The Joker Is Getting A Totally New Origin Story
Coming January 2024, everything you once knew about The Joker will be forgotten. The classic tale of the Joker is about to get redefined with a brand-new origin story. The most insane villain to ever enter the pop culture zeitgeist will be rewritten in a thrilling three-part tale titled The Joker Year One.
This electrifying narrative will unfold in Batman #142-144, marking a pivotal moment in the Dawn of DC publishing initiative. The Joker Year One is penned by the acclaimed Chip Zdarsky and brought to life by the artistic talents of Giuseppe Camuncoli, Stefano Nesi, Andrea Sorrentino, Alejandro Sánchez, and Dave Stewart. Brought to life by the top talents in the comic world, this weekly comic book event promises to delve deep into the (retold) twisted past of the Clown Prince of Crime.
The Joker Year One kicks off in Batman #142, where readers will be confronted with the tragic demise of the Red Hood Gang’s leader in a vat of chemicals. This event, shrouded in myth, takes a gruesome turn as the tale unfolds. The narrative promises to unravel the heartbreaking story of the monster that emerged from that violent inception, forcing readers to question everything they thought they knew about good ol’ Mr. J.
Zdarsky, along with the artistic team, presents a unique perspective on the impact of The Joker on Batman’s distant future. In each issue of The Joker Year One, artists Andrea Sorrentino and Dave Stewart illustrate a parallel story, showcasing the extensive consequences of the Clown Prince of Crime’s actions on DC’s Caped Crusader.
In Batman #142, set to publish on February 6, 2024, the creative team sets the stage for a journey that promises to be both emotionally charged and psychologically intense. In The Joker Year One, The Joker’s origins are explored in a way that adds more layers to his character, making him a more complex and enigmatic figure than ever before (is that even possible at this point?).
The Joker Year One saga continues with part two in Batman #143, where a mysterious person from Batman’s past enters the Joker’s life, forever altering the trajectory of Mr. J’s story. This installment teases the secrets held by the re-formed Red Hood Gang and hints at the impact they will have on Batman’s future. Batman #143, is scheduled for release on February 13, 2024.
The grand finale to The Joker Year One unfolds in Batman #144, hitting the shelves on February 20, 2024. This climactic conclusion is poised to deliver a tremendous shock wave for the future of Gotham. As the Red Hood Gang goes on a violent spree, The Joker emerges as the only force capable of stopping them.
The climax of The Joker Year One showcases Batman as he finds himself facing not only the immediate threat of the Red Hood Gang but also a devastating new virus, raising the stakes in a future dominated by the looming presence of The Joker.
Following the conclusion of The Joker Year One, readers can anticipate the continuation of the narrative in the Dark Prisons story, spanning Batman #145–#148. Batman will confront a menacing figure from his past to survive the onslaught orchestrated by Zur. As the Dark Knight battles through this ordeal, a new adversary, Amanda Waller, and the U.S. military await on the horizon.
