The Joker’s back, and Gotham will never be the same. After his gruesome self-mutilation in the New 52 Detective Comics, the Clown Prince of Crime vanished, leaving a void in Batman’s chaotic world. But peace in Gotham is a fool’s dream, and with the Court of Owls dealt with, the Joker is back to reclaim his crown of chaos.
What’s Inside?
This review focuses on the paperback edition of Death of the Family, thankfully without the infamous Joker mask. If you’re curious about wearing the Joker’s face to Comic Con, you’re on your own. This collection includes all five parts of the Death of the Family storyline from Batman #13-17, penned by Scott Snyder, illustrated by Greg Capullo, inked by Jonathan Glapion, and colored by FCO Plascencia. It also features backup stories for the first four parts by Scott Snyder, James Tynion IV, and Jock. Richard Starkings, Jimmy Betancourt, Sal Cipriano, and Taylor Esposito handled the lettering.
For deeper insights into individual issues, you can explore our original single-issue reviews.
Haven’t We Heard This One Before?
Batman, ever vigilant, kept 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 to retrieve his surgically removed face. With his visage reattached, the Joker unveils a twisted scheme: to liberate Batman from what he sees as a weakness – his allies. The Joker believes the Bat-family softens the Dark Knight, making him less than he should be. Explosions, kidnappings, brutal fights, and appearances from Gotham’s underworld set the stage for a brutal confrontation between Batman and the Joker.
A Powerful Voice, Perhaps Too Loud
There’s undeniable merit in this graphic novel. While Scott Snyder’s plot choices can be divisive, his storytelling prowess is undeniable. Even when his narratives contain logical leaps or questionable outcomes, his ability to build tension and craft a compelling atmosphere makes his stories inherently engaging. A significant part of this success lies in Bruce Wayne’s strong inner monologue, serving as our entry point into the narrative. Snyder’s writing is dense, packed with text, but it rarely feels tedious.
dof-cover
The iconic cover of “Batman: Death of the Family” graphic novel, featuring a chilling close-up of the Joker’s reattached face, hinting at the terrifying events within.
However, Snyder sometimes indulges in excessive exposition. This iteration of the Joker fancies himself Batman’s loyal court jester, a metaphor he hammers on for far too long. Snyder delves into court jester trivia, attempting to reinforce the metaphor, but arguably diminishing its impact. Readers of the single issues might recall revisions to this scene in the collected edition, suggesting Snyder himself recognized a misstep.
A Clown in the Precinct
Court jester metaphors aside, Snyder’s Joker is genuinely terrifying. It’s impossible to dismiss him, even amidst his smiles and laughter. Gone are the whimsical elements – no laughing fish, parade balloons, or dancing antics (well, almost none). This Joker is not vying for diplomatic posts. Throughout Death of the Family, he is relentlessly cruel, offering no comic relief, even when attempting humor.
The most compelling Joker interpretations hinge on his actions appearing insane yet masking a terrifyingly calculated mind. He is a genuine threat because those around Batman underestimate him, mistaking his madness for harmlessness when they should be terrified. They begin to believe the danger is overstated, conveniently forgetting his past atrocities, like brutally beating Robin with a crowbar. There’s a dangerous complacency, a belief that he can be reasoned with or even sensationalized for entertainment.
Death of the Family maintains a constant sense of dread. The Joker’s next move is perpetually unpredictable and menacing. While some might find this relentless terror overwhelming, it undeniably suits the epic, eternal battle between good and evil that Snyder favors. Even if this portrayal isn’t everyone’s ideal Joker, he is undeniably effective within this story, and any reservations only surface upon deeper reflection.
Capullo’s artwork is crucial in realizing this terrifying Joker. Jock’s art in the backup stories, while intentionally rougher, renders the Joker less consistently menacing compared to Capullo’s refined style. This visual inconsistency can be jarring when reading the entire arc in one go.
IMG_0021
A dynamic panel from “Batman: Death of the Family” showcasing Greg Capullo’s detailed and intense artwork, capturing the Joker’s menacing grin and unsettling presence.
Capullo’s consistent, clean, and less abstract style amplifies the intimidation factor (and the grotesque elements) of the Joker. His Joker never appears comical or joyful, despite the wide grin and lively demeanor. Beyond the Joker, Capullo’s artistic touch elevates every aspect of the book. Death of the Family is filled with instantly iconic Batman imagery. His mastery of perspective and layout is among the best in the industry, with only minor exceptions.
The Strength of Family
While Snyder’s Joker might not resonate with everyone, his portrayal of the Bat-family dynamic is a highlight of the storyline. The interactions are compelling, whether it’s Damian’s blatant disrespect for Jason, Barbara silencing the boys so Bruce can speak, or Dick’s respectful firmness with 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 the story, representing Batman’s vulnerability. While it’s difficult to imagine the Joker physically overpowering Batman, and there’s an inherent assumption of Batman’s invulnerability, the fate of the Bat-family is uncertain. They’ve suffered before, enduring profound losses and trauma. By establishing a believable family dynamic, Snyder makes the conflict deeply personal and impactful. Focusing on family elevates Batman beyond a symbol of a city, grounding him in relatable human emotions and motivations – love, protection, and fear of loss. Striving for a city can be abstract, but striving for family resonates deeply.
A Comic Critic’s Aside
Reading “Death of the Family” in trade paperback initially led to a moment in Arkham Asylum where the page layout prematurely revealed a shocking surprise. Suspecting this wasn’t the intended experience in the single issues, acquiring them confirmed this suspicion. It doesn’t ruin the story, but it diminishes a moment designed for greater impact. For first-time readers, resist the urge to peek at right-hand pages prematurely.
Bonus Features
True to New 52 collections, Death of the Family includes bonus content: a variant cover gallery, sketches, and interior pages from Batman #15. While variant covers may be a matter of personal preference, their inclusion is preferable to exclusion.
Value: Worth the Price
Currently, the hardcover edition is available for around $16, and the paperback for about $10. The masked edition, at $26, adds a questionable “collectible.” Regardless, the content quality justifies the price. The paperback’s cover durability is a minor concern, showing signs of separation, suggesting the hardcover might be a more durable long-term option.
Overall
IMG_0023
A powerful full-page splash from “Batman: Death of the Family” illustrating the chaos and scale of the Joker’s attack on Gotham, emphasizing the visual storytelling strength of the graphic novel.
Despite reservations about the Joker’s portrayal and Snyder’s occasionally verbose writing, Death of the Family remains a standout Batman story. Capullo’s art is integral to Snyder’s vision, driving the tension and payoff. The central focus on the Bat-family injects profound emotional depth, allowing readers to overlook minor flaws and fully immerse themselves in Batman’s struggle against the Joker.
SCORE: 8/10
