Joker: Killer Smile #1

Writer: Jeff Lemire Artist: Andrea Sorrentino Publisher: DC Comics Release Date: October 30, 2019 Cover Price: $5.99 Critic Reviews: 20 User Reviews: 57
9.0Critic Rating
9.0User Rating

Everyone knows The Joker doesn't have the most promising history with psychotherapists. In fact, no one's even been able to diagnose him. But that doesn't matter to the confident, world-beating Dr. Ben Arnell; he's going to be the one to unravel this unknowable mind. There's no way The Joker could ever get through the therapeutic walls Ben has built around himself. Right? There's no way The Joker's been entering his house at night...right? There's no way The Joker has stood over his son's bed, and put that book in his hands, the one with the, the, the...  
The Eisner-nominated creative team of Jeff Lemire and Andrea Sorrentino ( more

  • 10
    But Why Tho? - Lizzy Garcia Oct 30, 2019

    Overall, Joker: Killer Smile #1is a haunting and disturbing look into the ways the Joker can corrupt a single mind. The issue is a solid start to the ongoing series and I look forward to the remainder of this psychological and disturbing thriller. Read Full Review

  • 10
    AIPT - Vishal Gullapalli Oct 30, 2019

    Killer Smile is a triumphant return to DC Comics for both Lemire and Sorrentino, and has the potential to be Black Label's strongest showing. Read Full Review

  • 9.7
    The Super Powered Fancast - Deron Generally Oct 30, 2019

    Andrea Sorrentino's art style is perfect for both the tone and style of this story. There is a gritty realism to the visuals and I hope they give Sorrentino some interesting things to visualize going forward. Read Full Review

  • 9.6
    Forces Of Geek - Lenny Schwartz Nov 4, 2019

    Lemire and Sorrentino work wonderfully together as usual. The story is sharp and the art is fantastic. They really know each other's strengths and this book is both exhilarating and smart. Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    The Pop Break - Rachel Freeman Oct 31, 2019

    This comic reads like a psychological thriller as opposed to a superhero book. Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    Geek Dad - Ray Goldfield Oct 30, 2019

    Whether you enjoy this story probably depends on how much tolerance you have for Joker-mania " he's far from my favorite villain, but a great Joker story can easily win me over. The first issue makes me think this is going to be a great Joker story, and another strong entry for one of the best creative teams in comics. Read Full Review

  • 9.3
    Sequential Planet - Josh Fielding Nov 5, 2019

    DC's latest Black Label book earns its mature rating with a disturbing and engrossing first issue. Joker: Killer Smile#1is a fresh take on an iconic character. Jeff Lemire and Andrea Sorrentino are at the top of their game, with a brilliantly horrifying tale and beautiful art. Read Full Review

  • 9.2
    Monkeys Fighting Robots - Cody Walker Oct 30, 2019

    The Joker cannot be stopped, you just have to hope he gets bored with you. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    GWW - Dusty Good Oct 31, 2019

    Overall, not a bad start to a new series by a very talented team of creators. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Dark Knight News - Kendra Hale Nov 2, 2019

    Joker: Killer Smile #1 truly exceeded all of my expectations. I loved seeing the story unfold and the artwork was so different for this type of tale. I enjoyed it and truly look forward to the rest of this series. I wonder if Benjy will be able to maintain his sanity and keep not only himself, but his family safe. Guess we'll learn more next issue. See you next month! Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Pastrami Nation - Nolan Smith Nov 3, 2019

    When I think of the Joker, I don't just see the insanity. I see a methodical criminal mastermind, who's plan might be gibberish to any sane person. But to him, it's clear as day. That is what we are seeing in Killer Smile. Lemire, Sorrentino, and Bellaire have created the beginning of what could be an amazingly tragic series. I loved the build and pacing, the facial expressions, and children's book ode, and I cannot wait to see what Dr. Arnell does next in defense to DC's premier villain. Pick this up; it's a hoot. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Batman-News - Casper Rudolph Oct 30, 2019

    I've had a blast reading this from start to finish"I just wish Sorrentino had kept the gargoyles and the zeppelins, because as amazing as this story is, it just doesn't exactly feel like Gotham to me. Still, I highly recommend this book. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    411Mania - John Pumpernickel Oct 31, 2019

    With all the success Joker has found at the box office, this is a perfect companion book at those wanting to get more into the head of the Clown Prince of Crime. Just be careful you don't stay too long. Read Full Review

  • 8.6
    Comic Watch - Lenora Pentecost Oct 31, 2019

    Joker: Killer Smile #1 (Lemire, Sorrentino, Bellaire, Wands) is a strong start to a curious miniseries, full of genre awareness and palpable tension. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Multiversity Comics - Kenneth Laster Oct 31, 2019

    "Joker: Killer Smile" #1 utilizes incredibly suspenseful storytelling techniques to create a captivating and grounded horror book centered around Gotham's Clown Prince of Crime Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    IGN - Jesse Schedeen Oct 30, 2019

    Joker: Killer Smile is worth a read for anyone wanting a good horror story centered around this iconic villain. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comics: The Gathering - Wes Greer Oct 30, 2019

    Overall, I would have to say this is one of the best stories to come out in awhile based on the Joker alone. The story is something fresh and keeps us hooked and the art stays true to the over all theme of the book. If you are a fan of the Clown Prince of Crime and want to get a real up close look into the psyche of him, this is the one to pick up. Joker Killer Smile #1 is available today and will be released with a variant cover as well. Pick it up and see for yourself just how deep the madness runs! Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    ComicBook.com - Connor Casey Oct 30, 2019

    It's a story we've heard plenty of times, especially when it involves The Joker, but at the very least Joker: Killer Smile #1 seems to know that its series is treading familiar ground. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Impulse Gamer - Tim Chuma Oct 31, 2019

    I would recommend this if you wanted to see a different take on the Joker other than more famous stories such as the Killing Joke or more of a character study. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Word Of The Nerd - Jordan Claes Oct 30, 2019

    Joker: Killer Smile #1 is a brilliant example of the power of comic book storytelling and an excellent affirmation of Nietzchean philosophy. Read Full Review

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