REVIEW: The Joker: The Man Who Stopped Laughing #9

The Clown Prince of Crime is back in Joker: The Man Who Stopped Laughing #9. Or should we say Clown Princes? The war of the Jokers continues as both Jokers are finally in Gotham and it’s time to build their armies for the final showdown.

Issues before major events, battles, etc. can be hit or miss but this one knocks it out of the park. The subtle shifts between the Jokers really keeps the reader on their toes. It’s some masterfully work by writer Mathew Rosenberg. And despite the subtitle, The Joker(s) still crack wise with purposefully bad puns that still hit their marks. And one can’t have a war without soldiers and since they’re in Gotham, that means quest appearances from Batman’s incredible rogues gallery. From big guys (literally) like Clayface to smaller figures like The Ventriloquist (and many, many more), it’s interesting to see villains choosing sides in a Joker vs. Joker battle instead of their usual get rich or die trying motivations.

Carmine Di Giandomenico, who is doing some of the best work in all of DC Comics at the moment, creates more stunning visuals. This is an excellent artist rendition of one of comics most iconic characters. And like Rosenberg does with his writing, Di Giandomenico also makes subtle visual changes to the Jokers so readers need to pay attention from one panel to the next to keep up with what’s really going on. There’s even a unique Joker action scene thrown in that makes him look pretty cool. And Romulo Fajardo Jr.’s coloring makes it all pop.

The issue also contains a one-shot starring Jim Gordon that is hands down one of the best random stories of the year. Gotham City’s Comish is on an obsessive mission to prove that the Joker is not dead after witnessing said death with his own eyes. He is a man ready to risk (or throw away depending on how you look at it) everything for what he thinks he knows. Gordon is playing no games here. Frances Francavilla creates a funky, colorful art style that perfectly compliments Gordon’s decent into a Joker-esqe madness. Jim Gordon has never been more interesting.

The stage is set, sides have been chosen, and the battlefield ready. It’s time to determine the one Joker to rule them all. The battle in the next issue is shaping up to be a real gas.

Writing – 4.5 Stars
Art – 4.5 Stars
Coloring – 4.5 Stars

Overall – 4.5 Stars

Written by; Mathew Rosenberg
Art by; Carmine Di Giandomenico
Colors by; Romulo Fajardo Jr.
Letters by; Tom Napolitano
Published by; DC Comics

Author Profile

Christopher R. Ford

Writer, author, and blogger. Published author of three children's books and also writes for the boy Creators For The Culture. Part-time sneaker head, full time nerd.