*No Major Spoilers*
This graphic novel follows the Joker, the Riddler, and Batman as a war breaks out between the two villains. The Joker can no longer laugh, and the Riddler wants to defeat the sullen Joker. Both want to defeat Batman. Other Gotham baddies are forced to pick sides and battle it out in the streets of Gotham for their leader’s supremacy.
This is all told from a flashback, as Bruce Wayne tries to explain to Selena Kyle what happened during the War of Jokes and Riddles. How many innocent lives this war took, and if she could forgive him for what he did.
This story also tells the beginning and end of an underrated hero called Kite-Man. As he’s part of the war he thinks about his son throughout. He debates within himself on whether he’s a loser or not. He fought valiantly and came to peace on the battle within himself.
This book was amazing! It was a fully fleshed out story, and the motives of everyone involved had their reasons for fighting in this war. This book had me glued to the pages wondering who was going to win.
The Joker was really scary in this book. It’s one thing to see the Joker laughing hysterically when he does something evil, but it’s a completely different story when he’s not laughing at all.
The Riddler was creepy as well, giving out his riddles. Being mysterious as he always is. I appreciated how they drew Riddler to look like an Irishman. I thought that those features suited the character well.
I sympathized with Batman/Bruce Wayne in this story. He was pushed so far, and the war took so many innocent lives. I can understand how he felt while he was telling Selena the story.
This is getting my Choice Award because this is one of the better comic books I’ve read in awhile. I would recommend this to anyone who loves Batman, Joker, Riddler, and stories that has “Civil War” vibes. This is a must-read for D.C. Comics fans, and for anyone who loves comics to begin with.
Elisha's Book Reviews 