Batman, Volume 3: Death of the Family (New 52)

The Joker makes his triumphant return to the DC Universe unleashing his sadistic version on Hell on Batman and the members of the Batman Family. Nobody is safe from any of the Robins to Commissioner Gordon to even Alfred. It’s that target that makes the Batman family doubt their trust is Bruce Wayne and to question if the Joker may have deduced their secret identities.

This is the Joker at his most gruesome. Till this volume, I thought the psychological terror the Prince of Crime unleashed on the Gordon’s in The Killing Joke was the Joker’s worst. But the villain has degraded so much, even his lady love, Harley Quinn, doesn’t know who he is anymore. Not only are the actions of the Joker the most gruesome, so is his new appearance- wearing his own smiling visage as a tanned mask. It makes Two-face look attractive in a GQ sort of way.

The ramifications of the Joker’s attempt to destroy the Batman family will have an epic impact on how the Batman and his allies operate. Trust has been broken and may never be restored. I cannot wait for the next chapter.

Another bonus to this book is the reason why the Penguin was obligated to leave his criminal empire and hole up in Arkham in Detective Comics: Emperor Penguin is finally revealed. I’m glad that that loose end is finally tied up in my readings. That’s what happens when you rely on your local library for your current comic book readings. The books might be free to read, but they don’t become available to you in chronological order.

A terrifying read that just may give you the creeps.

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.