Comic Review: The Batman Who Laughs (2018-) #1

The Batman Who Laughs #1

DC Comics

Writer: Scott Snyder

Artist: Jock

I feel like this is the Batman story we really needed right now.  In a sea of over-the-top and bombastic Batman stories, The Batman Who Laughs stands out by being a simple detective story.  I expected no less from the classic team-up of Scott Snyder and Jock.  Their previous work on Detective Comics contained some of my favorite Batman stories of all time.  In this issue alone, it’s clear that the dynamic duo hasn’t lost its luster.

This issue feels so iconically “Batman”.  From the chase scene at the beginning to the rooftop scene with Gordon, this issue really feels like Batman.  Snyder writes a very different (and more outlandish) Batman in Justice League, so it’s nice to see that he can tone it down when we’re back in Gotham.

There are a ton of interesting concepts in this issue.  The mystery of a dead Bruce Wayne was a great way to draw in the audience.  But there aren’t just two Bruce’s in this book.  One of my favorite aspects of the issue was “The Grim Knight”.   This gun-toting, no-nonsense version of Batman is a perfect nightmare version of our hero.  Although I loved many of the Dark Knights, I think the Grim Knight might be one of my favorites.  We only got a small glimpse of him in this issue, but a Batman/Punisher hybrid feels so natural.  I also appreciated that the city didn’t jump to the conclusion that the Grim Knight’s attack was carried out by Batman just because they look the same.  You’d think with Clayface, Hush, and so many other face-snatchers, people would think twice when they see Batman attack innocent people.

I also liked that this issue tied to Snyder’s previous work on the character.  It seems like the Joker still remembers his confrontation in the Batcave all the way back in Death of the Family.  I do find it odd though because Snyder neither confirms nor denies that the Joker remembers Bruce’s identity.  I wish he would have made that a little more clear in this issue.

Even though I enjoyed this book as a whole, there were a few issues a had with it.  I think Snyder is a little too text-heavy in this issue.  It might just be the lack of internal monologue in Tom King’s Batman, but Batman’s monologues feel pretty lengthy here.  I’m also not 100% sold on The Batman Who Laughs as a character yet.  I think the concept is great, but he hasn’t done anything really interesting or had any outstanding dialogue or moments.  Hopefully, this series will remedy that though.

The ending also threw me off a little bit.  I won’t spoil anything here, but I feel like a lot happened at once in that last scene.

Jock’s art here is phenomenal of course.  His depiction of Gotham City is perfect for this kind of detective story.  His art is so gritty which makes him perfect for a horror story like this.  His work here is just as good as you remember it form The Black Mirror.

This story really feels like a spiritual successor to Batman: The Black Mirror.  Snyder and Jock are bringing their A game to this one.  Although I had a few problems with this issue, it really was a great way to kick off the series.  If you loved Dark Knights: Metal or The Black Mirror, I highly recommend that you pick this up.  I’d also recommend it if you’re looking for a Batman story that is a little more grounded (despite the alternate-universe Batman and whatnot).  I’m really looking forward to what Snyder and Jock have in store for this series.