The Joker is back, and Gotham will never be the same. After his gruesome self-mutilation in the New 52’s Detective Comics, the Clown Prince of Crime vanished, leaving a void in Batman’s rogues’ gallery. But peace in Gotham is a fool’s dream, and with the Court of Owls dealt with, the Joker resurfaces to unleash a plan that cuts to the very heart of the Batman Family in Death of the Family.
What’s Inside?
This review focuses on the paperback edition of Death of the Family, which thankfully omits the infamous Joker mask from some special editions. Inside, you’ll find the complete five chapters of this iconic storyline: Death of the Family, crafted by the powerhouse team of writer Scott Snyder, artist Greg Capullo, inkist Jonathan Glapion, and colorist FCO Plascencia. Originally serialized in Batman #13-17, this collection also includes backup stories from the first four issues, penned by Scott Snyder and James Tynion IV, with art by Jock. The lettering, crucial in bringing comics to life, is handled by Richard Starkings, Jimmy Betancourt, Sal Cipriano, and Taylor Esposito.
For those seeking a blow-by-blow account as the story unfolded, delve into the original single-issue reviews to revisit the initial reactions and detailed breakdowns.
The Punchline You Didn’t See Coming
Batman, ever vigilant, maintained watch during the Joker’s year-long absence. Yet, even the World’s Greatest Detective is caught off guard when his nemesis brazenly walks into the GCPD, demanding the return of his severed face. With his visage reattached, the Joker sets in motion a twisted scheme to “liberate” Batman. In the Joker’s warped view, Batman’s allies – the Bat-family – have weakened him, turning the Dark Knight into something less than he should be. Explosions rock Gotham, key figures are abducted, and brutal fights erupt as the Joker carves a path towards a final, devastating confrontation with Batman. Gotham’s underworld finds itself caught in the crossfire as the Joker’s chaos reigns supreme.
Snyder’s Voice: Powerful, but Perhaps Too Loud?
Death of the Family is undeniably compelling. While Scott Snyder’s plot choices can be divisive, his storytelling prowess is undeniable. Even when plot holes appear or the narrative takes unexpected turns, Snyder’s ability to craft atmosphere and build suspense is captivating. A major strength is the compelling inner monologue of Bruce Wayne, our anchor in this turbulent narrative. Snyder’s writing is dense, packed with text, yet it rarely feels laborious to read. He draws you into Batman’s mind, making the story deeply personal and engaging.
Joker's disturbing return in Death of the Family, showcasing his reattached face and menacing grin.
However, Snyder’s strength can also be a slight weakness. He sometimes overindulges in exploring a concept. In Death of the Family, the Joker casts himself as the loyal court jester to Batman’s king. It’s a striking metaphor, but the Joker’s extended monologues on this theme, delving into court jester trivia, feel excessive. While Snyder aims to deepen the metaphor, it arguably becomes diluted by the lengthy exposition. Notably, readers of the collected edition may find slightly altered dialogue in these scenes compared to the original single issues, suggesting Snyder himself recognized the need for refinement in this aspect of the storytelling.
When Laughter Turns to Terror
Metaphorical tangents aside, Snyder’s Joker is genuinely terrifying. It’s impossible to dismiss him, even amidst his smiles and laughter. This is not the Joker of laughing fish or parade balloons. He’s not vying for a farcical political appointment. Throughout Death of the Family, he embodies pure cruelty, devoid of comedic relief, even when attempting humor.
The most effective Joker interpretations tap into the unsettling nature of his actions, blurring the line between madness and calculated malice. He’s dangerous precisely because those around him, save Batman, underestimate him, mistaking his insanity for harmlessness. They laugh when they should be terrified. They forget the Joker’s capacity for violence, the crowbar attack on Robin, the televised pronouncements of madness.
Death of the Family maintains a constant sense of dread. The Joker’s next move is perpetually unpredictable and menacing. While this relentless terror might not be everyone’s ideal Joker portrayal, it’s undeniably effective within the grand, world-altering narratives Snyder favors. Even if this Joker deviates from personal preferences, his portrayal is undeniably impactful within this story, and any reservations only surface upon deeper reflection.
Capullo’s artwork is crucial in realizing this terrifying Joker. The backup stories, illustrated by Jock, present a Joker with a deliberately messier, less consistent facial depiction. This arguably diminishes the character’s menace. Reading the story in collected form, the visual shift in the backups can feel jarring and less impactful.
Batman confronts the Joker in Arkham Asylum, a pivotal scene in Death of the Family, highlighting Capullo's detailed and dynamic artwork.
Capullo’s style, conversely, is consistently sharp, clean, and less abstract, amplifying the Joker’s intimidation and grotesque nature. His Joker never appears comical or jovial, despite the wide grin and energetic demeanor. Looking at the broader scope of the artwork, Capullo’s contributions are consistently outstanding. Death of the Family is filled with instantly iconic Batman panels, and Capullo’s mastery of perspective and layout is among the best in the industry.
Family Bonds Forged in Fire
While Snyder’s Joker might have minor drawbacks for some, his depiction of the Bat-family dynamic is a major triumph of Death of the Family. The interactions are rich and believable: Damian’s blatant disrespect for Jason, Barbara Gordon silencing the bickering boys so Bruce can speak, Dick Grayson’s respectful yet firm approach to his mentor. It genuinely feels like a family unit, even for readers unfamiliar with the intricate history of these characters.
The family is the emotional core of this story, representing Batman’s vulnerability. While it’s difficult to imagine the Joker physically overpowering Batman, the well-being of the Bat-family is constantly in jeopardy. They have suffered before, enduring profound losses and trauma. By grounding the stakes in the family, Snyder elevates the conflict and makes the resolution profoundly meaningful. This focus on family also humanizes Batman, making him more relatable. Protecting a city can feel abstract, but protecting loved ones resonates deeply.
A Comic Critic’s Aside
Reading Death of the Family in trade paperback initially led to a minor spoiler due to page layout within Arkham Asylum. A key surprise was slightly telegraphed by the placement of panels across a page turn. Acquiring the original single issues confirmed this was not the intended reading experience. While it doesn’t ruin the narrative, it diminishes a moment designed for greater impact. For first-time readers, try to resist glancing at the right-hand page before turning it to preserve the intended surprise.
Bonus Features
Typical of New 52 collected editions, Death of the Family includes bonus material. There’s a gallery of variant covers, some of which are less compelling, and a few pages of interior artwork from Batman #15. While variant covers are often better appreciated in single-issue format, their inclusion is a welcome bonus rather than an omission.
Value Proposition: Worth the Full Price
Currently, the hardcover edition is priced slightly above $16, and the paperback around $10. The special edition with the Joker mask demands a higher price, but even that isn’t excessive for the added collectible. Ultimately, the quality of the content justifies these prices. However, a minor caution regarding the paperback: the cover shows slight signs of separation despite careful handling, suggesting the hardcover might offer greater long-term durability.
Final Verdict
The Bat-family united against the Joker in Death of the Family, a powerful image emphasizing the central theme of family vulnerability.
Death of the Family has elements that might not perfectly align with every reader’s Joker preferences, and Snyder’s writing occasionally becomes verbose. Yet, it remains a standout Batman story. Capullo’s artwork is vital in realizing Snyder’s vision, generating the tension and payoff that drive the narrative. The central focus on the Bat-family infuses the story with emotional depth, allowing readers to overlook minor Joker characterization quibbles and fully engage with Batman’s struggle.
SCORE: 8/10
