“It’s Not Funny Anymore” – Part Six
Artist: Carmine Di Giandomenico
Color Artists: Arif Prianto
Letterer: Tom Napolitano
Review by Kendra Hale
The Joker: The Man Who Stopped Laughing #6 is out this week, and I was READY. The cover options for this issue include talent like Lee Bermejo, Jeff Spokes, and Kendrick “Kunkka” Lim. They vary from Joker living his best life in front of the Hollywood sign, to Dr. Joker taking matters into his own hands and sewing himself back together. Dark, gritty, just plain glorious art.
But that isn’t why we’re here right? Let’s dive into the twisted tale that is continued in The Joker: The Man Who Stopped Laughing #6.
Shaken AND Stirred
Opening in a comedy club, the comedian finds himself graced with the presence of comic royalty, The Joker. The Clown prince of Crime welcomes criticism and toasts him on his roast. Those mean more posthumously, do they not? His men tell him that it is time to catch his flight. However, before he can leave Hollywood, he wants the fear that is rightfully his. Joker proclaims his love with explosive intent while Waffles insists they hurry. But his warnings fall on deaf ears and someone new steps into the fray.
While Joker is living it up in L.A. much to the chagrin of Mr. Waffles, Jason and the other Joker are each facing their own obstacles. Jason faces them in jail, while Joker’s being helped by an old friend and a familiar fan favorite. Another face off is coming and the answers are just a turning of pages away.
Dressed To Impress
Matthew Rosenberg has given almost a slapstick essence to this issue. As a reader, you actually start to understand Mr. Waffles, because he’s solely trying to get his boss to the plane on time but can’t seem to get him to focus on that endeavor. Poor Mr. Waffles. From an art standpoint this issue has so many great moments, but my favorite has to be the Batman impersonator Joker runs across. Their interactions with the tourists are hilarious.
Our backup strip this month is a bit different in tone as well, with a more modern art style that breaks away from all previous issues. Written by Matthew Rosenberg and Ryan Cindy, with art by Will Robson, colors by Hi-Fi, and letters by Tom Napolitano, we get treated to the tale of Joke… um, Ralph, who’s the twin brother of Edward a.k.a. The Joker. The villain has passed and asked Ralph to take over and complete his bucket list. The question is, will Ralph be able to stop when the list is complete?
Conclusion
While slower in pace than previous issue, The Joker: The Man Who Stopped Laughing #6 gives a break in the narrative that’s devilishly dark and merciless in its twists. That, and it’s also genuinely enjoyable to chew on too, as the situations are hilarious. I’m ready for the answers to start revealing themselves, and for the much awaited face-off.
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment