The Batman Who Laughs #3 is published by DC Comics, written by Scott Snyder (Dark Knights: Metal, Wytches) with art by Jock (Wytches), colors by David Baron, and letters by Sal Cipriano.
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As the Batman Who Laughs gets closer to enacting his dangerous plan, he needs something from none other than Oswald Copplepot. While the penguin and must more sinister Batman feud, this world’s Dark Knight has enlisted the help of James Gordon Jr., the psychopath from Synder’s groundbreaking “Black Mirror” run, to help him stop the Batman Who Laughs but the Grim Knight is hot on their trail and Batman is still dealing with the effects of the Joker toxin.
The Batman Who Laughs #3 reminds me of elements of the Batman: Arkham series. The book sees Batman making difficult decisions with his allies and tugged back and forth on a twisted scavenger hunt trying to gather pieces before The Batman Who Laughs can stop him. But like any good Joker story, The Batman Who Laughs often knows Bruce’s next move. A good Batman story is like a game of chess, Batman knows what his opponent’s next move is but his best opponent knows his as well.
Also similar to the Batman: Arkham games, the Joker’s toxin plays a major issue in this story. As I mentioned when I spoke about the previous issue, the Batman Who Laughs is proof that Batman is capable of unspeakable evil but the difference within this comic and the issue it raises is, what truly pushes a person to that evil?
A major issue I have with Justice League and even Avengers stories are the stakes are always so sky high it is almost impossible to tell when things matter. This mini-series is unique and that while it follows a character from a major Justice League/DC Crossover event, The Batman Who Laughs was first seen in Dark Knights: Metal, it is a personal story for Batman. The stakes are personal, the story feels thrilling because it is not necessarily world-ending.
The Batman Who Laughs #3 is another dose of horror expertly administered by Snyder. His work with Jock together on multiple occasions have created a seamless narrative that both delights and terrifies. This book is the best kind of uncomfortable and exactly what I want in a horror comic. It is just that much better it happens to also be a Batman book. Jock’s art with the addition of Baron excels particularly in the more gruesome moments of the book. A lot of the gore is strategically placed within shadows which adds to the overall mystique of the series. Complimenting the gore and resembling the dripping of blood, there is a soft spot in my heart for Cipriano’s lettering for the Batman Who Laughs. The font choice with the red on the black background is perfect for the character’s aesthetic.
Overall, I love this book and look forward to the continuation of the series as we are now at the halfway point of the mini-series. This is a must-read for both Batman and horror fans.
The Batman Who Laughs #3 is available now in comic book stores everywhere and online.
The Batman Who Laughs #3
TL;DR
The Batman Who Laughs #3 is another dose of horror expertly administered by Snyder. His work with Jock together on multiple occasions have created a seamless narrative that both delights and terrifies. This book is the best kind of uncomfortable and exactly what I want in a horror comic.
