REVIEW: ‘Batman & The Joker: The Deadly Duo,’ Issue #2

Batman & The Joker: The Deadly Duo #2 is written and illustrated by Marc Silvestri, with colors by Arif Prianto and lettering by Troy Peteri. It’s published by DC Comics under the Black Label imprint. The unthinkable has happened: Batman and the Joker have joined forces! But it’s less out of necessity and more out of desperation. The Dark Knight seeks to save his friend Jim Gordon from a grisly fate, while the Clown Prince of Crime is connected to it. But who is this mysterious figure? And how are they connected to the wave of mutant monsters swarming Gotham?

Silvestri dives even deeper into the Batman mythos with this issue, bringing in some fan-favorite characters. In addition to Harley Quinn and Alfred, Nightwing and Catwoman show up throughout the story. Even Harvey Bullock makes an appearance, as he rightfully points out that Batman’s had to have earned his trust by this point. The most interesting part of Batman to me is the people around them: namely, how they’ve entered his life and how he actually depends on them no matter what he might say. It’s that human element that makes him a compelling character, and Silvestri taps into it fully.

Silvestri also seems to have a blast writing the Batman and the Joker’s dynamic. While the Dark Knight handles most of the physical work, the Joker does what he does best — crack some macabre jokes. From wondering if Batman will leave him hanging off of precarious heights all evening and referring to the Batmobile as a “Super Uber,” there are some pretty great bits of comedy in this issue. And it isn’t just limited to the Joker: Nightwing is his usual wisecracking self, and even Alfred delivers a wicked barb or two. The element of humor helps offset the macabre events that occur throughout the issue.

And things get plenty macabre. A two-page spread features the mutant creatures from the first issue leaping at Batman and the Joker, hatred burning in their blood-red eyes. Batman throws a hail of Batarangs that impale the creatures in their eyes and flesh, but they don’t even notice. One of them sinks its teeth deep into Batman’s shoulder, drawing blood. Combined with Peteri’s jagged word balloons and Prianto’s moody color scheme, it’s highly reminiscent of Silvestri’s work on his classic Image Comics character, The Darkness. Even the Joker creatures look like something The Darkness might summon! Silvestri’s art also retains the kinetic edge that’s made him one of my favorite artists in the business. Characters feel like they’re moving, leaping off buildings, and hitting the ground with a thud. And when Batman summons the Batmobile, its canopy unfolds like a hi-tech Rubik’s cube.

Batman & The Joker: The Deadly Duo #2 continues to explore the dynamic between its titular characters while also delivering plenty of action and humor. So far, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by this comic, and I hope that feeling continues, especially as the last page teases a whole new world of trouble for Batman and the Joker.

Batman & The Joker: The Deadly Duo #2 is available now wherever comics are sold.