There is a nuanced beauty to the violence that only Jock could capture. His version of the Joker is straight out of the nightmare realm where evil creatures populate a city of shadows and woe. What he and Snyder have created is an operatic work of epic sadness and fear. One man's journey to truly meet his inner demons and somehow defeat them. This issue leaves you wanting more, but afraid of what is to come. Read Full Review

The Batman Who Laughs #1 hardly plays out like you'd expect as Snyder throws a massive detour in the next confrontation. This is looking like it will be a can't miss mini-series and yet another home run for the Batman team. Read Full Review

This character. The Batman Who Laughs, had me from the beginning. The artwork of Capullo and Jock and imagination of Scott Snyder is well worth the investment into this series. Plan now to visit all your local comic store to invest in this issue and the five more planned. Move over Joker….. you have just been demoted to second string in the Rogues Gallery! Read Full Review

Snyder and Jock convey a quiet intensity that leaves you unsettled well after you've finished reading. Few times do I have audible reactions while reading a comic book, but while reading this first issue, I gasped or winced more than once. That's how you know you've got something special on your hands. Something you know they're gonna be talking about for years to come. Who knows, when it's all said and done, it might be up there as one of the best Batman stories of all time" but we've still got five issues until we get to the punchline. Read Full Review

Snyder writes an action-packed page-turning thriller with The Batman Who Laughs Read Full Review

Strikingly beautiful, and frightfully gripping, this is Scott Snyder at his very best! Read Full Review

Scott Snyder's nightmarish creation is one of the best characters to come to the DC Universe is a long time. From the moment I met The Batman Who Laughs I knew I wanted more of him and man was the wait worth it. If the first issue is any indication of where this series is headed, fans are in for one of the best mini-series out of DC in years. Read Full Review

Jock's art in this issue is amazing. It is both dark and deliberate with moments of kinetic energy mixed in with quiet, horrifying menace. Read Full Review

This is a very interesting story with one hell of a twist at the end. The ending takes it over the top and will leave you hanging until next month! 5 out of 5 stars! Read Full Review

This was a real gem of an issue. The dynamic duo of Snyder and Jock is a match made in comic book heaven, a fact which has been proven since their work together on the pre-New 52 epic Black Mirror. Read Full Review

This was a real gem of an issue. The dynamic duo of Snyder and Jock is a match made in comic book heaven, a fact which has been proven since their work together on the pre-New 52 epic Black Mirror. Jock has a jagged edge to his art, blending shapes and shadows together to deliver realistic looking characters with a somewhat nightmarish edge that practically jump out of the page. As weve seen before his style works perfectly with the character of Batman and even more so with the horrifying Batman Who Laughs. Snyder has once again returned to the formula of Batman doing what he does best, being a detective. And when you add to that a terrifying foe who knows everything he does and has absolutely no boundaries and were in for an absolute treat with this story. Im so hyped for the next issue, especially after the huge bombshell dropped on the last page! Read Full Review

Snyder and Jock at work together is a thing of beauty. I love that this is a mini because they can make maximum impact in 6 books (and man my pull list is getting big). This is a gorgeous book with one of the best in the business masterminding it. Whats not to love? Read Full Review

So then, there are a few more twists and turns. By the end of the issue, there is so much happening that it's almost overwhelming. But it all makes sense and it's visceral and wonderful. This is a VERY different take on the Batman mythos. But it's a very well thought out one and is completely excellent from cover to cover. It's an early Christmas treat indeed. Read Full Review

Snyder takes us back to what he does best: a Batman book. Its a thoroughly amazing horror story that makes you root for the bad guy. Snyder, Jock, and Baron have crafted a masterpiece. Read Full Review

Lastly, Jock's artwork, combined with David Baron's coloring, is perfect for this story. Their dark, raw edge is perfect for this story. As much as The Grim Knight's spree was awesome, the best page was the return of The Batman Who Laughs. So dark, so vicious. His presence alone is enough to send a shiver down your spine. And it sendsone message: things are about to get real. Read Full Review

No one in the recent years before or after Snyder's run has done a Joker story half as effective as Endgame, but in this miniseries, it seems clear that he still has one spectacular act to go for comics' most iconic arch-enemies. Read Full Review

A Batman who laughs is a Batman that always wins; The Batman Who Laughs (2018-) #1is a stunning presentation of modern visual storytelling, creativity and reinvention. Read Full Review

They say the only way to fight fire is with fire. The Joker thinks the only way to stop the Batman Who Laughs is a Batman Who Laughs. Let's see if his theory is correct! Read Full Review

If you're picking anything up from DC this week, this should be at the top of your pile. It's dark, moody, and tense, and beautifully rendered by Jock and David Baron. Read Full Review

This is a great opening to a Batman story. It has heart, it has action, it has horror both psychological and physical. It sets up a few intriguing themes that will likely be further developed as the series goes on. I think this story works best when you try to imagine what it's like to experience what Bruce is experiencing. And while you're at it, be sure to check out that Capullo variant. Enthusiastically recommended! Read Full Review

Pick this comic up, its certainly worth its sand and has all of the grimdark, broody Batman stuff we can all enjoy. Read Full Review

Another near perfect issue from DC and another issue that you need to add to your pull list asap. Read Full Review

I went into this book hoping to like it and it exceeded my expectations big time.  This start is more of a Batman story so if you are not the biggest Batman Who Laughs fan, I can still recommend this to you.  It may not be a great introduction to the character (yet?), but the art is great and the ending will certainly have you pumped for more. Read Full Review

Overall, Synder wows with an over-the-top first issue that will leave you guessing till issue two hits the stands. Read Full Review

Was the Batman Who Laughs #1 worth the wait? Without a doubt. I don't normally recommend books centered around villains, but this one is definitely one of the exceptions for the way it embraces the brand of madness this monster has brought with him from the Dark Multiverse. Read Full Review

If you're looking for a Batman story that is a little more grounded, this could be right up your alley. I'm really looking forward to what Snyder and Jock have in store for this series. Read Full Review

Jock was born to draw this series, and it allows him to deliver extravagant spectacle with an array of different panels that span the spectrum of Happy to Dark and heavy, while still tapping into the horror skills he honed on other books. Read Full Review

"The Batman Who Laughs" #1 is great continuation of Scott Snyder's Batman, and an engaging, moody story in its own right. Read Full Review

Five more issues? Oh, go on then… why not? Read Full Review

A final conclusion about this review offers no hope in site for Gotham City. The Batman Who Laughs and Grim Knight both are here to stay. No one knows the reason why, but one thing is clear, a lot of people are going to die. For the Batman/Bruce Wayne DC Universe, seeing himself dead offers no comfort knowing there's a twisted Bruce Wayne, inflicted from the Joker's toxin, is stalking him relentlessly. For now, The Batman Who Laughs may find it hard to believe has someone to offer competition. Bruce Wayne always hopes to see the Joker be cured of his affliction, but it seems the affliction may be the key to defeat the Grim Knight and his own devil's advocate from the Joker's expense. Read Full Review

The Batman Who Laughs shakes the Dark Knight to his core in a way that only Scott Snyder can. Yes, the path through this story is a little convoluted, but there's more than enough to capture your attention. Now that we got to this point, I expect smooth sailings since we're getting into the meat of the story. I love how Batman has been dealing with some solid horror elements in recent years and this comic is right in that wheelhouse. Read Full Review

The Batman Who Laughs #1 is a solid first issue, but the big shock factor moments aren't particularly surprising, and feel a little more like an unfinished "What If" one-shot. If you're a Snyder fan or itching to see Batman go head-to-head with the Batman Who Laughs once again, you'll have a good time, but this one may be worth waiting for in trade format. Read Full Review

However harsh I may sound, let me say this at least: Jock's version of The Batman Who Laughs is gross and chilling enough to be worth the issue, should you be a Jock fan in particular. He brings a tangible sharpness to the character that oozes dread and agony, so it is a pity the character really isn't in this issue at all. Read Full Review

If you were a huge fan of Dark Nights: Metal and are really intrigued by the Batman Who Laughs, there's no question that this is a book for you. But solely from an execution standpoint, there's a real lack of synergy here. Read Full Review

Interesting start

Perfect intro to a title that hopefully follows suit. The Joker part at the end was a bit forced though. We are also introduced to yet another batman, this one is called "The Grim Knight". He's basically just Batman with guns. Maybe they'll make another one called "The Happy Knight" or "The Good Knight" (see what I did there :/) for a change. Nonetheless, I enjoyed this immensely.

The writing is clever. The art is appropriate and gritty. I just love how it ended here, I'm a little cautious while looking forward to more.

Sucked me right in

I have no idea how this is going to fit into canon, but I love it. The art in the scene where "The Grim Knight" enters Arkham is really good.

I really enjoyed this issue. I don't think Joker actually killed himself and I hope Batman’s transformation isn't just a retread of the one-shot from Metal. It probably won't be, but who knows?

Buckle up!

Story: 9/10
Art: 8/10
Overall: 9/10


Story: The story for me started... oddly. I wasn't feeling Snyder's direction, the jargon between Alfred and Bruce... the heist.

But when Mr. Freeze got torched, I began to laugh (no pun intended).
This is a wide ride. The gloves are off and this will be a trip to remember.

I just didn't really see this stuff coming.

I am on board!

Art: Jock has some seriously stunning moments here. There are also some moments that fall seriously flat. It might be the coloring? I didn't like some of the angles he drew either.

Whatever, being nitpicky.

Overall: Get this. Open your mind and enjoy this trip. I was cautious at the beginning but this really came in full force for me at the end. Let's see where this goes.

Good start! 9/10
more

I think this was interesting, there were some things that annoyed me, but on the whole I am interested.

Good start. Hope they can keep it up.

This is what I wanted Dark Nights: Metal to be. Maybe Snyder will redeem himself as the legendary Batman writer that we once knew him as.

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myconius - Dec 21, 2018

i used to love Snyder's new52 Batman run. i think after he started getting so much praise heaped upon him, his writing started to decline after. everything had to become so "EPIC". far too much hype and expectations for anyone to actually be able to live up to.

Gizmo - Dec 21, 2018

Yeah, I think his best material was the stories that got more personal. I also love his indepenent work like wytches.

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The Batman Who Laughs is the highly anticipated series from Scott Snyder & Jock which focuses on the Batman turned Joker from Dark Knights Metal. The comic is entertaining but I couldn't help but feel that this one doesn't quite live up to the hype. 

The comic opens with Batman in the middle of breaking up a heist. In the aftermath of the scene, Batman finds a corpse of himself. Upon investigation, Bruce comes to the conclusion that the Batman Who Laughs has returned. 

While the investigation is happening there an attempt on the Jokers life in Arkham. Fortunately for Joker, he escaped a couple days prior and the stand in within the cell was murdered.

Upon returning to the Batcave Batman finds the Joker stowed away. There's a twist and the comic ends on a huge cliffhanger and a lot of questions going forward. 

I enjoyed this comic. This is a lot of action and actual detective work on Batman's part which is a good sign for the series. 

The knock on the comic is the art direction. I'm not a fan of Jock's art style. It could grow on me depending on the direction of the series. The colors are all washed out which combined with the pencils lead to bland aesthetic throughout the issue. 

The book is creepy but the atmosphere doesn't feel as creepy as it could be. While reading I kept getting the feeling that an artist like Bill Sienkiewicz would absolutely crush this. 

Beyond the gripes, the premise is unique and interesting. There appears to be a potential Batman/Joker team-up looming. I have no idea where the story is going and despite my qualms with the art direction, the foundation for this story is solid.

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THE GOOD:

-I love Jock's art, especially with Scott Snyder's writing. I'm glad to see them working together on a miniseries again.

-I really liked that first page. It was well-written, but most of all, it felt really foreboding in a strange kind of reverse psychology way. You know in a horror movie, when something really happy, almost too happy, happens, and you think, oh no, something's gonna go wrong. Yeah, this part had that same kind of feeling.

-I have to admit, the opening chase scene was pretty awesome.

-Not to mention that reveal it led to. At first I was confused, as I was supposed to be, then I realized it was an alternate universe Batman left by the Batman Who Laughs, which is a really cool idea. It's especially cool, because it embraces what should be done with this character more often. He shouldn't be seen. Much like Jaws, if you want your villains to be creepy of ominous, it often works way better if they are offscreen more than onscreen.

-This is kind of a sub point of the previous note, but I really liked some of the specificities of this parallel universe Batman. Like how he had quit after Knightfall, and became involved in civil projects. And most of all, how he was happy. That was the stinger. I also liked how Bruce could identify all of his scars. That was cool.

-I think that the banter between Batman and Alfred was really good in this issue.

-The Grim Knight was awesome. That's it. A Punisher Batman should speak for itself.

-I've already mentioned this, but I really liked how we don't get to see the Batman Who Laughs a whole lot. That was neat.

-He's done it before, but I have to admit, seeing Scott Snyder do that thing where, "this leads to this which connects to this in reference to this." is super satisfying.

-Joker slowly ascending from the water was pretty eerie and cool as well.

-Not to mention him killing himself with a gimmick gun had a very similar effect. I don't believe that was really Joker however. I hope not. I hope that Snyder understands there's no way in hell the f***ing Joker will stay dead.

-The whole end was pretty great and creepy.

THE BAD:

-I was a bit confused on why Joker was in the waterways. That all felt a bit rushed. It's a small thing that was more likely triggered by my stupidity as opposed to an actual issue however.

-As a whole, this issue could've been scarier. That was my expectation at least. There were certainly creepy moments, and given the title character and the creative team's past works, this could've been a lot scarier. more

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Darkseid24 - Dec 14, 2018

I still can’t believe Bruce was so foolish to let Joker in. ( And if I was Bruce,I would be so annoyed if Joker is lurking around my house the entire time)

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Highs and lows. Snyder's prose on the first page is reminiscent of his ongoing Batman series, soaked with nostalgia and heart. A few crowd-pleasing moments are fun to read but land a little hollow. Jock is a delight.

Great dialogue and great artwork. A must read but I have a few issues with Continuity. Wasn't a fan of the Batman Who Laughs, now we have two of them... curious to see where the story goes though.

Pretty good return to form for Snyder. The mystery is engaging and reflective of earlier Snyder Batman stories. The DKR line was embarrassing dad joke that I wish I didn't read. Pretty much every Snyder-ism shows up in this book so if you enjoy that, you'll enjoy this. Personally, I'll trade wait this.

"Dark Knight Returns"

A promising start.

Not a bad issue but not great. It was confusing about what Earth this was taking part on which lead to confusion about what was happening and to who. I would like to know more about the character and what makes him such a huge threat but so far, we haven't seen much to explain that in any of his appearances. I'm hoping this series will flesh the character out more but this issue was lacking.

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Psycamorean - Dec 15, 2018

This is canon. It's taking place on the Prime Earth.

Talon1load - Dec 15, 2018

I got that but it’s not spelled out very well throughout the book which leads to confusion. That was what I was getting at. With all of the Bruce Wayne’s and dead bodies around, it could have been explained better.

Psycamorean - Dec 15, 2018

I guess so, if you didn't remember how Metal ended.

Talon1load - Dec 15, 2018

I remember how it ended but then when the dead Bruce showed up and the Grim Knight killed Freeze, I started to second guess things.

Psycamorean - Dec 15, 2018

The Grim Knight is new. That and the dead Bruce is part of the mystery, I think. And Freeze wasn't killed.

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This story starts good, but I think DC is exaggerating a little with all the alternative Batmans, Jokers& even Bruce Waynes. I hope this mini series won’t be like the Batman one shots from Metal, which were quite repetitive& wasted the other villains. That this will happen here too was already teased with Mr Freeze getting set on fire by the armored Batman. It’s sad, that Snyder only seems to think, that only Joker is a great& dangerous villain& that’s why he always reduces the others to canon fodder or to mere puppets of Joker. If Snyder just wants a Joker story, he should just leave them out, if he can’t give them a role, that does them justice.
I think the idea of the armored Batman is quite boring, but the Batman who Laughs still looks cool, so that’s why this story can be interesting. I think Bruce was really naive at the end ( What's with DC portraying Joker& Batman more as friends lately?), so the ending might be kind of shocking, but also feels wrong at the same time. more

It's a decent start for the new series, but I wouldn't call it outstanding. It's decent - no more, no less, and it definitely falls under the "read once" category to me, being somewhere in between this week's phenomenal Detective Comics and utter garbage in form of Batman Damned #2. So "okay" it is.

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myconius - Dec 21, 2018

some of the spoilers have me intrigued. do you know if this is supposed to be a mini-series, or ongoing?

Nihilist - Dec 21, 2018

From what I've heard, it's a 6 issue run. Who knows if it's going to lead somewhere or not. Super Sons currently have a 12 issue series closing their regular comics, and Plastic Man also had 6 issue arc which I guess was intended to lead to something bigger, but #4-6 were pretty bad, so... I guess we'll see.

myconius - Dec 22, 2018

i guess given that this will be such a small series, as well as the price per issue, coupled with the fact that you never know what kind of ending to expect from Snyder, it'd be better to just wait this one out.

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It's got some gnarly Joker stuff to be sure. But if you're tired of Snyder's Batman tropes like I am, you could do better reading "Endgame" than these re-heated leftovers.

Everything about Metal was awful. Please stop putting out more garbage related to that mess.