change everything about himself in order to land the woman of his dreams . . . .
And a Killer Croc who may be falling for the wrong dame . . . .
EWWWWW! Mitchell, not THAT kind of croc!
Each of the stories also has the fact that right when things are starting to get good Batman comes along and ruins the fun . . . . .
All of them, that is, except for the story featuring Clayface. Not only does it not fit with the others in this collection, but I also have a hard time getting on board with reading about a fella who looks like . . . .
For the most part, though, this was decent. 3 Stars.
December 10, 2016
Joker’s Asylum is an anthology of stories about Batman’s rogues told by Joker for no reason. This second volume has stories on the Mad Hatter, Harley Quinn, the Riddler, Killer Croc and Clayface, and most of them are pretty bad!
The Mad Hatter story explores Jervis Tetch’s weird Alice in Wonderland fantasies and would’ve probably been more impactful if I hadn’t already read Gregg Hurwitz’s New 52 The Dark Knight, Volume 3: Mad, which does an amazing job of exploring this character’s dark and disturbing pathology. The story here shows a troubled dude who’s genuinely creepy but the format makes it very truncated - check out Hurwitz’s comic for a surprisingly great story on the Mad Hatter of all characters!
Harley’s episode is yet another Valentine’s Day story where she wants to be with Mistah J - I’ve read three versions of this story in three different books and it’s never been good. The Clayface story is crap too - Clayface creates a cult of nutters for his corny movies. Boo!
The two decent stories was Riddler falling in love with a girl who wanted nothing to do with him and him trying to riddle his way into her affections; and Killer Croc acting as an enforcer to a pair of ambitious up-and-coming gangsters. Croc is especially effective given his dialogue is extremely limited making him more of a silent menacing figure, a role he is best suited to.
Maybe Joker’s Asylum is worth a look as a primer to readers unfamiliar with these characters but two ok stories out of five doesn’t really make it a must-read by anyone’s standards.
The Mad Hatter story explores Jervis Tetch’s weird Alice in Wonderland fantasies and would’ve probably been more impactful if I hadn’t already read Gregg Hurwitz’s New 52 The Dark Knight, Volume 3: Mad, which does an amazing job of exploring this character’s dark and disturbing pathology. The story here shows a troubled dude who’s genuinely creepy but the format makes it very truncated - check out Hurwitz’s comic for a surprisingly great story on the Mad Hatter of all characters!
Harley’s episode is yet another Valentine’s Day story where she wants to be with Mistah J - I’ve read three versions of this story in three different books and it’s never been good. The Clayface story is crap too - Clayface creates a cult of nutters for his corny movies. Boo!
The two decent stories was Riddler falling in love with a girl who wanted nothing to do with him and him trying to riddle his way into her affections; and Killer Croc acting as an enforcer to a pair of ambitious up-and-coming gangsters. Croc is especially effective given his dialogue is extremely limited making him more of a silent menacing figure, a role he is best suited to.
Maybe Joker’s Asylum is worth a look as a primer to readers unfamiliar with these characters but two ok stories out of five doesn’t really make it a must-read by anyone’s standards.
August 28, 2021
This was a good volume much like the first. Also like the first, the stories are very dark. Then again, what would you expect from stories featuring Batman's most psychotic villains?
I really think we should see more one shots like this focusing on villains as they are sometimes more interesting than the heroes.
I really think we should see more one shots like this focusing on villains as they are sometimes more interesting than the heroes.
August 30, 2016
I really liked, and enjoyed this one. It has multiple stories in one, and they're all told from the Joker, so who knows how accurate some of them are.
The story that grabbed by attention the most was Riddler's story, "The House the Cards Built." Why, because the story itself is a riddle you have to solve. Who is the man who came to the door? Did, and can you figure it out?
But it wasn't just Riddler's story that stayed with me when I finished, but also the characters. I finished reading wanting to know more about The Mad Hatter, and Killer Croc. Especially Killer Croc, because he seems like he has more there then just his violent, and grotesque looks. At least this comic gave me more then the Suicide Squad movie did. Clayface seems kind of cool, and has definitely been put on my radar to maybe look out for in more comics, but out of the bunch to pick from, he was the least interesting.
Overall rating: 5/5 stars.
Would I Recommend: Yes. Really fun, and a short quick read.
The story that grabbed by attention the most was Riddler's story, "The House the Cards Built." Why, because the story itself is a riddle you have to solve. Who is the man who came to the door? Did, and can you figure it out?
But it wasn't just Riddler's story that stayed with me when I finished, but also the characters. I finished reading wanting to know more about The Mad Hatter, and Killer Croc. Especially Killer Croc, because he seems like he has more there then just his violent, and grotesque looks. At least this comic gave me more then the Suicide Squad movie did. Clayface seems kind of cool, and has definitely been put on my radar to maybe look out for in more comics, but out of the bunch to pick from, he was the least interesting.
Overall rating: 5/5 stars.
Would I Recommend: Yes. Really fun, and a short quick read.
February 22, 2017
So there's a running theme in four of these stories -- ill-fated luv for Mad Hatter, Harley Quinn, the Riddler, and Killer Croc -- and then a random Clayface story tacked on at the end. I'd have loved this collection too, but CLAYFACE, UGH. At least Mr. Freeze would have kept it thematically on point? Talia al Ghul and Bane?
January 15, 2024
Batman: Joker’s Asylum was a very interesting read. I really learned a lot about some characters I’ve never been as interested in, such as Killer Croc and Mad Hatter. Each story was thought-provoking and layered. I was a bit disappointed with a few, like Harley Quinn’s, but I didn’t dwell on it in the long run. Great book.
August 10, 2014
The Joker tells tales about Arkham Asylum inmates Mad-Hatter (Jervis Tetch), Harley Quinn, Riddler Killer Croc, and Clayface (Basil Carlo). He may be an unreliable narrator, but the stories themselves are still fun to read. With the exception of Clayface's story, they are tales linked to obsessions viewed by the characters as romantic love.
The Mad-Hatter is shown to have been obsessed with blonde-haired women whom he killed after finding out that they were not named Alice as he wished. Harley Quinn breaks out of Arkham Asylum on Valentine's Day to spend time with The Joker, but when Batman reveals that he took him to the asylum so that she could be lured back, she realizes that her trip ends where it began and willingly accepts to be arrested. What bothers me about her story is that it includes Carmine Falcone, who dies at the end of The Long Halloween, supposedly a couple of years after Year One. Harley Quinn does not appear in the comics' continuity until No Man's Land, which takes place over a decade after Year One. Are we supposed to believe that The Joker drove her mad within the second year of Batman's career, which is much earlier than thought initially?
The Riddler wishes to solve the riddle of how to win a woman's affections but later grows tired of her after he solves the riddle. The Joker does not reveal the identity of the person who visits Nygma and sets him up, but I believe that it is The Joker since he is telling multiple aspects of the story and keeps mentioning cards throughout the tale. Killer Croc falls in love with a woman, but she is only using him to kill a man from whom she wishes to be free. She tries running off with another man, but Killer Croc kills them both. In the final story, Basil Karlo stars in a film called "The Terror" and develops a cult following among teens who wish to be made of clay just like him, so this is a story about a different kind of obsessive love.
If you are obsessed with Batman villains, then you will love this collection. Riddle me this: What does that say about me if I gave this TPB 5 stars?
The Mad-Hatter is shown to have been obsessed with blonde-haired women whom he killed after finding out that they were not named Alice as he wished. Harley Quinn breaks out of Arkham Asylum on Valentine's Day to spend time with The Joker, but when Batman reveals that he took him to the asylum so that she could be lured back, she realizes that her trip ends where it began and willingly accepts to be arrested. What bothers me about her story is that it includes Carmine Falcone, who dies at the end of The Long Halloween, supposedly a couple of years after Year One. Harley Quinn does not appear in the comics' continuity until No Man's Land, which takes place over a decade after Year One. Are we supposed to believe that The Joker drove her mad within the second year of Batman's career, which is much earlier than thought initially?
The Riddler wishes to solve the riddle of how to win a woman's affections but later grows tired of her after he solves the riddle. The Joker does not reveal the identity of the person who visits Nygma and sets him up, but I believe that it is The Joker since he is telling multiple aspects of the story and keeps mentioning cards throughout the tale. Killer Croc falls in love with a woman, but she is only using him to kill a man from whom she wishes to be free. She tries running off with another man, but Killer Croc kills them both. In the final story, Basil Karlo stars in a film called "The Terror" and develops a cult following among teens who wish to be made of clay just like him, so this is a story about a different kind of obsessive love.
If you are obsessed with Batman villains, then you will love this collection. Riddle me this: What does that say about me if I gave this TPB 5 stars?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2011
The Joker returns with his tales from the Asylum, this time focusing on Mad Hatter, Riddler, Killer Croc, Clayface, and Harley Quinn. The Mad Hatter is living clean - no hats or tea - until meeting his supposed dream girl "Alice" at the supermarket. Riddler fals for a girl during his latest crime, only to become obsessed with uncovering the mystery that is woman. Killer Croc finds himself being accepted by a mafia couple - only to realize where the true monsters lie. The Basil Karlo version of Clayface discovers an old film of his is being played, and builds up a new fan base throughout its run. Harley breaks out on Valentine's Day, seeking her kidnapped Joker for a date. A great follow-up to the first volume, continuing to peel back the madness layers.
November 17, 2015
Liked it so much more than Vol. 1!
Clayface - the only story I didn't really like. The art wasn't my favorite, there's just not much happening.
Harley Quinn - It's Harley, so it's fun! Best Joker in this Vol. so far!
Killer Croc - Poor Croc. So misunderstood. So lonely. It's the oldest trope in the books, but I liked it nonetheless.
Mad Hatter - Speaking as a crazy person, this comes pretty close to what one of my episodes feel like. Minus the killing ofc.
The Riddler - The best one, IMO. I was genuinely rooting for Nigma to go clean, because he played it so well.
Clayface - the only story I didn't really like. The art wasn't my favorite, there's just not much happening.
Harley Quinn - It's Harley, so it's fun! Best Joker in this Vol. so far!
Killer Croc - Poor Croc. So misunderstood. So lonely. It's the oldest trope in the books, but I liked it nonetheless.
Mad Hatter - Speaking as a crazy person, this comes pretty close to what one of my episodes feel like. Minus the killing ofc.
The Riddler - The best one, IMO. I was genuinely rooting for Nigma to go clean, because he played it so well.
July 18, 2020
Batman: Joker's Asylum Vol. 2 Review:
I think Joker's Asylum Vol.1 to be a really surprising volume. Most of the stories in vol. 1 are reallt good as I especially liked the one with Joker, Scarecrow, and Two-Face. So I was really disappointed at vol.2, mainly because the stories here aren't all the good and the art style wasn't as great as vol.1 either. The art style here is mainly more on modern dc stories.
1. The Riddler - 6/10
- This one felt off to me. I just don't buy Riddler being even in love and the fact that the ending loses me imo. Although the art was okay and I think the story can be quite funny at times.
2. Harley Quinn - 7/10
- This one reminded me a lot of the Harley Quinn show and that this one is just a fun story. It is probably the one that just has a lot of fun to it. It was a nice adventure for Harley and I was quite entertain by it.
3. Mad Hatter - 5.5/10
- Mad Hatter's story to me, in a way felt like the movie Midsommar imo. The art style was really weird and the story itself was also trippy. Which makes sense for Hatter. I understand what there trying to do, but the story really didn't clicked for me.
4. Killer Croc - 7.5/10
- This is the best one in the volume. I actually felt bad for Croc here and I also think the art is good here. Same goes for the story, although the other characters here I really didn't cared for. But still, it was quite a sad story at the end.
5. Clayface - 5/10
- This one has to be the worse one. It just felt really off for me and the fact that nothing really happens much in this story imo. It also just ended apparently and I wasn't also a big fan of the art style. It was sort of copying Tim Sale's art, but is lacking on many things.
Overall:
This was a disappointing follow up top volume 1, because I really enjoyed the first volume. One that I was actually suprised by and most of the stories here I found to be completely lacking. Same goes for the art as it was not as diverse as the first one is. But it still has some nice stories in there like Croc and Harley Quinn.
6.5/10
I think Joker's Asylum Vol.1 to be a really surprising volume. Most of the stories in vol. 1 are reallt good as I especially liked the one with Joker, Scarecrow, and Two-Face. So I was really disappointed at vol.2, mainly because the stories here aren't all the good and the art style wasn't as great as vol.1 either. The art style here is mainly more on modern dc stories.
1. The Riddler - 6/10
- This one felt off to me. I just don't buy Riddler being even in love and the fact that the ending loses me imo. Although the art was okay and I think the story can be quite funny at times.
2. Harley Quinn - 7/10
- This one reminded me a lot of the Harley Quinn show and that this one is just a fun story. It is probably the one that just has a lot of fun to it. It was a nice adventure for Harley and I was quite entertain by it.
3. Mad Hatter - 5.5/10
- Mad Hatter's story to me, in a way felt like the movie Midsommar imo. The art style was really weird and the story itself was also trippy. Which makes sense for Hatter. I understand what there trying to do, but the story really didn't clicked for me.
4. Killer Croc - 7.5/10
- This is the best one in the volume. I actually felt bad for Croc here and I also think the art is good here. Same goes for the story, although the other characters here I really didn't cared for. But still, it was quite a sad story at the end.
5. Clayface - 5/10
- This one has to be the worse one. It just felt really off for me and the fact that nothing really happens much in this story imo. It also just ended apparently and I wasn't also a big fan of the art style. It was sort of copying Tim Sale's art, but is lacking on many things.
Overall:
This was a disappointing follow up top volume 1, because I really enjoyed the first volume. One that I was actually suprised by and most of the stories here I found to be completely lacking. Same goes for the art as it was not as diverse as the first one is. But it still has some nice stories in there like Croc and Harley Quinn.
6.5/10
September 30, 2018
Joker's Asylum II is a second five-issue weekly miniseries of one-shots that is narrated by the Joker and was released during the month of June 2010. These stories might be a tide unreliable, considering the source is the Joker, so the veracity is of these stories is still rather questionable. This trade paperback collects all five issues in the 2010 weekly mini-series.
Each story in Batman: Joker's Asylum, Vol. 2 opens with a brief introduction by the Joker in his cell at Arkham Asylum about a tale of one of his fellow inmates. As the Joker is narrating these stories, the veracity of these stories is questionable at best, considering the source. The inmates that the Joker tells stories about are The Riddler, Killer Croc, Harley Quinn, The Mad Hatter, and Clayface.
Each one-shot has a different author Peter Calloway (The Riddler), Mike Raicht (Killer Croc), James Patrick (Harley Quinn), The Mad Hatter (Landry Q. Walker), and Kevin Shinick (Clayface). Each one-shot was written rather well and delve into the each perspective villain rather well. Of course, there were stories that I have enjoyed more than others stories, but each were written rather well.
Likewise each one-shot has a different penciler Andres Guinaldo (The Riddler), Cliff Richard and David Yardin (Killer Croc), Joe Quinones (Harley Quinn), Keith Giffen (The Mad Hatter), and Kelley Jones (Clayface). Artistically, it flowed rather well despite the many different penciling styles. Each penciler was dedicated to each one-shot, so the flow wasn't interrupted that much, because it was rather contained.
All in all, Batman: Joker's Asylum, Vol. 2 is written and conceived rather well. It is an interesting to read how the Joker thinks of his fellow villains and inmates.
Each story in Batman: Joker's Asylum, Vol. 2 opens with a brief introduction by the Joker in his cell at Arkham Asylum about a tale of one of his fellow inmates. As the Joker is narrating these stories, the veracity of these stories is questionable at best, considering the source. The inmates that the Joker tells stories about are The Riddler, Killer Croc, Harley Quinn, The Mad Hatter, and Clayface.
Each one-shot has a different author Peter Calloway (The Riddler), Mike Raicht (Killer Croc), James Patrick (Harley Quinn), The Mad Hatter (Landry Q. Walker), and Kevin Shinick (Clayface). Each one-shot was written rather well and delve into the each perspective villain rather well. Of course, there were stories that I have enjoyed more than others stories, but each were written rather well.
Likewise each one-shot has a different penciler Andres Guinaldo (The Riddler), Cliff Richard and David Yardin (Killer Croc), Joe Quinones (Harley Quinn), Keith Giffen (The Mad Hatter), and Kelley Jones (Clayface). Artistically, it flowed rather well despite the many different penciling styles. Each penciler was dedicated to each one-shot, so the flow wasn't interrupted that much, because it was rather contained.
All in all, Batman: Joker's Asylum, Vol. 2 is written and conceived rather well. It is an interesting to read how the Joker thinks of his fellow villains and inmates.
October 21, 2021
El segundo volumen de las historias de los insignes habitantes a tiempo parcial de las celdas de Arkham resulta un tanto desigual. Las historias -¿de amor?- de Enigma, del Sombrerero y de Killer Croc son interesantes, pero les falta un desarrollo más pausado que se centre en la intensidad de las emociones, son tan cortas que se antojan aceleradas. Sucede algo parecido con la de Clayface, salvo que en este caso, no es el amor la motivación, precisamente...
Mención aparte para la narración protagonizada por Harley. Cuanto más leo de esta chica, más me gusta...
Como la versión de este álbum leída es la de la colección de DC Héroes y Villanos (nº 17), hay una mención especial para las dos historias añadidas al tomo, pues son de lo mejor. La más interesante, con diferencia y el permiso de Harley, es la que protagoniza Mr. Frío. Y la perla final del Joker como protagonista siempre se agradece, para terminar con ese punto de locura que no le viene mal a ningún cómic.
Con todo, un tomo que roza el notable, por lo que me animo a darle cuatro estrellas en lugar de tres.
Mención aparte para la narración protagonizada por Harley. Cuanto más leo de esta chica, más me gusta...
Como la versión de este álbum leída es la de la colección de DC Héroes y Villanos (nº 17), hay una mención especial para las dos historias añadidas al tomo, pues son de lo mejor. La más interesante, con diferencia y el permiso de Harley, es la que protagoniza Mr. Frío. Y la perla final del Joker como protagonista siempre se agradece, para terminar con ese punto de locura que no le viene mal a ningún cómic.
Con todo, un tomo que roza el notable, por lo que me animo a darle cuatro estrellas en lugar de tres.
January 30, 2023
This anthology of Batman's famous rogues was a very fun read. Not all of the stories hit for me, but most did, and I always love being able to discovered new writers and artists in books like this.
There were some very good stories in here that are already classics (like Jason Aaron's Penguin story). And there are others that have some really interesting writing choices, like Riddler's story, where there are hints to a certain character but never really told or even Two-Face's story
And I think other than maybe one or two stories, the art throughout is great and each fits the tone of the story. And I am glad to have discovered artists like Guillem March, whose art in the Poison Ivy story was stellar.
So, there's not much more to say. This is a fun read for anyone looking for some one-offs about the Arkham inmates.
There were some very good stories in here that are already classics (like Jason Aaron's Penguin story). And there are others that have some really interesting writing choices, like Riddler's story, where there are hints to a certain character but never really told or even Two-Face's story
And I think other than maybe one or two stories, the art throughout is great and each fits the tone of the story. And I am glad to have discovered artists like Guillem March, whose art in the Poison Ivy story was stellar.
So, there's not much more to say. This is a fun read for anyone looking for some one-offs about the Arkham inmates.
July 12, 2023
Story Rankings:
1. Killer Croc
2. Harley Quinn
3. Mad Hatter
4. Two-Face
5. Riddler
6. Scarecrow
7. Penguin
8. Poison Ivy
9. Joker
10. Clayface
The emotional rollercoaster that I experienced reading this was wild. I was afraid I wouldn't enjoy the comic after the introductory story and the lackluster (and way over-sexualized) poison ivy story; however, the more I read, the more I gathered the central theme around the importance of feeling loved and respected. A lot of these short stories indeed drew me in and made me feel for these villains until their extreme reactions took place (Penguin, I'm looking at you). I love the Killer Croc story so much, I literally was hugging my copy to my chest on the brink of tears for Waylon. Overall, not my favorite story I've ever read but utilizing Joker as an unreliable narrator and allowing other writers/artists to step in for each story really allowed certain stories to shine.
1. Killer Croc
2. Harley Quinn
3. Mad Hatter
4. Two-Face
5. Riddler
6. Scarecrow
7. Penguin
8. Poison Ivy
9. Joker
10. Clayface
The emotional rollercoaster that I experienced reading this was wild. I was afraid I wouldn't enjoy the comic after the introductory story and the lackluster (and way over-sexualized) poison ivy story; however, the more I read, the more I gathered the central theme around the importance of feeling loved and respected. A lot of these short stories indeed drew me in and made me feel for these villains until their extreme reactions took place (Penguin, I'm looking at you). I love the Killer Croc story so much, I literally was hugging my copy to my chest on the brink of tears for Waylon. Overall, not my favorite story I've ever read but utilizing Joker as an unreliable narrator and allowing other writers/artists to step in for each story really allowed certain stories to shine.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2018
Vol 1 was definitely better, there were a couple of highlights here and some absolute lowlights.
Mad Hatter: Average story, it was a bit stilted and so hard to enjoy. Didn't really click with the artwork, and I feel like the Hatter's character needs more pages to fully capture his insanity.
Harley: Enjoyed the artwork, classic Quinn. The ending was great, but the content itself was pretty standard, you know what you are getting with Harley.
Riddler: Fantastic, loved the art and the story. Still don't know who was at that damn door.
Killer Croc: My favourite of the collection. The story was way more sophisticated than the others, and I loved the slow development up to the climax. That artwork was superb.
Clayface: Shockingly bad compared to the others. Such a bad one to end on because it left me glad it was over. Easily the worst out of the 10.
Mad Hatter: Average story, it was a bit stilted and so hard to enjoy. Didn't really click with the artwork, and I feel like the Hatter's character needs more pages to fully capture his insanity.
Harley: Enjoyed the artwork, classic Quinn. The ending was great, but the content itself was pretty standard, you know what you are getting with Harley.
Riddler: Fantastic, loved the art and the story. Still don't know who was at that damn door.
Killer Croc: My favourite of the collection. The story was way more sophisticated than the others, and I loved the slow development up to the climax. That artwork was superb.
Clayface: Shockingly bad compared to the others. Such a bad one to end on because it left me glad it was over. Easily the worst out of the 10.
March 29, 2018
"Batman: Joker’s Asylum, Vol. 2" (DC Comics, 2011) kerää kokoon lyhyitä, synkkiä ja väkivaltaisia Batman-tarinoita, jotka kuitenkin pyörivät viittaritarin sijasta Gotham Cityn mielipuolisten superrikollisten ympärillä. Kauhistuttavien tarinoiden kertojana toimii sellissään istuva Jokeri, joka toimii eräänlaisena Kryptanvartija-hahmona.
Aiemmin lukemani Joker's Asylum -tarinat olivat sen verran hyviä, että odotukset olivat korkealla. Lieneekö siinä syy, että kokoelma tuntui vähän likilaskuiselta, olkoonkin että film noir -henkinen Killer Croc -tarina oli ihan mukiinmenevä.
Ei taida saada sijaa minun majatalossani tämä albumi.
Aiemmin lukemani Joker's Asylum -tarinat olivat sen verran hyviä, että odotukset olivat korkealla. Lieneekö siinä syy, että kokoelma tuntui vähän likilaskuiselta, olkoonkin että film noir -henkinen Killer Croc -tarina oli ihan mukiinmenevä.
Ei taida saada sijaa minun majatalossani tämä albumi.
September 12, 2018
The Joker playing Cryptkeeper and narrating stories about the denizens of Arkham? Yes, please. The Joker narrates five stories starring some of Batman's greatest foes. The artwork in this, for me, was a little hit and miss, as was the writing. If you are a Batman or Joker fan, however, you can't go wrong with this collection. Killer Croc's story espically pulls on your heart strings, makes you feel bad for the guy. Be warned though, I read through this with Mark Harmil doing the Joker's voice in my head.
August 31, 2020
Just like in the first volume, Joker is telling us more stories. This time, it's a notch better, due to better art and tighter stories. Clayface's story has Kelley Jones on art and it's a delight to read, with his cult of followers. Actually, I think it's the first time I've seen Jones' Joker. Mad Hatter has Keith Giffen and Bill Sienkiewicz, and it does wonders for the simple story of him once again trying to find his Alice.
February 27, 2021
Assim como o primeiro volume, este também são 5 histórias individuais com o Coringa conversando com o leitor e contando histórias interessantes envolvendo vilões do universo Batman, cada capítulo é um vilão diferente.
Não esperava nada do primeiro volume e me surpreendi, então já peguei este com outros olhos. Mas este no geral não achei do mesmo nível do primeiro, o que não quer dizer que seja ruim. Assim como no primeiro volume alguns traços aqui também podem afastar alguns leitores mais exigentes e no geral o roteiro é sólido.
Não esperava nada do primeiro volume e me surpreendi, então já peguei este com outros olhos. Mas este no geral não achei do mesmo nível do primeiro, o que não quer dizer que seja ruim. Assim como no primeiro volume alguns traços aqui também podem afastar alguns leitores mais exigentes e no geral o roteiro é sólido.
September 2, 2024
Normally, I fly though graphic novels and comics and such. I really really struggled with this one. I love DC comics and I’m a huge fan of the Batman villains, but it was just so hard to get into the different characters that were in this anthology. I believe this would be good for someone who enjoys Batman and likes little tidbit stories that (to me) don’t really mean much in the grand scheme of Batman.
March 19, 2025
On average, this is a little weaker than the previous volume, but there are still good stories to be found. The Clayface, and Killer Croc stories are the stand outs. The Riddler story had some interesting elements of unreliable narration, which given the conceit of the collection, should probably crop up more often. Kind of like the Two-Face story from the first volume. The other stories were fine, but you've probably seen something like them before.
September 7, 2024
Madhatter - LOVE, favorite story of the bunch. That creepy little fucker
Harley Quinn - WACK
The Riddler - decent, he loves the chase
Beauty and the beast- sad, can’t catch a breaks eating off his own hands is less of a sting than love
Clayface- wack. Although the melting candy was a good look. Didn’t explore the celebrity obsession enough.
Harley Quinn - WACK
The Riddler - decent, he loves the chase
Beauty and the beast- sad, can’t catch a breaks eating off his own hands is less of a sting than love
Clayface- wack. Although the melting candy was a good look. Didn’t explore the celebrity obsession enough.
October 15, 2019
Reitero mis comentarios acerca del primer volumen, y agrego que este me resultó un poco menos entretenidos, ya que los villanos trabajados son mayormente segundones, y no la crème de la crème de la galería de Batman.
June 6, 2024
I loved this collection, it’s so much better than the first one.
Mad Hatter: 5⭐️ amazing story, beautiful art
Harley Quinn: 4⭐️ makes you remember why we loved Harley’s love for Joker
Riddler: 3⭐️
Killer Croc: 4⭐️
Clayface: 4⭐️
Mad Hatter: 5⭐️ amazing story, beautiful art
Harley Quinn: 4⭐️ makes you remember why we loved Harley’s love for Joker
Riddler: 3⭐️
Killer Croc: 4⭐️
Clayface: 4⭐️
May 26, 2019
Worth it for the Croc tale ALONE, but the others are also really good examinations of the characters. Don't be fooled by the rather generic concept, these are fun, thoughtful stories.
July 25, 2021
This was fun and good for some quick story told by your favorite killer clown.
July 10, 2022
Tomo que por problemas de distribución llegó antes que los dos anteriores (Aquaman y Batman). Por suerte el tomo 1 había salido antes.
January 12, 2023
had fun :)
May 28, 2023
A fun collection of one offs with some incredible art especially the scarecrow story
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