It’s been an fascinating yr for Batman and the Joker. We’ve seen their relationship examined and deconstructed in a number of locations throughout the DC multiverse. Over in Batman: Past the White Knight, Batman and the Joker are sharing a physique. The Joker grew to become mayor and arrested Bruce Wayne (primarily swapping their roles) on HBO Max’s Harley Quinn animated sequence. Batman/Catwoman made the case that Joker is among the massive issues standing in the best way of Batman and Catwoman’s relationship.
I’ve been considering quite a bit about Batman and the Joker’s sophisticated relationship these days. In actual fact, I just lately wrote an article the place I tried to determine what attracts them to 1 one other. Batman & The Joker: The Lethal Duo is a brand new DC Black Label sequence that appears to proceed that dialog. The comedian presents a team-up between the Darkish Knight and the Clown Prince of Crime, because the pair attempt to rescue a kidnapped Harley Quinn. (It is value noting that since this can be a Black Label e-book, it takes place in its personal nook of the universe. That’s why Harley and Joker are nonetheless a pair.)
We’re just one difficulty into this seven-book sequence and there’s already quite a bit to chew on. Understanding he can’t discover Harley alone, the Joker appeals to Batman. After all, he is aware of Batman would by no means willingly work with him, so the Joker captures Jim Gordon as leverage.
The Joker might go to any of Gotham’s criminals to assist him, and most of them would accomplish that willingly out of respect or concern. But he selected to strategy Batman, regardless that he’d be risking incarceration and a possible beating. This could come as no shock, nonetheless, as a result of Batman is your greatest wager in any kidnapping case. I’d belief him over Bob the Goon or the Mad Hatter.
I believe there’s extra to it than that, although. The Joker doesn’t have to go together with Batman for this mission. He might let Batman throw him in Arkham, the place he might escape after a fast nap. As an alternative, I believe the Clown Prince sees this as their time to play collectively.
“Neglect the drained Dynamic Duo crap!” he says. “We might be the Lethal Duo.”
It’s arduous to deconstruct intent in something the Clown Prince says as a result of he’s not a rational particular person. Nevertheless, if I take his assertion at face worth, I believe it betrays somewhat little bit of jealousy. The Joker sees his relationship with Batman as particular, believing that no person is aware of him like he does. The point out of the Dynamic Duo betrays the jealousy he feels for Robin.
He desires to be Batman’s companion, however he additionally desires to be Batman’s enemy. It’s sophisticated, however the Joker is insane so that ought to come as no shock. I additionally suppose a primal human emotion is driving the Joker—desperation. Take note of the phrases because the Joker appeals to Batman: “I’m in a jam, buddy, and I would like your assist.”
As soon as once more, I might be a idiot to take the whole lot the Joker says at face worth, however I believe his cry for assistance is real. And if the Joker is being truthful, and he’s really on the finish of his rope, then it’s very telling that Batman was the one he immediately turned to. Take into consideration your personal life, and occasions if you’ve been determined for assist. In these moments, we instinctively flip to somebody shut—somebody we belief deeply. It’s not calculated. It’s a primal a part of our mind that’s drawn to our most trusted particular person throughout occasions of disaster.
This can be a bit revealing, as a result of if we take the Joker for his phrase, then his particular person is Batman. We’ve seen a playful Joker, we’ve seen a violent Joker, however how usually have we seen a susceptible Joker?
Like I stated, the Joker might be enjoying us all, but when he isn’t then there’s a lot to unpack. Batman’s response can also be fascinating. He can’t stand the Joker’s presence, but he agrees to the partnership. The truth that Jim Gordon is being held hostage is an enormous cause, however why can’t Batman simply throw the Joker in Arkham, then search for Gordon himself?
Wouldn’t Gordon be in much less hazard if the Joker was locked away? I’m not attempting to recommend that Batman is utilizing the state of affairs as an excuse to spend time with the Joker. I don’t suppose he’s searching for that out, however I additionally suppose he accepts it when there are different choices. It’s sophisticated for Batman as properly, simply otherwise. He doesn’t need to crew up with Joker, however whether or not he’ll admit it or not, there’s a unusual draw there, and a particular connection does exist.
Batman even performs a small joke on the Clown Prince. Joker means that they seal their partnership by spitting and shaking their palms. Batman responds by spitting straight onto the Joker’s face. The Joker is initially ticked, however then realizes that is Batman utilizing humor to disclose the reality about how he feels. The very best jokes are at all times private, proper?
Every little thing I’ve stated is only one interpretation of what we see go down within the first difficulty. If you happen to haven’t already, be sure you try Batman & The Joker: The Lethal Duo #1 forward of difficulty #2 hitting shops subsequent week. Perhaps you’ll get a distinct studying from the scene than I did. Maybe you’ll choose up on a nuance I’ve neglected.
With Batman and the Joker working collectively, the remainder of this restricted sequence ought to show fairly fascinating. Will it reply the questions we’ve had about their rivalry for the previous eight many years, or go away us with extra? With Batman and the Joker, there’s no telling what would possibly occur.
Batman & The Joker: The Lethal Duo #1 by Marc Silvestri with Arif Prianto is now out there in print and on DC UNIVERSE INFINITE for Extremely subscribers. Search for difficulty #2 in shops on Tuesday, December sixth.
Joshua Lapin-Bertone writes about TV, films and comics for DC.com, is a daily contributor to the Sofa Membership and writes our month-to-month Batman column, “Gotham Gazette.” Observe him on Twitter at @TBUJosh.
NOTE: The views and opinions expressed on this column are solely these of Joshua Lapin-Bertone and don’t essentially replicate these of DC Leisure or Warner Bros.
