BATMAN: THREE JOKERS Review: Johns & Fabok Deliver & Then Some

[@ComicsPerch]

Easily one of the better books I've read lately. A great, classic comic with a mystery. This is not, as some have suggested a weird "there are three jokers now" reality/plot twist. It's a mystery, with a ton of character development.

[@LsElite4210]

I got a lot of “Long Halloween” vibes from it in the sense that we’re rly gunna see detective Batman/bat-family, kinda been missing that in today’s comics

[@SSJFutureGohan62093]

Yeah, the mystery element to it was great!

[@latestred6510]

Geoff Johns Worst! No Comic story CRASHED Like 3 Jokers! This was such pointless Garbage. No Refrence to any of the Wolfman (I belive) 80's Joker Clone stuff, which should of happened. Geoff was Forced to write this, before he knew where to take it. Its pretty obvious.. All because His DC Contract required it. An they need $sales to show At&t.

[@mr.dccomics9018]

This book proves why you need writers and artist that love and understand DC characters. I highly doubt a writer from Hollywood could replicate the same.

[@Wes_From_TC]

Interesting you say that. Perch and I re order a segment on this very topic. Should be up Friday.

[@spencerwelchii573]

You've obviously never read Sam Hamm's '(co-writer with Warren Skarren of Batman 1989) Blind Justice' with art by Denys Cowan the excellent 3 part story from 'Tec 598-600 that introduced Henri Ducard (seen in Batman Begins) to the Batman Mythos.

[@Master_of_Merol81]

The way Fabok reinterprets Bolland and Aparo's work... wow.

[@Wes_From_TC]

I know right!

[@larryscomicsinc.2634]

Four years ago the Mobeus chair told Batman there were Three Jokers. In the main DCU timeline. We ALL wanted to know how can that be?! That’s the entire point of the series, right? Right?

[@Wes_From_TC]

I think the point of the series is to sell a lot of comics with a compelling story featuring DC's finest characters. Certainly a comic Angel can support that!

[@larryscomicsinc.2634]

Thinking Critical - This sold great. At this point it’s one of the biggest cop outs in DC’s history. Bait n switch. Three Jokers in regular continuity to an Elseworlds tale.

[@Enoruru]

I'm calling it right now: golden age joker set up the killing of the Waynes to create Batman. How or why... no idea, but it would be an interesting take on the re-re-tale of that event.

[@rockinrecords4081]

Well wasn’t it already established in Book One that Joe Chill was a part of a rival gang that Joker was out after?

[@liemduong6729]

I loved this as well, its 7 bucks, but I loved it. Comparison with a normal comic, it's worth it. For extra 3 bucks, you get 20+ pages. Cardstock cover, better page quality, DCBL format, and a nifty Joker Card.

[@TheTrueJuan]

I was so nervous about this, I've been waiting for this for so long. Glad to say it was utterly amazing. Can't wait for an Absolute edition of this book. The art and story demands it.

[@Wes_From_TC]

They delivered on the hype!

[@DragonReborn3769]

Somebody jumped the shark! And it was FANTABULOUS! Kudos Johns and Fabok! ✌❤😎

[@rcbmmines4579]

Lew Moxon orchestrating the Wayne Murders with Joe Chill as the fall guy is actually a really old Golden/Silver Age reference. The Brave and the Bold animated series even referenced it in “Chill of the Night”. Gaggy too.

[@SSJFutureGohan62093]

Just stopping by, I knew it would be perfection! Planning on getting my copy tomorrow, but gotta head out, no spoilers 😝

[@jaybeematthewbacarro9001]

The best first Batman comic book I’ve ever read since coming back into reading the Batman comic. First few pages goes into the history behind Joker’s three famous people who he has hurt the most which definitely draws people to getting into the story plus with the callbacks to the Killing Joke, Death in the Family, and Under the Red Hood along with many other references to Joker’s past. I love how Johns, Fabok, and Anderson mirror Moore and Bolland’s work on the Killing Joke which the attention to detail is just incredible. The event regarding the Moxon crime family could be a reference to a comic called the Untold Legend of the Batman which is just and incredible book for a precrisis origin of Batman.

[@jasonpreston7504]

I watched the beginning of your review. Sounds like a really cool book. I wouldn't mind if you did more reviews. But I'm gonna wait to finish watching because mine hasn't arrived in the mail yet....

[@kalkella8822]

I think you should do more reviews on the channel in my opinion. I enjoy them and think you are pretty fair.

[@SSJFutureGohan62093]

That’s what brought me here so long ago. Wes is about as unbiased of a reviewer as you can get.

[@TheNickcone]

I'd love for you to do some more reviews. Love the channel!

[@Wes_From_TC]

Thanks Alaric!

[@BlackAngusReviews]

Good video man, really hear the enthusiasm

[@Wes_From_TC]

Thanks! Really enjoyed this comic.

[@AhmedAli-jv5zt]

I think they will make it in continuity . It sold 300k copies for now .

[@Wes_From_TC]

I agree it will happen eventually.

[@rockinrecords4081]

Despite liking the first issue quite a bit.... I’m upset that we had to wait 4 years for something that Johns and Fabok now claim is an “elseworlds” story. Back in JL #50 we were sold on the idea that there were THREE Jokers in the mainstream canon, and that Batman had started an investigation into it once he got back from Darkseid War. Then we were told that the follow up would be in a limited series “The Three Jokers” once Rebirth was in action. People were hooked on that idea. Then Doomsday Clock gets delayed (by a lot), and Bendis joins DC (which muddles Johns’ plans for connecting Rebirth to DDC). So when is this supposed to take place? The history of the characters still seems to be in line with Earth 0 (or whatever they’re calling the main DC earth now), and Bruce is even wearing the Batman cowl that he’s seen wearing in Doomsday Clock, which I guess takes place before Death Metal, thanks to an explanation by Wally (I think). I want to trust DC, but at this point I can’t just “enjoy the story.” They’ve baited us for 4 years with this “Rebirth” concept, as well as the tease that “Three Jokers will change everything you thought you knew about Joker.” My theory is that it was planned to be in continuity post-DDC, but that got delayed which left time for Bendis to screw things up (like he always does), which made the current books have to tie-in to that (altering their status quo’s), and by the time DDC was over, it was past the “One year from now” date that Johns initially stated. So DC just kinda went “screw it” and now it’s an Elseworlds book, until a writer wants to come along and somehow ties it to the mainstream canon. I don’t see how this publishing method is gonna work in the long run. It was muddled stories and retcons that lead DC to make the original “Crisis on Infinite Earths” back in the 80s, and they’re doing the exact same things they did in the 50s-70s that forced them to make a crisis in the first place!

[@SSJFutureGohan62093]

If we had gotten this as intended, it would have worked perfectly. But Dan DiDio’s ego got in the way of perfection.

[@TevyaSmolka]

I love this story it’s really awesome and badass and I was so hoping for 3 jokers to be continuity which would be really fantastic but unfortunately I don’t see that happening but hey if this story is popular I can see that happening but we shall see.

[@williamjackson6705]

I discovered Geoff Johns in the pages of Green Lantern years ago . Prior to that I had no knowledge of the man or his work. Now I look forward to anything with his name on it. If he never does anything after Doomsday Clock & this , he would have done enough to secure his legacy in the comic pantheon. This was brilliant. Jason Fabok is a very religious person who said he prayed to God about his direction in his life & career. Seems like God touched him alright. His work on this was perfection itself. He & Gary Frank draw comics the way they should look. Realistic without being static. Very dynamic. This book was as close to perfection as I`ve seen. Hopefully it hasn`t risen to insane prices. My only Complaint is that it`s not oversized. Maybe when it`s collected they`ll correct that. Great Review by the way.

[@Wes_From_TC]

Thanks!

[@rcbmmines4579]

This is going to end up being a modern classic, calling it now.

[@YTLawnGnome]

Just read this this afternoon. You are right. One of the best books I have ever read. Cannot wait for issue 2.

[@IrvinReedTemplarUp]

🃏: I created you...you're my Robin. Todd: 🔫😢 shut up! Me: 🤔 damn, is truth despite perception Joker's super villian powers? Well played. I like both Jason & Joker even more now.

[@Wes_From_TC]

That was a crazy moment. Can't blame Jason for his reaction. Barbara either.

[@IrvinReedTemplarUp]

@@Wes_From_TC ...no, and that's the beauty of/in the art of storytelling: see both points of view and see where you yourself align. That's powerful.

[@SSJFutureGohan62093]

Irvin Reed Very good point!!!

[@brandonleague3641]

Batman: Three Jokers #1 is an absolute love letter to the Clown Prince Of Crime. From an old school Bat-Fan who loves a good Joker story. This is an absolute must read. Fabok's art. GOD-DAMN.

[@SSJFutureGohan62093]

Okay. I’ve read this book 3 times now. It’s already a classic. The art. Oh. My. God. The colors. Perfection. And I’m already planning a paper on how this story deals with the PTSD that Babs and Jason have. That’s going to be a fun one. Wes, very good point about the Batman costume masking the scars and his wounds, masking his vulnerability. Going to have to quote you on that!

[@Wes_From_TC]

Bruce really only allows himself to be vulnerable, or even himself maybe, in the seclusion of the Batcave. The rest of his life is portraying who people need or want him to be. Classic portrayal of male traits in society.

[@pete7164]

This (and Doomsday Clock) read and looked like listening to a cover of your favorite song. Remember when Geoff Johns had his own style and wasn't just trying SUPER hard to be Alan Moore? The art was excellent, but i liked it better the first time when it was by Brian Bolland

[@AL-ws5yi]

Thanks for the review.

[@Wes_From_TC]

Thanks for watching!

[@calebroberson5561]

You are my robin. Gave me chills, incredible writing

[@wegotissues5486]

I've been waiting for this review 😆

[@Wes_From_TC]

Hope I delivered what you were looking for!

[@wegotissues5486]

@@Wes_From_TC yes sir you did Im waiting to hear your view on x men #11 keep up the great reviews

[@jah-elrussell2901]

Great comic book. Looking forward to part two. Definitely a high quality comic book!

[@jah-elrussell2901]

Excellent Writing + Excellent Art=Excellent Comic Book!

[@Wes_From_TC]

I think each issue will highlight a hero and their Joker trauma. This one definitely features Jason Todd front and center.

[@jah-elrussell2901]

You may be on to something. I agree this book focused on Jason Todd. This is the best Batman book on the market right now. I am hoping that each issue will get better and better. This comic is definitely off to a great start!

[@ireviewcomics]

Great Review

[@ricocox2591]

The art and story is beautiful

[@LsElite4210]

Yeah this book is what comics today should be it was soo good this is what happens when you have the best writer in the industry rn and an artist that’s not intimidated by it! the 9 panel layout use was as good as when I first saw it in watchmen I rly have nothing to complain bout the only thing is I would have rly loved to see this in the magazine format (witch a lot of ppl dnt like and i don’t understand) just to see some of that small writing easier or that amazing art better

[@eddierussellt3197]

Been waiting for this book and I have to say it definitely deliver throughout the comic ...

[@michaelhowell2809]

Let's go! Just found your channel so im excited to show support lol

[@Wes_From_TC]

Thanks Michael!

[@beallztronics5344]

This book is actually one of the few Comics ive picked up and felt like it was worth the Purchase. Also its one of the few that's getting the attention it deserves. And the interior artists are doing the variant covers as well ....imagine that.

[@Wes_From_TC]

I love it when the covers match the interior art!

[@mr.dccomics9018]

Who the better artist Gary Frank who did Doomsday Clock or is Jason Fabok Three Joker Story.

[@Wes_From_TC]

I'm preferring Fabok's Three Jokers. But both are absolutely fantastic.

[@mr.dccomics9018]

@@Wes_From_TC They are definitely two of the very best.

[@benparrish672]

DC better NOT kill off THE OG JOKER; but it would be crazy to watch Jason Todd The Red Hood fully become a JOKER. Especially, knowing that this plan was 30+ years in the making by Mr. J. It sux that The Red Hood is one of the coolest DC properties right now and this would take him off the board, but maybe this new "ClownHunter" kid can take over The Red Hood mantle. I'd prefer a brand new character assume The Red Hood role

[@howlettcorps5996]

This is what a Black Label should look like! It took me awhile to read because I kept going back to appreciate Fabok’s work. The writing was very smooth and I’m intrigued. I really liked the scenes of Bruce and Barbra remembering their scars. The artwork is really great! Some action scenes and poses are a bit wooden. I’m an artist and I’m always thinking how I would of laid out a panel and I found myself doing that a lot with this book on panels that came across boring and wooden. The one thing I didn’t like was some of the dialogue. The voice of the characters seem flat. Maybe because it moves really fast but I don’t get emotion from the characters, they all sound the same, just pushing you through the story. The story is good but the dialogue lacks flavor. I may need to read it again. I sound negative but I really enjoyed the book and I’m looking forward to the next book.

[@cerebralassassin2185]

I think as a noncanon story it's good, but if it's Canon i dont like it. I just dont know where all of it will fit in the main universe. It would have to be before joker war because jason has a different suit in those comics. I just dont think it'd be good canon but a fun noncanon story.

[@kwesiprescod2817]

Glad you guys liked it. I found it extremely....dumb. Well drawn. But ultimately dumb.

[@Wes_From_TC]

Hopefully you've got a couple comics you're loving right now!

[@spikeanny5710]

I cheered outloud when Jason got his revenge

[@danaohdeliciouswhite8515]

I didn't believe in this book at all, thought it was going to be shit. I'm glad I was wrong.

[@thoughtsontheboardwalk4294]

Loved it can't wait to get it in trade

[@williamhollaway1960]

I literally just finished fucking awesome! DC BLACK LABEL IS KILLING IT!!! Art was great story great interesting character interactions definitely great

[@williamhollaway1960]

Also you'd think the three joker's I'll SPOIL OKAY SPOIL 3 2 1 I think the fact they used joker's Batman #1 1940 as the gangster was great ....you can really tell the personality differences....."the gangster" ( I just finished #3 he. Ago) was my personal favorite...

[@VIIC71]

Mind-Blowing! Pun Intended!

[@ericbreen4340]

I agree with you about the Joker being "played out ," but how could anyone NOT get this Masterpiece . It's like I know there are a lot of America stories out there , but if Gabby Rivera writes another one , I mean , come on ...Seriously though , this was a fantastic Comic . I have a friend who wasn't planning to get this .I simply told him to Get it . He argued ..I just kept saying Get it . After I gave it a 10 out of 10 , he's getting it .Can't wait for issue 2 .

[@Wes_From_TC]

Hopefully he can still go d a copy. Heard most stores are sold out.

[@ericbreen4340]

We have two LCS's within five miles of each other . One of them over orders big time ( That's where I get all of those great dollar comics of newer stuff . Three Jokers will never get there , but they never sell out of Big titles

[@Jdawgwatchr56]

I love this comic.

[@rjjk91]

More reviews on the channel! Less industry speculation. Focus on the content of the books!

[@sandywest4977]

On the real the Moxon crime family was a thing

[@Wes_From_TC]

Yeah. We're they always suspected of setting up the Wayne family murder? That was news to me.

[@zaynaminmurtaza5751]

Ay just a quick thing, I’m pretty sure the creators stated that this comic is canon, it’s just under black label because it is not meant for children. Just to let people know. (If I’m wrong please correct me but I’m pretty sure I’m correct)

[@Wes_From_TC]

I don't know how it can fit in canon. But maybe.

[@zaynaminmurtaza5751]

Thinking Critical Apparently the artist (I apologize I’m blanking on his name right now) tweeted that it would be like the killing joke where if it’s canon or not is decided by public opinion, but that the ending will have huge ramifications for the dc universe if it’s accepted

[@StergiosMekras]

This lives up to the hype? ...huh, I'll have to read it to believe this. Johns being involved is certainly a plus but it's still post-Rebirth DC, so I am highly sceptical.

[@Wes_From_TC]

I think you'll be impressed. But $7 for a comic is no joke.

[@larryscomicsinc.2634]

I found it to be “Lavishly illustrated mediocrity “

[@Wes_From_TC]

This isn't my Death Metal review! 😆

[@larryscomicsinc.2634]

My customers are SO angry I’m not gushing over this book. I thought it was such a cop out. When does this take place? Where goes it take place? Bat continuity is completely revamped here.

[@Wes_From_TC]

It's obviously not in continuity. It can't be. When does Joker War take place in comparison to Death Metal? I'd get used to continuity being abandoned by both DC and Marvel. It's part of the "new normal" my friend.

[@MrThomasHart]

"I am embarrassed by _The Killing Joke_ ... it has great art, but Batman never was meant to carry this weight" - Alan Moore "Hold my Fan Fiction Continuity Bud Light, mate" - Geoff Johns

[@larryscomicsinc.2634]

Nah. Geoff Johns had a plan. Justice League #50 to Rebirth one shot to The Button to Doomsday clock through #8. It was all connected. Then Bendis wanted to write Legion and forced a rewrite. Saturn Girl just went away & Three Jokers became a glorified Elseworlds tale.

[@SeanXtopher]

And we wonder why there are fewer younger readers. Geoff Johns can't do anything without ultra-violence.

[@ultimamage3]

For all the praise people heap on Johns, he sure is fond of ultra violent nostalgia wank, basically ripping off of better writers and making dark fanfic of their interpretations.

[@k.h.knights2260]

Right off the 'Bat' I see what you did there.

[@bradenhogan2]

My hope (not theory) for this book is that it reinstates the mystery of the Joker. The “Red Hood” Joker did NOT exist in the Golden Age, where the criminal mastermind Joker is from. That means this version of the Joker was NOT a failed comedian or a gangster, he did NOT fall into a vat of chemicals. We don’t know where that Joker comes from or why he’s a creepy, homocidal clown. If this book goes in the direction it’s implying where all of the extra Jokers are created by the Joker‘s serum and maybe some of them will die then it could end up being the case that one single Joker is responsible for all the Jokers that have had origin stories, while the story of the prime Joker remains unexplained as Jerry Robinson preferred. This also implies a Joker that is more calculated and devious than random, for better or for worse. I also think it fits in with Geoff Johns’ style and strengths as a writer which is to bring characters back to basics, to get at the core concepts that drove their original creation and popularity, and to give a “rebirthing” that is both modern yet informed by the history - and to do all this through clever retcons and use of continuity

[@josesarango3408]

but isn't the Red Hood storyline from the Golden Age? Yes, he wasn't a failed comedian, he was already a criminal but he was Red Hood and he fell into the chemicals vat. Or am I wrong about this? it's been a long time

[@bradenhogan2]

José Sarango You are correct, that was a Golden Age story but the original creator of Joker, Jerry Robinson, was not involved and did not approve. Co-creator Bill Finger was. Regardless, when Joker first appeared, he went over 10 years without any origin whatsoever. When Joker was originally created, they were trying to move past the trope of gangsters and mad scientists and thus, the comic book villain was born. The more mystery you remove from the Joker the less threatening and more cliche he becomes in my opinion. But it seems like since Killing Joke (which is a great story), every Joker story we ever get is trying too hard to explain him

[@josesarango3408]

@@bradenhogan2 I agree with that. And I'm in the minuscule minority who is not a fan of Killing Joke

[@bradenhogan2]

José Sarango It’s one of my favs, but it does explain a lot about the Joker, reinventing him as an anti-establishment anarchist like Alan Moore. Since then he’s just seen so many reinventions that I’m not even sure you can call him the same character anymore. Instead of saying “Joker created by Bill Finger, Jerry Robinson, and Bob Kane” they might as well say “Joker created by Bill Finger and Alan Moore” now that a Moore’s works is what largely defines the character

[@josesarango3408]

@@bradenhogan2 I totally agree. To some degree I can say the same about Batman who now seems created by Denny O'Neil or Frank Miller. I just have huge respect for the original creators like Finger/Kane/Robinson and I like the Golden Age characters a lot

[@EvandroACruz]

I loved that part of Joker with Batgirl and Red Hood.The Joker speech is the main raison that why Jason sucks too much for me.He's the shame of Bat-family.And the three Jokers are the Golden,Silver/Bronze and Modern ages version of clown?Where's the N52/Rebirth version of him?

[@derjahgalgion]

Is Batman an active detective in this issue?

[@Wes_From_TC]

The overall story is a mystery & Batman is on the case!

[@derjahgalgion]

must read!

[@blatherskype25]

How can Geoff John's be so good at nailing DC characters in comics but so shitty at misrepresenting them in live action? Titans show, DCEU are horrible but then when he writes comics he gives us great work. I don't get it.

[@Wes_From_TC]

To my knowledge he's never directed or scripted a live action DC film.

[@blatherskype25]

@@Wes_From_TC Yeah but wasn't he brought in to be their Kevin Fiegi? He gives us a Nightwing who acts more like broody Bruce Wayne Jr and has no charm and charisma on Titans. When it comes to live action it would be one thing to make a characters obstacles dark but that doesn't mean you have to misrepresent the characters. JL Dark Apokolips War an animated movie is a great example of not misrepresenting the characters but making their circumstances dark. How can someone be so good with nailing these characters but doesn't school Zac Snyder on who these characters are supposed to be? Maybe he didn't have enough pull at Warner to tell the directors the way these characters are supposed to behave.🤷🏾‍♂️ I don't know it just frustrates me to see these characters written so well in comics so and they feel consistent of who they've been and what they represent and then have him not keep that concept in the movies. Sorry for the rambling.

[@Wes_From_TC]

@@blatherskype25 I'm just as frustrated with most of the DC live action adaptations. I just don't think it's really his doing.

[@Anti_Abe]

Lmao how is Oracle more powerful then Batgirl!?🥴