Batman #13 Review: Face-off

This review of Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo and Jonathan Glapion's Batman #13, from DC's New 52 era, originally published in my college newspaper, the Tropolitan, on Oct. 18, 2012. In retrospect, I could've chosen a cheerier introduction to the New 52 universe.

It has never been easier to pity Batman.

Bat-enthusiasts may think they’ve seen the Caped Crusader at his lowest, particularly in this summer’s stellar “The Dark Knight Rises,” but Christopher Nolan’s gauntlet of trials will seem like after-school detention in comparison to what acclaimed writer Scott Snyder has in store for Batman.  After what seems like an unending reprieve, Joker has returned to Gotham City. 

And absolutely no one is laughing.

Whether fans have become familiar with Joker through Heath Ledger’s excellent portrayal in “The Dark Knight” or Mark Hamill’s animated personification in “Batman:  The Animated Series,” certain things are a given throughout each iteration.  He is as perfect a foil as one is likely to find; in Batman’s eternal struggle to eliminate crime from his beloved city, Joker exists as an overflowing font of chaos that pervades every crack of every sidewalk in Gotham’s streets. 

Good writers understand that it is this dichotomy that makes Joker such an interesting character.  Not only does Batman’s existence complete Joker, but he feels that his own existence is made possible only through Batman’s efforts. Snyder has taken that relationship to another level with his “Death of the Family” story arc, one that draws clear inspiration from the late ‘80s classic, “A Death in the Family,” which resulted in the death of the second Robin, Jason Todd, at the hands (or crowbar) of the Clown Prince of Crime.  Despite the obvious allusion, it’s evident in the mere 24 pages of Batman #13 that Joker’s new scheme will have significantly more far-reaching consequences for Gotham City.

“In hindsight, there were signs… omens of the terrible things to come,” laments Commissioner James Gordon in the opening panels. 

Torrential rains and early snow have blocked the mouth of the Gotham River, reversing its course.  More disturbingly, a lion at the Gotham Zoo has recently given birth to a cub with two heads.

“Rivers running backwards… beasts born wrong…. we should have seen it coming,” Gordon continues.  These cues set the mood from the very first page and, much like the heavy rains pouring down on Gotham, never once relents.  Things get far worse, however, when the omens culminate in Joker’s inevitable return to the unlikeliest of places—the Gotham City Police Department (GCPD). The GCPD has been keeping Joker’s face locked safely away in the bowels of the department. His face was cut off in an earlier story arc (just accept it, as it’s honestly the least-disturbing thing about this issue), and he wants it back.  What follows is one of the most unsettling series of panels I’ve ever seen (one would be remiss to spoil them here).

This issue contains several nods to classic Joker moments in DC history, but it’s clear that Snyder is confident in his ability to craft his own Joker for this story (particularly, his newfound “hands-on” approach).  But artist Greg Capullo’s art is equally important in defining him.  Although we don’t see his “face” clearly until the very end of the issue, it’s apparent that Joker won’t be winning beauty pageants anytime soon. 

But the issue really hits its stride when Batman steps onto the scene after the incident at the GCPD, and Gordon’s recount of the night’s events triggers a full-on alert mode for the heroes of Gotham. The rest of the issue sees our hero falling gradually into the not-so-obvious trappings of Joker’s grand scheme, and neither Batman nor the reader has any idea of what’s in store.

Joker tiptoeing through the darkened halls of the Gotham PD and snapping the necks of unaware officers is one of the most unsettling comic book moments I've ever read.

But there are clues.

Joker thinks of himself as Batman’s family—an allegorical jester in a king’s court. He feels that Batman has become weaker through his reliance on a “false royal court” (Batgirl, Nightwing, Robin, etc.) to protect the city.  Moreover, he actually believes he will make Batman stronger by eliminating these unnecessary crutches. 

If one is to take the title of this event literally, how will Joker carry out this master plan?  There are implications made in this issue that hint at Joker holding a terrible secret over Batman… but Joker has never been a particularly straightforward antagonist, and Snyder would never make it so easy for fans to grasp the bigger picture this early.

While there are surely several lingering questions after reading Batman #13, it’s obvious that evil machinations are afoot. Snyder’s run on Batman has been nothing short of perfect so far, and Batman #13 is an exemplary showcase of his talents.  Anyone could jump into the story at this point, even if he or she has never read a single issue of Snyder’s work, as this is clearly the start of what could be a modern classic.

The hopeful or faint of heart need not apply, though, as readers are not likely to find anything even closely resembling a happy ending here. 

So readers, put your game face on.  It’s clear that Joker already has.