Two pages from 'Joker'

[cyberghostface]

 Overall Azzarrello's Joker graphic novel didn't do much for me mainly because, among many other reasons, it didn't feel like the title character was in fact Joker. Which is kind of funny given how many wildly different incarnations of the Joker have existed over the years.

That being said there was one exchange between Batman and the Joker that I loved.





I just love that line. It's one of the best "Shut up, Hannibal!" scenes I've ever come across. (And of course, the Joker flies into a rage right after this.) 

Comments

[damar148]

Reminds me of Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker where Terry figures out that the Joker doesn't like to be laughed AT.

[espanolbot]

Only good part in the story.

[reveen]

If this was actually the Joker I think he'd find it pretty funny that Batman had been subtly taking the piss out of him the entire time.

[icon_uk]

Hmmm.... not sure about that. It suggests that Batman is letting the Joker GET to him (even if only to inspire him to mock him),and he'd never admit to that.

[coldfury]

Well, I'm sure the 'window' predates Joker anyway, so I think this was just his way of egging the Joker into making a mistake.

[locuatico]

but it makes me think. Batman Beyond's suit, which was the last one Bruce used before retiring, did not have the "window" he usually has. and, besides Bruce retiring at the start of the series, we never get to see Bruce's Batman Post Joker's death. what if he removed the window specifically because of that event? it sounds a little silly, but it was reminded of that.

[alicemacher]

Not a bad piss-take on Batman's part, I'll grant. But I think a much better piss-take was the one towards the end of Mad Love:

"I knew your massive ego would never allow anyone else the 'honor' of killing me. Though I have to admit she came a lot closer than you ever did...

"Puddin'."

Why is it better? First, the old "show, don't tell" principle: rather than announcing he's mocking the Joker, as in Azzarrello's story, Batman actually does so. Second, he mocks him in a much more convincing way than in Azzarrello's tale: he tells Joker that Harley's better at his own game, something the J-man was already furiously anxious about.

Finally, Batman calling his arch-enemy not only by Harley's pet name, but one the Joker loathes, is icing on the mockery cake. And it's just plain goddamn funny.

[cyberghostface]

I suppose it depends on context but I just like how Joker gives this long lecture and Batman just turns it on his head and is like "lol fuck you".

[palgrave_goldenrod]

Yeah, this one does the job in just three words. What it lacks in personalisation, it makes up for in punch.

[chortles81]

Of the "You're beneath my having to work for a 'witty' answer" sort?

[palgrave_goldenrod]

Something like that, yeah.