Related
Turns out even a freak like theJokerhas spoilt aspiration . In a new story out this workweek , we get a rarefied glimpse into the psyche of the Clown Prince of Crime as we learn of the nightmare that keeps the legendary phallus of Batman ’s Rogues Gallery up at nighttime .
Since his debut in 1940 , Joker has done some moderately flagitious matter . Whether it wasbeating a untried Jason Todd to deathwith a crowbar , crippling Barbara Gordon in front of her father , or ( in one timeline)using godlike powers to destroy an total state , soft-witted cruelty has been his trademark . So it ’s somewhat surprising to see a vulnerable side to him as we learn that his worst veneration revolves around what his last encounter with Batman might take care like .
Related : DC Celebrates Joker With 80th Anniversary Special
fitly titled “ The Last Smile , " the story is part of theJoker : 80thAnniversary 100 Page Spectacularwhich celebrates the renowned villain and showcases narration from some of the biggest figure in comedian . Paul Dini ( whose writing onBatman : The Animated serieshelped to define the Joker for an entire multiplication of Dark Knight fan ) write the taradiddle , with illustrations by Riley Rossmo ( Martian Manhunter ) and colors by Ivan Plascencia ( Batman : Gotham Nights ) . In the pipe dream , it is the day of his execution as the courts have finally ordered for Joker to be put to death . Of course , a day of the month with the electric chair fails to bring about an ounce of fear or remorse in the clown , with his only sorrow being that“none of the A - Baron Lister ” like Two - Face , Penguin , or The Riddlercould see his final performance .
But a trope from his past tense IS there to see him fry , as Batman step out from the shadows while Joker ’s executioners make their terminal preparations . With the shift about to be pull , the Dark Knight lento but steadily begins to cackle with delight as his arch - bane face a destiny he would never give up himself to deal with . To his horror , Joker realizes that this final defeatat the hands of the valet de chambre he has obsessed over for so long will be his last moments on earth . Batman has had the last gag .
In the final panels , we see that all of this is being say by Harley Quinn to Poison Ivy over drinks at a bar . As she reveals this windowpane into the “ awe and sorrow ” ofJoker ’s individual , her friend enquiry if the aspiration was the reason why she stayed with him for so long . She respond , “ No . It ’s why I finally left . I was never in it . ” It ’s a great closing line , and serves as both a fitting end to the story and to the relationship that Dini created back during his days withThe Animated Series .
More : The JOKER eightieth day of remembrance : Variant Covers & Comic Preview