“It’s Not Funny Anymore”- Part Twelve
Writer: Matthew Rosenberg
Artist: Carmine Di Giandomenico
Color Artist: Romulo Fajardo Jr.
Letterer: Tom Napolitano
Review by Kendra Smart
Joker: The Man Who Stopped Laughing #12 is here and with it the conclusion, well… one of sorts, to our story. From watching the chaos and violence rage, to sorting out hints and clues from all aspects of the book, including short stories. This series has given readers so many twists, turns, queries, and things to ponder, but, as with all things, an end has come.
The featured cover art by Carmine Di Giandomenico is a direct mirror of what we saw for issue #11. We see our other Joker and his warriors ready for battle and backing their leader, for better or worse. It’s always a joy seeing artists deep in their element showcasing their passion.
I Just Wanted A Hot Dog 🌭
eventually, everything finds its way into the light. John Keyser is struggling with his identity, even with Mr. Waffles confirming that it is in fact the whole truth, but Jason, Red Hood, Todd and the “true Joker” are coming, not to mention Batman himself, so the time has come for plans to be revealed and for everyone to learn just who is the true Clown Prince of Crime.
In a war where all of Gotham’s on the line, the bigger picture’s finally a little clearer. We’ve had gag after gag and several moments of banter line one of the top cruel things to come from a deranged, chaotic, and arguably evil psychotic mind. Will Gotham and those who live there ever be the same?
Into The Pit
The final issue delivers so many great moments. Throughout the series Matthew Rosenberg has given us supremely eloquent moments of inner thoughts and philosophies, jokes, and even parables, if you will, from Keyser’s point of view. As the series has progressed, we’ve seen more and more of just how twisted up and yet perfectly mutated and merged Keyser has become with his creator, the Joker.
Carmine Di Giandomenico and Romulo Fajardo Jr. have joined hands with Tom Napolitano and Matthew Rosenberg to give us moments of emotional connection, questionable sanity, and genuine attempts to unravel the mystery of the real Joker, in fabulous fashion. The direct fourth wall break where the creator talks to fans didn’t go unnoticed either.
Conclusion
This series has given me a chance to really enjoy at a plot line that, not only makes sense, but works in a way that opens even darker doors. The humble adoration and respect, matched by a supreme bloodlust and zero restraint is what stands out in Joker: The Man Who Stopped Laughing #12. The shenanigans make me wish for more, because the whole series was so highly enjoyable. I mean, just watching the Joker blimp go against the Joker train was worth the price of admission.
I keep hopes reserved for another visit to this world of storytelling for more. What can I say? I’m greedy.
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment
