The Joker’s terrifying return in “Batman: Death of the Family” marks a pivotal moment in the New 52 era, reminding Gotham and its Dark Knight of the Clown Prince of Crime’s unparalleled capacity for chaos. After a year of absence following the gruesome removal of his own face, orchestrated by the Dollmaker in Detective Comics, the Joker resurfaces, ready to unleash a plan that strikes at the very heart of Batman’s world – his family. This storyline, penned by Scott Snyder with striking art by Greg Capullo, delves into the Joker’s twisted ideology and his relentless obsession with Batman, making it a must-read for any fan of the Caped Crusader and his rogues gallery.
Unpacking the “Death of the Family” Collection
This review focuses on the paperback edition of Death of the Family, which compiles the complete arc from Batman #13-17. This collection brings together all five chapters of the main story by the core creative team of Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo, Jonathan Glapion, and FCO Plascencia, alongside backup stories from the first four issues, crafted by Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, and Jock. Richard Starkings, Jimmy Betancourt, Sal Cipriano, and Taylor Esposito handled the lettering, ensuring a seamless reading experience throughout. For those seeking a more detailed breakdown of individual issues, our previous reviews covering the initial monthly releases offer further insight.
A Familiar Tune of Terror, Reimagined
The narrative kicks off with the Joker’s dramatic re-entry into Gotham’s stage at the GCPD, reclaiming his surgically detached face. This unsettling act sets the tone for the Joker’s grand design: to “liberate” Batman from his allies – the Bat-family. The Joker believes these partners have weakened the Dark Knight, diminishing his true potential. His plan unfolds through a series of calculated attacks, incorporating explosions, kidnappings, and confrontations with Gotham’s underworld, all leading to an inevitable and explosive confrontation between Batman and his clownish nemesis.
Snyder’s Narrative Prowess: Voice and Tension
Scott Snyder’s storytelling is a significant strength of Death of the Family. While his plot decisions may sometimes be debated, his narrative skill is undeniable. He masterfully crafts tension and builds atmosphere, drawing readers into the story even when facing occasional plot inconsistencies or personal preferences in outcomes. A key element of his success is Bruce Wayne’s compelling inner monologue, which serves as the reader’s primary connection to the unfolding events. Snyder’s writing is rich and detailed, yet it remains engaging and never feels burdensome to read.
Batman Death of the Family Cover Art
However, Snyder’s detailed approach can sometimes lead to over-elaboration. The Joker’s self-proclaimed role as Batman’s “loyal court jester” is a compelling metaphor, but the extended monologues and deep dives into court jester trivia feel excessive. While intended to strengthen the metaphor, it arguably weakens its impact. It’s worth noting that revisions were made to this particular dialogue for the collected edition, suggesting even Snyder recognized a slight imbalance in this aspect.
The Terrifying Clown in the Precinct
Despite the jester metaphor’s minor overreach, Snyder’s Joker is genuinely terrifying. He commands a chilling presence, even amidst his smiles and laughter. This iteration of the Joker shuns whimsical elements like laughing fish or parade balloons, opting for a consistently cruel and menacing demeanor. He is far removed from comedic portrayals or any semblance of lightheartedness.
The Joker’s danger in many celebrated interpretations stems from his actions appearing irrational, almost nonsensical. He’s a credible threat because those around him, excluding Batman, underestimate him, mistaking his madness for harmlessness. This false sense of security quickly shatters when recalling his past atrocities, such as the brutal beating of Robin with a crowbar.
Death of the Family consistently maintains a palpable sense of dread regarding the Joker’s next move. While some might prefer a Joker with shades of dark humor or unpredictability stemming from apparent insanity, Snyder’s relentlessly menacing portrayal is undeniably effective within the context of this grand, world-shaking narrative of good versus evil. Even if it deviates slightly from personal preferences for the character, it works powerfully within this story.
Greg Capullo’s artwork is crucial in realizing this terrifying Joker. In contrast, Jock’s art in the backup stories presents a Joker with a deliberately rougher and less consistent facial depiction. This stylistic choice, while intentional, diminishes the character’s menace compared to Capullo’s consistently sharp and detailed rendering. Reading the collection straight through, the visual shift in the backups can feel somewhat jarring.
Joker's Unnerving Smile in Death of the Family
Capullo’s style is clean, consistent, and less abstract, enhancing the Joker’s intimidation and grotesque nature. His Joker never appears comical or jovial, despite the wide grin. Beyond the Joker, Capullo’s art elevates every aspect of the story. Death of the Family is filled with iconic Batman imagery, showcasing Capullo’s masterful perspective and layout skills, solidifying his position among the best in the industry.
The Strength and Vulnerability of Family
While personal preferences for Snyder’s Joker interpretation might vary, the portrayal of the Bat-family dynamic stands out as a major strength of the storyline. The interactions between family members are compelling and feel genuinely familial. From Damian’s characteristic disrespect towards Jason to Barbara Gordon’s attempts to quiet the boys so Bruce can speak, and Dick Grayson’s respectful firmness with his mentor, the relationships feel authentic and lived-in, even for readers unfamiliar with the extensive Bat-family history.
The family element is central to the story’s success, representing Batman’s vulnerability. While it might be difficult to imagine the Joker physically overpowering Batman, the potential harm to his family creates real stakes. The Bat-family has suffered deeply before, referencing events like A Death in the Family and The Killing Joke, adding emotional weight to the current threat. By emphasizing the family, Snyder makes the conflict deeply personal and the resolution truly meaningful, fostering greater sympathy for Batman. Protecting a city is an abstract concept, but protecting loved ones resonates on a deeply human level.
Bat-Family Confronts the Joker's Threat
A Comic Critic’s Observation on Page Layout
Having initially experienced “Death of the Family” in trade paperback form, a specific moment within Arkham Asylum felt somewhat spoiled by the page layout. The reveal’s intended impact seemed diminished by the way the pages were presented in the collected edition. Subsequent examination of the original single issues confirmed this suspicion. While it doesn’t ruin the overall story, it does alter a moment designed for a different pacing in the original monthly format. For first-time readers of the trade, attempting to avoid glimpsing right-hand pages prematurely is advisable to preserve the intended surprise.
Bonus Material: A Standard Collection
Like many New 52 collected editions, Death of the Family includes supplementary material. This typically features a gallery of variant covers, some character sketches, and a few interior pages from Batman #15. While the appeal of variant covers is subjective, and many collectors prefer them with the single issues, their inclusion in the trade is generally a welcome addition rather than their absence.
Value Assessment: Worth the Price
The paperback edition of Death of the Family is reasonably priced, offering significant content for the cost. While a hardcover edition might offer greater durability, the paperback provides excellent value for the quality of storytelling and artwork within. The content justifies the purchase price, making it a worthwhile addition to any Batman fan’s collection.
Overall Verdict
Batman and Joker Face Off in Death of the Family
Despite minor reservations regarding the Joker’s portrayal and occasional over-verbosity, Death of the Family stands as a compelling and impactful Batman story. Capullo’s dynamic artwork masterfully realizes Snyder’s vision, contributing significantly to the tension and emotional payoff of the arc. Ultimately, the central focus on the Bat-family elevates this story, adding profound emotional depth and allowing readers to connect with Batman’s struggle on a personal level, overshadowing any minor shortcomings in the Joker’s characterization.
SCORE: 8/10
