Tags
Batman, Batman #96, Batman #96 review, Clownhunter, DC Comics, Gotham, Harley Quinn, James Tynion IV, Joker, Joker War, Joker War Part 2, NCBD, Punchline
Batman #96
Review by Paul Bowler.
Joker War unleashes havoc across Gotham in Batman #96 while the Clown Prince of Crime sets the stage for the final act of Batman’s downfall! Still reeling from the effects of a new, even deadlier version of Joker toxin, Batman is on the run, haunted by darkness from his past and present. Only one person can save the Dark Knight from madness as the Joker’s scheme threatens to overwhelm him – Harley Quinn! There’s also a new player in town, but who is the mysterious Clownhunter?
Writer James Tynion IV continues to knock it out of the park with his work on Batman. The grim horror tone gets ramped up even further in Joker War Part 2 as much of the issue plays out like a nightmarish dreamscape for the Dark Knight detective. Tynion masterfully blurs the lines between fantasy and reality in Batman #96 as the Joker’s scheme viciously permeates every aspect of Batman’s world – especially the tragic fallout from Alfred’s recent death which resonates even more powerfully now as a result. Of course much of what Batman finds himself experiencing is, initially at least, a warped illusion caused by the souped up version of the Joker toxin Punchline gassed him with last issue.
Things are looking bleak for Gotham, with Punchline running the show at Wayne Enterprises and the Underbroker controlling City Hall, while the Joker’s new army of gangland goons rampage through the city with some wonderful toys courtesy of the Joker’s recent acquisition of the Wayne fortune. As for the Joker, well, he’s busy buying up air time left right and centre for his own macabre reasons. Tynion refines the narrative with some exceptionally bold strokes in this issue that simultaneously encompass the introduction of an intriguing new character, Clownhunter, while Harley Quinn ends up becoming Batman’s best hope of salvation — even though her help effectively sends him crashing so far over the edge he actually begins to perceive what’s happening to him!
Joege Jimenez’s artwork on this title is really something to behold. Every page of Batman #96 is rich with detail, the concise panel layouts stylishly convey the finer nuances of the story, and the colors by Tomeu Morey are to die for. Highlights include the idyllic future fantasy that has Batman once more sporting a Bat-Suit reminiscent of the sleek ice-tech styling of George Clooney’s final costume from Batman and Robin, the moments of brutally which snap us back to reality are so vividly crafted they are genuinely disturbing, Gotham continues to look more gothic with each passing scene, and the cliffhanger is a masterclass of horror swathed in flickering shadows.
But what exactly is the Joker working towards this time? Well, that all starts to become much clearer now as this second part of Joker War starts to unfold, and he’s clearly pushing all the right buttons to get under Batman’s skin. No bones about it, this time the Joker really is playing for keeps! Batman #96 is another must-read issue, with its terrific writing from James Tynion IV and superb art by George Jimenez, there can be no doubt that Joker War is shaping up to be the DC Comics event of the year!
Publisher: DC Comics
Writer: James Tynion IV / Artist Joege Jimenez / Colors: Tomeu Morey
Letters: Clayton Cowles / Cover: Jimenez & Morey
About The Author
Hi, I’m Paul Bowler, blogger and reviewer of films, TV shows, and comic books. I’m a Sci-Fi geek, a big fan of Doctor Who, Star Trek, movies, Sci-Fi, Horror, Comic Books, and all things PS4.You can follow me on Twitter @paul_bowler,or at my website, Sci-Fi Jubilee, and on YouTube and Facebook
Sci-Fi Jubilee 
I had to skim through this one, not having cracked open my single issue but I’m super thrilled to hear about the grim tone brought to the series with Joker War and even more thrilled to hear that Jimenez’s art continues to stun. I absolutely LOVED what he accomplished during Snyder’s Justice League run and look forward to this guy’s art more and more every time! Thanks for sharing, Paul.
I really like how Joker War is shaping up so far story wise. Totally agree with you on Jimenez’s artwork, its so good, and is perfectly suited to the dark world of Batman. You’re welcome, I love reviewing comics, cheer for checking the review out. 🙂
This was a solid and highly entertaining second part of the story…and I can’t say enough good about Jorge Jimenez’s art, he was born to draw this book (his Harley Quinn was stunningly beautiful). Only problem is with the double-shipping schedule for Batman we may not get to see him do the entire arc ()…
Joker War is really hitting its stride now. I really enjoyed this issue as well. Jimenez’s artwork is perfect for this book and his work on it has been exceptionally good. Double-shipping schedules are a major flaw IMOP with the modern comic book industry., it puts far too much pressure on creative teams, and often means you get other artists having to fill in for the regular artists so everything gets done on time. Hope that doesn’t turn out to be the case with this storyline.
Yeah, I’m hoping that DC will start putting the Batman books back to Monthly shipping – I heard that was supposed to be the plan earlier this year when Batman/Catwoman was originally due to launch.
I hope so as well. I think twice monthly shipping has really hurt the whole DC line sometimes. I heard that as well, not sure if that’s something that might happen, but you never know, especially with all the recent changes at DC Comics.