Batman Volume 11: The War of Jokes & Riddles (Comics Explained)

Early in Batman’s career, the Joker and the Riddler would seemingly be natural allies. But each man determined that he and he alone must be the one to kill the Bat...and either would sooner burn down Gotham than be beaten to the punch line. Untold until now, one of the darkest chapters in Batman’s history sees all of Gotham’s villains choosing sides in a battle of wits that soon turns into a full-blown war-complete with civilian casualties. In the War of Jokes and Riddles, only one side can claim victory...but the scars it leaves will shape Batman’s future as he makes the most important decision of his life.
▸ Who Is Batman: Batman is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger, and debuted in the 27th issue of the comic book Detective Comics on March 30, 1939. In the DC Universe continuity, Batman is the alias of Bruce Wayne, a wealthy American playboy, philanthropist, and industrialist who resides in Gotham City. Batman's origin story features him swearing vengeance against criminals after witnessing the murder of his parents Thomas and Martha as a child, a vendetta tempered with the ideal of justice. He trains himself physically and intellectually, crafts a bat-inspired persona, and monitors the Gotham streets at night. Kane, Finger, and other creators accompanied Batman with supporting characters, including his sidekicks Robin and Batgirl; allies Alfred Pennyworth, James Gordon, and Catwoman; and foes such as the Penguin, the Riddler, Two-Face, and his archenemy, the Joker.
Kane conceived Batman in early 1939 to capitalize on the popularity of DC's Superman; although Kane frequently claimed sole creation credit, Finger substantially developed the concept from a generic superhero into something more bat-like. The character received his own spin-off publication, Batman, in 1940. Batman was originally introduced as a ruthless vigilante who frequently killed or maimed criminals, but evolved into a character with a stringent moral code and strong sense of justice. Unlike most superheroes, Batman does not possess any superpowers, instead relying on his intellect, fighting skills, and wealth. The 1960s Batman television series used a camp aesthetic, which continued to be associated with the character for years after the show ended. Various creators worked to return the character to his darker roots in the 1970s and 1980s, culminating with the 1986 miniseries The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller.
DC has featured Batman in many comic books, including comics published under its imprints such as Vertigo and Black Label. The longest-running Batman comic, Detective Comics, is the longest-running comic book in the United States. Batman is frequently depicted alongside other DC superheroes, such as Superman and Wonder Woman, as a member of organizations such as the Justice League and the Outsiders. In addition to Bruce Wayne, other characters have taken on the Batman persona on different occasions, such as Jean-Paul Valley / Azrael in the 1993-1994 "Knightfall" story arc; Dick Grayson, the first Robin, from 2009 to 2011; and Jace Fox, son of Wayne's ally Lucius, as of 2021. DC has also published comics featuring alternate versions of Batman, including the incarnation seen in The Dark Knight Returns and its successors, the incarnation from the Flashpoint (2011) event, and numerous interpretations from Elseworlds stories.
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Batman Volume 11: The War of Jokes & Riddles (Comics Explained)
• Batman Volume 11: The ...
Comics Explained
/ comicsexplained

[@SuperShanko]

Know why Batman is always chasing Joker more than Riddler? Because a riddle doesn’t have a _punchline._

[@themilkman5004]

SuperShanko You don't have to PUN-ish us with jokes

[@flyboyarch6776]

John Chung Ha nice

[@swiftswalow]

how many eggs can you put in an empty basquet?

[@nexus6100]

One

[@mollycampbell1656]

John Chung nice one

[@leydidiaz3658]

I love how Bruce is being all dramatic about what he did and Selina is like "who cares?... Yes, I'll marry you, dummy" 😂💍

[@forgefathereli8354]

haha Love this comment

[@ferrm1992]

Now the Joker has a _punchline_ lol

[@Jayming42]

at 15:25 you state that the Joker agrees to free his hostages while the Riddler thinks he killed his hostages already. The opposite is true actually. The comic panel shown on screen shows at the same time shows this to be the case.

[@jesseholder9795]

Jason Flewelling Oops... Haha... I would make so many errors...

[@TheMadmax03]

I didn't want to be the first one to point that out

[@1bossofbosses]

Yea i noticed that but ik Rob be tired and he made the mistake like we all would make some. But yea i noticed too.

[@deus7085]

So, the joker did killed his hostages or was it the riddled who killed his hostages ?

[@ErikeAbbegale]

Gar Adiuvat The Joker killer his hostages, and the Riddler let his go, but he said it backwards.

[@xmenfan1323]

Kite Man. Hell Yeah!

[@FloorKarpeting]

NinetailPhoenix tbh The Ballad of Kite Man made the most ridiculous character badass

[@kenwhite4098]

Oh my God you don't know how long I've been waiting for this video to come out! Love your show.

[@CatmanWaGozen]

I love how every story Rob covers automatically becomes the best comic to come out of DC Rebirth.

[@Silverwind87]

Kite Man is a good example of the Joker's mantra: All it takes is one bad day.

[@Aivottaja]

It would be a shorter list to tell what aren't "probably the best things coming out DC Rebirth".

[@mikegould6590]

You know, I love both your show and ComicPOP. And you always seem to be on opposite sides of the opinion of a story. In this case, I side with you. This was amazing. Thanks Rob. I am surprisingly choked up over the proposal too.

[@thomaspierce5835]

Proposal is the only good thing in this book imo. That being said I still don't want Tom King writing it.

[@CNNBlackmailSupport]

Mike Gould it's an odd situation. Rob needs comics to be good. He has a vested interest in covering old comics (that aren't for sale) and hinting that new ones are worth buying. Turns out the old ones have the good stories, on average, and the new ones are trash (DC excluded) which is why he doesn't cover much new marvel stuff. He's not biased as a criminal type, but he is biased as a self interested type. It's not malicious, is what I'm saying.

[@CloroxBleach-ex5lf]

Mike Gould best in along time bullshit

[@thomaspierce5835]

King, imo, relies on bomb drops in his plots to make up for his bland characters. Case and point, Batman gets his back broken again, Bane gets his back broken, Batman proposes to Catwoman, Batman tries to kill the Riddler and so on. His Bruce Wayne is less of a character and more of a tool in his toolbox that he uses to advance his plots, which are average at best.

[@sharilshahed6106]

I'd have to disagree, yes sometimes it takes a bit long to build up and events like I am Suicide may feel hit or miss, where rest of the titular crew, minus Scarface and Bats feels under-focused, even Catwoman, either of them, weren't handled any better, or Gotham Girl, who's potentially a good character but just doesn't get the right arc yet. But I enjoyed the things he did right, his Bane is definitely the best Bane I've seen in almost a decade or two. The Robins interacting is a thing I've been waiting to happen and wasn't disappointed in their lighthearted moments. Kite Man had been interesting from the start of this run and King just explodes his character development in a single arc. Joker, being the joker maybe is not in the level some previous incarnations but is still great, Riddler is showing what made him even more of a better villain in new 52. Overall King is doing a great job and I think he doesn't deserve the hate.

[@zan31669]

Riddler structure and order joker chaos and randomness

[@musababuasi7176]

I think this story overall was great. I just felt the falling action was a bit boring. But the finale was amazing.

[@oj321]

Carmine Falcone, Rob. Not Infantino. The latter is a late comic artist

[@jeffjuhl3886]

OJ Simpson haha.... yeah, I was going to say 😂

[@ray_ex3]

Detective comics is the best thing coming out of DC Rebirth

[@wizardingreen8642]

Darkbat Horse, meet baseball bat.

[@mayotango1317]

No, is Superman Rebirth

[@defnotanaimbot5186]

You say that everything is the best thing coming out of dc rebirth 😂😂

[@kannakamui2334]

Andrew Shacket That means there are a lot of good things coming out of Rebirth.

[@Kitchen6419]

Andrew Shacket 8/10 top selling comics are from dc in general..... last week it was 9/10

[@nightfall3332]

Andrew Shacket that’s because it’s true, basically every story is great!

[@sharilshahed6106]

8/10? Guess Marvel is stepping up their game as they said.

[@quitebad459]

I've never imagined saying this but I want more kitman stories

[@vteccomplex]

"Hell yea."

[@NEWDOR1A]

I'm in for more too!

[@tylerclausen9128]

It seems like no one is talking about the three Jokers in the comics community. Did people forget? I would think that that story arc is coming soon. It’s been over a year and a half. I do like the subtlety, though.

[@tobyhriatpuia4701]

what do you think is it good or great or just bad?

[@damienlee54]

3 Joker story is supposed to happen after the ending of Metal and before the Watchmen crossover concludes.

[@tylerclausen9128]

Damien Lee thank you!

[@DoktorSprite]

Damien Lee the second joker is on Metal #1 isn’t he? he is the one in the secret cave in the secret batcave lol

[@randomduck8679]

Malek Khodr if the first joker is the one in the video, this is set in the past

[@wrdcreative492]

This is what Reeves is building up to. You’ll see once you see the ending of The Batman and joker and riddler talking in the cell

[@bent2461]

Frowning joker is more like his first appearances

[@jaisachdev0803]

THATS THE POINT THIS TAKES PLACE AFTER ZERO YEAR SO IT IS HIS EARLY APPEARANCE IN THE TIME LINE

[@bent2461]

oh i just said that cuz it looks the same execpt for his eyes

[@dadeleemurphy85]

oh you mean where he actually HAD more than a default facial expression? i agree.

[@sharilshahed6106]

shit, good spotting!

[@doctorleak5312]

Batman needs to work on his pillow talk poor Catwoman

[@doctorleak5312]

Where was Catwoman at this time

[@randomduck8679]

doctor leak in the war, she wasn’t on either side but she helped out batman

[@the_well-known_stranger2275]

ROB MAN! You didn't explain the ending! He tries to kill the riddler because the only reason Riddler started the war was to try and make the Joker laugh again, because he (the Riddler) considered Joker's inability to laugh the greatest riddle. Batman then thought back to all the people who died in their war (hundreds) and realised that they all died just so Riddler could try and prove his intelligence, THATS WHY Batman was so angry.

[@qtscorpkid]

For dc eu would you have rathered Jessie eisenburg play riddler rather than lex?

[@kannakamui2334]

Ordoric I think everyone thought that. I think Jessie Eisenberg himself thought he was gonna play the riddler.

[@loftywastaken2386]

What if they do a twist where lex got his identity stolen by riddler And the one from bvs is actually the riddler

[@qtscorpkid]

It may save Jessie eisenburgs career

[@Aristocratic13]

Riddler

[@slippy1809]

Ordoric personally I would rather Jesse Eisenberg just up and went away. That's preferable to any alternative.

[@mehtheorc]

I love that either, Joker grabbed some random person's teeth or, just as likely, he had already taken that mobster's mother's teeth (since Metropolis was more than an hour away).

[@jfkonlsd1364]

When the joker found Batman trying to kill funny makes him laugh is gold. I love this story

[@mbdrizz]

That was the most EPIC story I’ve heard in a while. Jolly good show Rob!!

[@TheNdoki]

"The Riddler believes he killed his before he showed up..." Got them mixed up there a bit.

[@noahemmler104]

"I'm the Joker. He's the Riddler. And in the end. Who cares about the Riddler?" BEST. BURN. EVER!!!

[@messyiix7613]

It's hard to like all the videos when another good one comes on auto play. Keep up the good work Rob.

[@Joe-dl9vn]

The story was better than I thought it would, it was wise to have Batman do something very unbecoming of him early in his career, the best part being the Joker's intervention; I'm thinking that moment maybe is what drives Joker to wanna push Batman past his limits and his code.

[@kevinbrown4420]

I am Gotham, WOJAR, and Trinity are doing a great job of renewing Batman's character and expanding the possibilities for good storytelling. the routine "insert plot device and ridiculous explanation here" stories are what drove many fans away from Batman, but showing that he has limits, faults, and fears force writers to really consider the story they're crafting rather than exploiting lazy loopholes and the fact of fans allowing Batman to do anything just because he's Batman. I haven't had this much fun reading his stories since I was a kid back in the day.

[@chloec4009]

Batman attempting to calmly attempt to kill the Riddler makes the evil Batmen from Metal more believable.

[@byronwaldron7933]

You didn't mention one of the most important twists in the story: the fact that the Riddler started and deliberately lost the war, and used Kite-Man as a foil, to make the Joker laugh, to try to solve the riddle of the Joker. It is this twist that leads Batman to try to kill the Riddler. Batman doesn't try to kill Riddler because he thinks it is the only way to beat him. He does so because he is disgusted that Riddler did the horrible things he did for a joke that would solve a riddle.

[@ritzkola2302]

Had to pause the video before it ended because I realized issue 32 was out and rob was about to spoil it for me. Now I'm back. Joker asked Batman if he knew the difference between a joke or a riddle. I can answer that. One is supposed to make you laugh (Joker) the other is supposed to frustrate you (Riddler), he stopped Batman from killing Nigma, because that's what Edward is supposed to do; he's supposed to upset Bruce. Can't kill him for that.

[@ShootingStar489]

The Cat and the Bat getting married? Heck yes finally been waiting way too long for that

[@volpe2077]

I *actually* can't get enough of the "It's the best thing coming out of DC Rebirth right now" meme from Rob.

[@KrustyKrew24]

Interesting analysis of the story Rob. I viewed this as a bruce wayne story than anything and how he deals with being batman and how we finally see him slip up and let his emotions get the better of him. Shows that he is more human than his recent stories show and kind of develops his personality towards people he cares about

[@duncanpirie6144]

Rob! I've been watching your videos for a while and I love what you do! I've always been curious about the comic world, and curious about the stories, but starting in on reading through all the comics for myself can seem like such a monumental task with the sheer volume of comic content out there. I've found your videos are the perfect way for me to catch up on the events leading into x y and z without feeling lost and confused as to the overarching plots and preamble to events. I was never quite interested enough to dive in when I didn't know where to start. Through your videos I've been able to narrow down the story arcs I find most interesting, and been able to go back and read those stories without feeling like there where huge chunks of the universe I didn't understand or was missing out on. Thank you! I am now a proud member of the Rob Core!

[@MasterofMistakes]

Thank you for spinning this, I watched cape-joel and was "not the best retcon but i loved Kite-Man", now the way you said/explained it made me love the story, thank you Rob.

[@doom6092]

thanks rob for not giving us cliff hanger videos

[@adomcbado]

Selina didn’t find that story dramatic in the least lmao. Just marry me pfft

[@murraybeachtel8585]

As usual, amazing video! I just finished the volume and your recap helped me get more perspective. Only thing to note is that the joker killed his hostages and the riddler let them go. This was huge for Bruce because he was testing them to see which one would be easier to work with.

[@Nashking20]

3:58 Riddler: Lori Jane Krupcheck GCPD: WHY DID YOU SAY THAT NAME? Batman: Hey, that's my line!

[@VictorianEvening]

Thank you for posting this! I have been waiting to hear your take, and the video exceeded expectations.

[@childofgod321]

This was one of the BEST BATMAN STORIES EVER!!!!!As usual, Great job, Rob!!!!!!

[@GoatOmega]

It better come out today I waited sooo long for you to cover this

[@NEWDOR1A]

Joker stopping Batman from killing the Riddler really IS funny. xD

[@mr.nobody3967]

Once again rob we agree, this is one of the best batman stories in years. It ranks up there with the likes of long Halloween and tdkr.

[@MrMReed7]

I hope u share the next part today! Another brilliant delve into one my my favorite superheroes!

[@luis10589]

Another great video rob. Amazing

[@sweetexorcist7322]

Great video rob keep up the good work!

[@omarolvera1009]

Loved it thanx can’t wait for part 2

[@ryanblaz4118]

1:15 that riddler face.

[@CesarFeliciano]

As always my brother. Another superior video!!!

[@louissheton8067]

yes i have been waiting for this one thank you

[@AlexanderPittinger]

I Have been waiting for this video :) Loved this story when I read it.

[@bacsilva]

8:17 there is a really cool easter egg for Tim Burton's Batman (1989) a few panels before that.

[@bent2461]

lol cops going to riddler for answer of cases

[@natman2939]

BEN Tsay surprised it hasn't happened sooner (or more often at least)

[@SHAdaKID]

Good shit Rob

[@afromalone]

Really enjoyed this one!!

[@omegahtv6779]

Great video Rob 👍

[@defrte]

This IS the best comic that was ever uploaded here. Holy shit.

[@kennethmesser378]

Good morning sir and thank you for another best thing coming out right now

[@andyfiggz7890]

Rob, longtime fan. Can you do a discussion on Batman under the hood? My fave story ever!

[@user-ov6jg4ug9d]

Bump

[@LuisGonzalez-eu8oj]

Great job Rob! I look forward to more videos like this.

[@snackpackluv]

Been waiting on this one!!

[@mayureshsatam1154]

bro you explained it very nicely really nicely done

[@alone2260]

IHE is either laughing or suprised with what DC is doing with Kite Man now.

[@Ismail-Ibrahim841]

That moment when you realise that Batman Joker Riddler got a longer fight than Batman Deathstroke Deadshot. Great stuff King

[@motleyrocker4938]

Awesome as always.

[@hindsightpov4218]

8:43 The Riddler looks like Guy Pierce.

[@ARNABOSS]

amazing commentary, you did justice to the artworks

[@2007HIGHMIND]

Dude, you have officially gotten me back into comics. Thanks man.

[@memyself9536]

what i dont understand is why wasnt the riddler able to figure out that batman is bruce wayne?

[@noahegler9131]

Because plot.

[@evilovesperry]

Both the Joker and Riddler know Bruce Wayne is Batman. But it doesn't matter to either of them, The Joker Views Bruce as Batman's costume (which batman would agree) and The Riddler knows that there is nothing in it for him for revealing Batmans Identity other than his own undoing, not only that but Batman's been known to have doppelgangers Meaning even if he "knows it" he can't prove it. Plus there's the fact that knowing the answer to a riddle is one thing, but giving it out to others isn't what riddles are all about

[@aavila1206]

Also because Riddler doesn't believe anyone could be much of a challenge other than Batman. He'd have no one to play his crazy riddles against.

[@gamingwithmalachai7959]

I think it's because Wayne is newly Batman. It would take more time to figure that out, maybe?

[@jacquesturner1196]

Joker doesn't care it's not part of the game for him. As for Riddler he could but to him he is smarter then Batman and finding out his identity wouldn't prove that

[@DannyWOG343]

"Dare i say the best thing coming out of DC Rebirth right now" hahahaHH this guy

[@g0rdini]

GREAT video!!! Can't wait for the next installment!

[@gingerjedi7974]

@Comics Explained could you do videos on who could use the power stone and/or the infinity gauntlet. I think it would be awesome to see who could use that much power besides Thanos it would be so cool to see all the DC and marvel charters who could handle so much

[@opp9169]

This would be a dope movie all gotham villains in one movie

[@billl.2441]

That ending got you so giddy! Love ya work. Keep em coming.

[@laceupgami233]

You have the best comic videos

[@billyretrogamer]

Another great vid!

[@bloatedman]

That bat finally does the cat.

[@gIANTiCEbEAR]

You are one heck of a story teller. Bravo!!!

[@TheSerpentsEye]

This was a part of the King run that I did enjoy. 👍

[@digunder14]

wow, joker cracking up at blocking a knife with the palm of his hand and getting stabbed through it, and seemingly not being in any pain, seems legit crazy XD

[@shakenbake5566]

Hahahaha the best thing coming out love it. Haven't been watching lately cause I haven't had time to read all my stuff. Love the breakdowns bro keep up the great work

[@magneto9210]

Dude, you totally glazed over that reference to Batman (1989). That scene where Riddler's having surgery is exactly like the scene where Jack Nicholson's Joker sees his messed-up face for the first time.

[@lavenderbleach4441]

13:42 am i the only one who would pay to see this fight as a movie?!

[@awashington8447]

I think comic book fans have pretty much decided that Bats and Cats was in continuity years ago. Its actually the only think that makes sense, case in point, why so many people disregarded that batwoman and Batman "incident" that took place in the Killing Joke movie. Regardless, its ABOUT DAMN TIME that Batman got his OFFICIAL love interest in the same manner as Supes, Spiderman, Green Arrow, etc. And I am also grateful that the way they became official was written SO BEAUTIFULLY!!!! I think some amazing stories can come from this, and I can't wait to witness them!!!

[@gregzillah6868]

The Big Bang that started the universe is the best thing coming out of DC REBIRTH right now... lol ;) Love your channel Rob!

[@MasterofUria]

15:23 you got switched their names lol joker killed his hostages

[@jellyfishjames3504]

Kite man deserves his own movie.

[@frankviewologytv4586]

Glad to hear u liked WOJAR, ik others didn’t like the ending or other parts but I loved it all. Janin’s art is pretty great too.

[@TYTfan]

Thanks Boss Man!

[@Charziken909]

calling it now. 20:34 catwomans gonna die. batmans gonna lose his anchor.

[@muphasashaw8543]

I know you have a schedule, but I just need you to do EARTH X at some point and time!!!! Lol!

[@Im_Absolute]

Thanks for tha video

[@ashleydeniserouleau8364]

Awesome video!!!!!!!!

[@viva1amota]

The day after I buy the comic you make the video.. Thanks Rob

[@entropias_gonos]

My boy, the Riddler! Heck yes, he's a fucking mastermind! He's the true, original, criminal mind villain, the pure distilled personification of what a Bond villain is if they were not so greedy.

[@thierry2350]

Heading to comics store right now .. like this a lot I had to subscribe 💪🏾🤙🏾

[@coreydelaforce6560]

Hey Bro love the channel! from Australia