The return of the Joker in DC’s New 52 era was a seismic event for Batman fans worldwide. For many, including myself, the Clown Prince of Crime represents the pinnacle of Batman villainy, an anarchic force mirroring the Dark Knight’s order. This anticipation reached fever pitch with “Death of the Family,” a sprawling crossover event designed to throw the Bat-family into terrifying disarray. Collected in a deluxe edition, The Joker: Death of the Family offers a comprehensive, if somewhat uneven, look at this monumental storyline.
From a collector’s standpoint, this volume is invaluable, gathering every Joker-centric appearance from his New 52 re-emergence. It’s a practical resource for fans wanting a complete picture of the event. However, critically examining The Joker: Death of the Family reveals a more complex anthology. Not all stories seamlessly integrate, and some feel tangential to the core narrative of the Joker’s direct assault on Batman and his extended family – the Robins and Batgirl.
To clarify which stories are essential and which are skippable, especially in relation to Scott Snyder’s central Death of the Family arc, I’ll provide a concise overview of each included story. It’s worth noting that a separate collection exists focusing solely on Snyder’s narrative. If you already own that and are curious about the broader crossover, my insights will help you determine if this complete edition is a necessary addition to your collection. Rest assured, no major plot spoilers lie ahead.
DETECTIVE COMICS #16-17
John Layman’s Detective Comics issues delve into the unsettling aftermath of the Joker’s return. Batman investigates a series of crimes mirroring the Joker’s signature style, perpetrated by individuals deeply infatuated with the Clown Prince. This story effectively illustrates the Joker’s insidious influence, showcasing how his chaotic philosophy resonates with Gotham’s fractured and marginalized. It explores the Joker as a figure of dark magnetism, appealing to those who are already lost and seeking meaning in madness. While woven into the ongoing Emperor Penguin storyline of Detective Comics, these issues stand alone, focusing on the Joker’s groupies, “The League of Smiles,” and the chaos they unleash.
RECOMMENDED: YES. This is a compelling exploration of the Joker’s psychological impact on Gotham. Layman’s writing, combined with the visually striking artwork of Jason Fabok and Andy Clarke, makes this a worthwhile read, showcasing the broader ripples of the Joker’s return.
CATWOMAN #13-14
Ann Nocenti’s Catwoman tie-in is arguably the weakest link in the Death of the Family chain. The Joker’s attempts to manipulate Catwoman into his schemes feel underdeveloped and lack a clear purpose within the larger narrative. The story struggles to justify the Joker’s interest in Catwoman in this context, making their interactions feel forced and inconsequential. Despite some darkly humorous dialogue and classic Joker-esque taunts aimed at Catwoman, these issues contribute little to the unfolding events of Death of the Family or the Joker’s confrontation with the Bat-family.
RECOMMENDED: NO. Unless you are a die-hard Catwoman completist, these issues can be safely skipped without missing crucial elements of the Death of the Family storyline.
SUICIDE SQUAD #14-15
Suicide Squad #14-15 presents a disturbingly intimate and psychologically brutal encounter between the Joker and Harley Quinn, written by Ales Kot. The Joker confronts Harley during a funeral, unleashing a level of cruelty and torment rarely seen before, even from him. For fans fascinated by their toxic relationship, this story offers a deeply unsettling, yet undeniably captivating, exploration of their dynamic. It pushes the boundaries of their already dysfunctional bond, showcasing a power imbalance that is both disturbing and strangely erotic in its intensity. Harley attempts to resist the Joker’s influence, recognizing a change in him, sparking an intense internal conflict.
RECOMMENDED: IT DEPENDS. For those invested in the Joker and Harley Quinn’s complex and often disturbing relationship, this is a must-read. However, if you’re solely focused on the core Death of the Family narrative, these issues are tangential and can be skipped.
BATGIRL #14-16
Gail Simone’s Batgirl arc is a standout tie-in and arguably the most impactful outside of the main Batman title. It’s a masterclass in tension and psychological horror. Barbara Gordon’s internal monologue is haunting, revealing her deep-seated trauma from The Killing Joke and her chilling contemplation of killing the Joker. The narrative is crisp, the action sequences are dynamic, and the Joker’s disturbing actions towards Batgirl are genuinely unsettling, laced with a twisted, sickening affection. Simone expertly crafts a compelling dynamic between Batgirl and the Joker, making their confrontation deeply personal and emotionally resonant.
RECOMMENDED: YES. This is an essential tie-in. Simone’s portrayal of Barbara Gordon/Batgirl is incredibly sympathetic yet fiercely resilient, making readers viscerally root for her victory over the Joker’s psychological torment.
RED HOOD AND THE OUTLAWS #15-16; TEEN TITANS #15-16
The Red Hood and the Outlaws and Teen Titans crossover within Death of the Family is arguably the weakest in terms of narrative cohesion and impact. Jammed together, these issues feel disjointed and less engaging. The Joker kidnaps the former Robins, Red Hood and Red Robin, prompting rescue attempts from their respective teams. For readers unfamiliar with Teen Titans or Red Hood and the Outlaws, these storylines can be confusing and detract from the central Joker/Bat-family conflict. The plot feels diluted by the inclusion of these team dynamics. The redeeming quality lies in the exploration of Tim Drake and Jason Todd’s complicated relationships with Batman, their surrogate father. The Joker attempts to exploit these unresolved issues, driving a wedge between the former Robins.
RECOMMENDED: NO. Unless you are a dedicated follower of Teen Titans or Red Hood and the Outlaws, these issues are skippable. The core themes they touch upon regarding the Robins’ relationship with Batman are underdeveloped within the broader crossover.
NIGHTWING #15-16
Kyle Higgins’ Nightwing tie-in is another strong entry and a personal highlight after Batgirl. Dick Grayson, the original Robin, faces a deeply personal attack from the Joker. The Clown Prince threatens to destroy everything Dick holds dear, targeting his past and the orphanage that was once his home before Batman took him in. This story is emotionally resonant, particularly for readers invested in Dick Grayson’s journey from Robin to Nightwing and his efforts to forge his own identity separate from Batman’s shadow. The Joker expertly probes Dick’s vulnerabilities, but Nightwing’s inherent goodness and resilience shine through. Despite confronting the trauma of his childhood and his past as Robin, Dick refuses to succumb to darkness.
RECOMMENDED: YES. This is a compelling and emotionally engaging story that delves into Nightwing’s character and his enduring strength in the face of the Joker’s psychological warfare.
BATMAN AND ROBIN #15-16
Peter Tomasi’s Batman and Robin issues focus on Damian Wayne, the current Robin and Bruce Wayne’s son. Damian’s encounter with the Joker is unique compared to the other Robins. Lacking the same history and trauma associated with the Joker, Damian initially approaches him with defiance and a surprising lack of fear. Watching the Joker attempt to psychologically break down Damian is unsettling, yet fascinating. The core strength of this story lies in exploring Damian’s complex relationship with Batman, his biological father. Damian’s unwavering trust in Batman becomes his shield against the Joker’s manipulations.
RECOMMENDED: YES. This is a strong tie-in that effectively highlights Damian Wayne’s unique character and his evolving relationship with Batman within the crucible of the Joker’s attack.
BATMAN #17
Scott Snyder’s Batman #17 is the heart and soul of Death of the Family. Marketed with immense hype as the definitive Joker story, it carries the burden of inflated expectations. It’s crucial to approach this issue with tempered anticipation to truly appreciate its merits. While not a flawless masterpiece, it is undeniably a gripping and impactful read.
The central premise of the Joker’s elaborate return is to dismantle the “family” Batman has built, believing these relationships have weakened him, making him vulnerable and human. The Joker’s warped logic dictates that by eliminating Batman’s surrogate children and son, he is “saving” Batman, restoring him to his “true” self. This possessive obsession with Batman is a recurring theme in Snyder’s narrative, bordering on a disturbingly intimate and almost homoerotic fixation.
Batman #17 succeeds by emphasizing the thematic dichotomy between Batman and the Joker: order versus chaos. Snyder humanizes both figures, highlighting their flaws and fears, and the damaging impact they have, knowingly or unknowingly, on those closest to them. The poignant scene where Batman threatens to reveal the Joker’s true identity, only for the Joker to vehemently refuse, is a crucial moment. It reveals the Joker’s self-imposed isolation, his rejection of humanity, yet also hints at a twisted desire for connection, solely with Batman, his eternal adversary.
If approached without excessive hype, The Joker: Death of the Family is a significant achievement. Snyder and the other writers successfully inject new dimensions into the Joker, particularly exploring the inextricable link between Batman and his nemesis. This crossover also marks a pivotal moment for Batman and his family, a traumatic event that reshapes their relationships moving forward.
RECOMMENDED OVERALL: 8/10
For readers deeply invested in Batman and his mythology, The Joker: Death of the Family is a profoundly impactful storyline. While individual tie-in quality varies, the overall collection offers a compelling and disturbing exploration of the Joker’s enduring threat to the Dark Knight and his world.
