The illustration in this issue is very well done. Francavilla uses a traditional art style with a color palate that changes with the scene and tone of the story. While Boo uses a modern and youthful art style highlighted by bright and bold color work. Each style captures the essence of the particular story and works to elicit an emotional response from the reader. Read Full Review

The Punchline backup is a transitional chapter with a focus on the characters and setting up their next moves. Solid story with beautiful, clean artwork from new Punchline artist Sweeney Boo. Read Full Review

Overall, The Joker continues to be an outstanding series, whether it is being written by Tynion or Rosenberg. While the series so far has been more about Gordon than Joker, I am fully enthralled with the character study of our embattled commissioner and the journey he is on for ultimate justice. Read Full Review

BUY THIS BOOK! This one is a perfect stand alone Joker story with a bonus Punchline (see what I did there)! Read Full Review

I didn't expect to like this book as much as I do, but Francavilla and Boo make it visually stunning, even with protagonists that I utterly loathe. Read Full Review

James Tynion IV and guest artist Francesco Francavilla serve up a full-issue flashback to Gordon's early years in Gotham " when the city was only beginning to wake up to the horror of the Joker. Read Full Review

While nowhere near as pulse-pounding as the previous four issues, The Joker #5 delivers an interesting backstory to Jim Gordon and Joker's relationship, one that potentially includes future clues as to who gassed Arkham Asylum. Read Full Review

The story itself is definitely worth a read, but Francavilla's art feels unfinished here, though the color work still strikes the haunting tone that he's known for. Read Full Review

This issue doesnt significantly advance the main Joker/Gordon manhunt story, but it provides better context for their next confrontation. Its not an essential read, but worth it for fans of that event as well. Read Full Review

If you don't mind halting the story that was being told and can get into a day in the life of Captain Gordon, where his obsession with the Joker begins many years ago then maybe you'll dig this issue but for the most part, even though the story was told well I didn't feel like I got anything new out of this and just kind of feel disappointed that we have a strange one-shot issue shoved in when things in this book were really getting interesting. Like I said though, the story is well told and the art works well for the type of story it is but this is a strange installment with a pretty weak backup. Read Full Review

So while some elements of The Joker #5continue to deliver, the main narrative of this book hits a low point. While I appreciate the attempt to emphasize the Jokers importance to Gordon, this book does so at the expense of one of Batmans most trusted allies. Read Full Review

Unfortunately, The Joker #5 is nearly the complete opposite of last month's issue – and for me it's been the worst in the series thus far. The main story feels like a filler that contributes nothing to the overall story. There will likely be zero impact if you skip this issue, which isn't a good sign for a comic. Even the backup story falters, though I'd say the entire issue is worth it for Boo's art alone. Read Full Review

This flashback filler-episode-esque issue contributes nothing to the overall story of The Joker other than highlighting the already-beaten-into-our-heads fact that Gordo can't stop thinking about the Joker. Normally, I would recommend checking out The Joker #5 on Francavilla's art alone, but even he drops the ball this go around. Read Full Review

First off this book has been absolutely amazing since book one. When I opened this issue I was immediately struck with the different art style. Honestly at first I didn't really care for the artwork myself but as the story progressed I felt it did fit quite well. The writing and storyline for the first story was fantastic!! I love stories that really bring the characters to life. The punchline tale was a bit small it simply laid a bit more of the groundwork I will say the modern art style was fantastic. I love the punchline character I love seeing her world being built and I love the massive potential that character has. I also love how bluebird is the main hero in the story. Honestly my only complaint about this is I wish punchline had her own book just like justice league dark in the justice league book I love the story and characters but am always bummed that it's a small backup story more

Smart, engaging story. Not for those still butthurt over this not being a Joker-wank.

I don't like the flashback that interrupts the flow of the story, but I like how Joker's influence clashes with Jim's sense of justice. It really shows the threat Joker presents and how the efforts to keep him contained have a number of personal costs. In hindsight, it looks like Jim played his part in Arkham's revolving door.

So who other than Punchline to back him up? She created a scenario where she gets more power and influence than ever before. Bluebird meanwhile is getting desperate when it comes to her family. Her brother certainly is seeing the more toxic sides of the Punchline influence and her father might become an obstacle later on.

I felt this was the weakest of the series but I liked the story of Joker's first day in Arkham Aslyum. I like the conversation between Joker and Comissioner Gordon.

I thought the main story, while a complete detour from what we had been getting, is really good. I like the idea that Joker's mere existence is enough to drive people mad. Seeing Matthew Rosenberg working on this was a treat because I really, really enjoy his comics usually. And I'm glad to see his involvement didn't hinder what Tynion was doing. The backup, like always, is such a missed opportunity. I do not want a female Joker. That's all Punchline is. One Joker is enough! This could be such an interesting story and yet... we get nothing.

ah yes gordon has a rough life as a cop i see. previously i was not sympathetic to him but now i am

Until now this series had not disappointed me, the great way in the circumstances are pushing Gordon to the warning. But this? A recap with mediocre art and we finished off with an even worse backup story. I think you can easily skip this book if you are familiar with Gordon's character, if you are not familiar it may still serve you well.

tremendously boring and redundant number, a total filler. You can pass on it.

I had enjoyed this series so far, but this one didn't have anything positive in it. Bad writing and art. It may be about time to drop this one.