Alfred hasn’t told Bruce everything he knows about the horrors of the world and how there is a man or a myth that stalks the long-abandoned islands. The Joker has arrived in Gotham City.
Creative Team: Scott Snyder (WRITER), Jock (ARTIST), Frank Martin (COLORS and COVER), Clayton Cowles (LETTERS), and Nick Dragotta (COVER).
*SPOILERS AHEAD*
The Story:
Scott excellently builds a narrative tale that slowly builds like a growing fire in the pits of our stomachs, using Alfred as the narrator. This truly is The Joker as we have never seen him as Batman, and he has always been intertwined, but what stands out in this issue is how we see this version as a rich being that lives in a manor with a butler and has a cave. Giving him the life we have known Bruce Wayne to always have deepens the intrigue into what is happening with this version of the character and Batman’s most infamous foe. Scott even gives him the name of Jack Grimm, and he hunts people on his various islands. But he transforms into a terrifying creature, truly bringing horror to this next arc.
The Art and Letters:
The Art drives this story in a big way as Jock and Frank add depth to the slow-burning horror that unfolds in the panels of this issue. The flashback sequences are rustic and feature the old, creepy look clowns used to have in the 18 and 1900s. Grimm himself is a handsomely drawn man and built like a brick house; however, the subtle changes and shifts before the transformation stand out to me. A lot is told through the eyes, and we see the eyes change, and then are shocked by a body horror transformation sequence. You can hear the bones crack and break through the stellar artwork and detail. There are moments as well where the child clown and his victims have red glowing eyes that pierce, sending chills down our spines as Clayton himself is weaving the lettering together slowly building anticipation.
Final Thoughts:
Absolute Batman #15 is a truly terrifying issue, bringing us The Joker in a way nobody has ever seen. The art breathes life into this narrative, slow, slow-burning horror, filling it with panels that will leave you wincing. We are not ready for what’s to come.
Overall Grade: 10/10 Laughs
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