The Joker. The Clown Prince of Crime. Batman’s arch-nemesis. He’s a character synonymous with chaos, but in the “Death of the Family” storyline, he takes his brand of mayhem to terrifying new heights. After a year-long absence following the New 52 reboot and a gruesome encounter with the Dollmaker, the Joker resurfaces in Gotham, ready to unleash a plan that strikes at the very heart of Batman’s world: his family.
This review delves into the collected paperback edition of “Batman: Death of the Family,” encompassing Batman #13-17. Written by Scott Snyder with art by Greg Capullo, Jonathan Glapion, and FCO Plascencia, and backup stories by Snyder, James Tynion IV, and Jock, this arc is a rollercoaster of suspense, horror, and psychological warfare. Letters are expertly crafted by Richard Starkings, Jimmy Betancourt, Sal Cipriano, and Taylor Esposito, adding another layer to the immersive reading experience. For those who followed the original monthly releases, this collection provides a seamless and impactful narrative.
The Joker’s Twisted Logic and Horrifying Return
“Stop me if you’ve heard this one…” This could be the Joker’s opening line as he dramatically re-enters Batman’s life. After a year of lurking in the shadows, the Joker’s grand re-entrance is nothing short of theatrical and disturbing. He storms into the GCPD, demanding the return of his severed face – a grim trophy from his encounter in Detective Comics. With his face gruesomely reattached, he sets his sights on dismantling what he perceives as Batman’s weakness: the Bat-family.
The Joker believes that Batman’s allies – Nightwing, Robin, Batgirl, Red Hood, and Red Robin – have softened the Dark Knight, making him less effective. In his warped mind, he intends to “cure” Batman by systematically targeting and “fixing” his family. This sets the stage for a terrifying game of cat and mouse, filled with explosions, kidnappings, and brutal confrontations, all leading to a climactic showdown between Batman and his most iconic foe.
Strengths of “Death of the Family”: Narrative, Art, and Family Dynamics
“Death of the Family” is a masterclass in tension building and psychological horror, largely due to Scott Snyder’s narrative prowess. Even when the plot takes unexpected turns or requires a suspension of disbelief, Snyder’s ability to craft a compelling narrative is undeniable. He excels at creating atmosphere and drawing readers into Bruce Wayne’s internal world, making the story deeply personal and engaging. Bruce’s inner voice, expertly written by Snyder, acts as the reader’s anchor, guiding us through the escalating chaos. While Snyder is known for his verbose writing style, in “Death of the Family,” it serves to amplify the tension and explore the Joker’s twisted psyche.
Batman in shadows, looking determined, from Death of the Family
Complementing Snyder’s writing is Greg Capullo’s dynamic and visceral artwork. Capullo’s style is perfectly suited to the dark and disturbing tone of “Death of the Family.” His rendition of the Joker is particularly chilling. Gone are the campy elements; this Joker is pure nightmare fuel. Capullo’s clean lines and consistent character designs make the Joker’s grotesque reattached face and menacing grin all the more unsettling. His ability to capture both the grand scale of Gotham’s destruction and the intimate moments of fear and desperation elevates the story to another level. The iconic Batman imagery throughout the arc is a testament to Capullo’s skill and vision, making this book visually stunning.
While the Joker is the antagonist, the heart of “Death of the Family” lies in its exploration of the Bat-family dynamic. Snyder masterfully portrays the complex relationships between Bruce and his allies. The interactions feel authentic and layered, whether it’s Damian Wayne’s brashness, Barbara Gordon’s level-headedness, Dick Grayson’s respectful firmness, or the underlying tensions between Jason Todd and the others. This portrayal of the Bat-family as a genuine, albeit unconventional, family unit is one of the arc’s greatest strengths. It provides emotional weight to the narrative, making the Joker’s attacks feel deeply personal and impactful.
It is the vulnerability of the Bat-family that truly raises the stakes in “Death of the Family.” Readers understand that Batman himself is incredibly resilient, almost invulnerable in some respects. However, the safety of his family is far from guaranteed. Past storylines, like A Death in the Family and The Killing Joke, serve as stark reminders of the very real dangers they face. By focusing the Joker’s wrath on the family, Snyder crafts a narrative that resonates emotionally, making Batman’s fight not just for Gotham, but for the people he loves most. This personal stake elevates “Death of the Family” from a typical superhero story to a compelling and emotionally resonant thriller.
Minor Critiques: Monologues and Layout
One minor criticism of “Death of the Family” is the Joker’s extended monologues, particularly his court jester metaphor. While the concept of the Joker seeing himself as Batman’s loyal jester is intriguing, the extended exploration of this metaphor sometimes feels overdrawn. Snyder delves into court jester trivia, which, while intended to deepen the metaphor, can disrupt the pacing and dilute the Joker’s terrifying presence. The revised language in the collected edition suggests even Snyder recognized this pacing issue and made adjustments.
Another minor point, particularly for readers experiencing “Death of the Family” in trade paperback for the first time, is a potential layout spoiler during the Arkham Asylum sequence. The page turn reveals a shocking surprise that might have been more impactful in the original single-issue format. While not a story-breaking flaw, it is a minor element that could slightly diminish the intended surprise for new readers of the collected edition.
Overall Verdict: A Must-Read Batman Story
Joker menacingly grinning with reattached face, from Death of the Family
Despite these minor critiques, “Batman: Death of the Family” stands as a landmark Batman story. While this portrayal of the Joker might not align with every reader’s preferred interpretation of the character, it is undeniably effective within the context of this narrative. Capullo’s artwork is essential to bringing Snyder’s dark vision to life, creating a visually stunning and terrifying world. The central focus on the Bat-family provides the emotional core of the story, making it more than just another Batman vs. Joker showdown. It’s a story about family, vulnerability, and the lengths Batman will go to protect those he loves.
SCORE: 8/10
“Batman: Death of the Family” is highly recommended for Batman fans and readers who enjoy intense, character-driven stories with elements of horror and suspense. It’s a chilling and unforgettable chapter in the Batman mythos that explores the complex relationship between Batman and the Joker in a deeply personal and disturbing way.
