The FIRST Batman vs Joker | Batman: The Man Who Laughs

When a mysterious homicidal maniac is murdering prominent citizens of Gotham City, leaving a ghastly grin on the victims' faces, Batman soon tracks down the criminal-- The Joker! Never miss an episode by subscribing today! bit.ly/2WYvgkt #batman
ComicPop is a few friends talking about comic books. The ComicPop team brings a bunch of unique points of view to every single discussion about a comic book, graphic novel, character or story arc. You can find full conversations about your favorite titles from Marvel and DC Comics, plus a few pretty key independent comics. If you're looking for a long, funny conversation about Batman or a deep dive into why Spider-Man is so neurotic, check out the hours and hours of amusing, insightful and downright stupid conversations about some of your favorite comic books over the years. If you're a longtime comic book reader or just starting out, make sure to subscribe right now!
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[@marcopololos]

Ben inadvertently creates a new Batman villain in this episode of comicpop

[@matthewnash8556]

Reading the title "wow, what a new book, cant believe they're doing it already." *Starts video* "wait a second..." *Re-reads title 2 more times incorrectly.

[@rj-yr4ql]

One of the most underrated Joker stories...this is a modern day classic. I enjoyed The Man Who Laughs almost as much as the Killing Joke.

[@jonathanshaw9704]

I thought you would never do this. This is one of my favorite Batman stories. And Gotham Season 5 premieres tomorrow, great timing.

[@taylorpechter5422]

Great book. This is weirdly one of the most overlooked Batman stories knowing the caliber of the creative team. Also, the other story that is collected in the collected volume has Batman teaming up with Alan Scott in a very fun detective story where they track down an old 40s serial killer. That one is drawn Patrick Zircher, but it still looks great.

[@michaelhausman8360]

⁰⁰ⁿ⁰

[@AustinNGrayson]

The Arkham Origins story of how The Joker became so obsessed with Batman is by far the best version of that story. And how Batman came to know The Joker. The Arkhamverse is just perfect. It has the best versions of the different Batman stories.

[@ericmiller93]

No it’s not. It’s a good game, but there are several comics that tell their first experience better.

[@AustinNGrayson]

@@ericmiller93 We just have different opinions. I disagree.

[@edwardgameon]

Bro didn't read The Killing Joke

[@AustinNGrayson]

@@edwardgameon I have. And I agree with the author (Alan Moore) that it has a lot of problems.

[@Forty3Snakes]

@@AustinNGraysonwhat problems? Care to elaborate or you just gonna make statements out of ur butt

[@JoshMunroe]

36:12 Another Grant Morrison opportunity to jam the 40s-60s Bat-stories into a psychotic episode, a la Batman R.I.P.

[@Bobbybillybillbob]

Love this story! Classic Batman and Joker intro, the art is extremely well done and The Joker was represented phenomenally!

[@Just_Some_Guy_with_a_Mustache]

Maybe Joker didn't have any regard for Batman at first. Then, Batman started smacking Joker around, and something awakened inside of him. *punch* "Oh, daddy!" "...What?" "I said, Oooooooh, Batsy! You can't hope to stop me now!" "Enough, Joker! This ends now! Keep this up, and I'm going to have to force you to the ground and tie you up myself." " *blushes* W-well, let's hope it doesn't c-come to that! HAVE AT YOU!"

[@Scarshadow666]

I love that this has some Steve Martin/Bill Murray exchange, kinda like from the musical version of Little Shop of Horrors, lolz! XD Joker (that over half of Gotham can here): "OH! You are something special!"

[@melancholiclonging8641]

What. The. Heck. You are here too.

[@Just_Some_Guy_with_a_Mustache]

@@melancholiclonging8641 But, of course!

[@TheGreatDevlin]

I understand where Sal is coming from. Compared to how Snyder basically had them making out, this Batman-Joker relationship is kinda cold lol.

[@JokerFan-hj4iv]

Dexx Baker well to be fair joker hadn’t met Batman yet and he hadn’t truly found himself yet. You can imagine the longer they’re rivalry goes and the further joker descends into madness joker would become more obsessed. I’d say around the time killing joke happens that’s when jokers “normal” criminal career ended and his personal mission to drive Batman insane began.

[@pikapal91]

“Dollar Store Fart Bag?” I CLAPPED BECAUSE I KNOW Redlettermedia!

[@Adam-zp6td]

Very cool.

[@RadinV1]

Hey tony. Wait aren't you dead?

[@Bigtimegamer-dl3dx]

Rich Evan's, in the house

[@IanRinehart1]

I KNOW WHAT THAT IS!

[@bacsilva]

14:20 he does have a patent on fish. I wouldn't put it past him.

[@jacobmccartney6482]

A fantastic back issues to start off the new year

[@instantbadass]

I really like the other story that are in the newer collection "Made of Wood" which is Batman teaming up with Alan Scott Green Lantern to solve a cold case. Super cool and the use of the Green Lantern stuff on the street level crime is awesome.

[@architeuthis3476]

Hey ComicPOP, I know yoo guys don't do requests, but as long as we're talking about Brubaker's Batman related stories, _Gotham Central_ is absolutely the greatest Batman spin-off title ever published! That isn't a request, just a reminder...

[@GitShiddy]

Wow that's a bit of serendipity, I just read this on the weekend & am into Long Halloween now. I really dig the way Brubaker writes Joker. The language he uses really forces the Mark Hamill Joker voice into my head, more so than many other writers.

[@robertangus616]

Jake Gynnlenhall was amazing as Mysterio

[@asiydah.6817]

The first Back Issues of 2019 was great! High energy, great book, hilarious jokes, and an overall great feel. If this episode is any indication of the direction this channel is going this year then I am ready and waiting! Here's to another great year with the Population. Great freaking job guys!!

[@RedRuddock]

i think the best batman meets joker story i've seen is Arkham origins, because there we see the reverence Joker has for batman develop, at first Joker just wants revenge on batman for the Ace chemicals fiasco, but then during the games things happen that cause the obsession

[@camerondodge2070]

I wish they sold this in a bundle with those Matt Wagner retellings of the first Hugo Strange encounter and the Mad Monk story. They make a good trilogy, and they're noted as being one after another in continuity, but they don't sell them together, only separately.

[@Sicod79]

His prints aren't in any database, we will never know who he really is. ....Apparently Geoff "Finger guns" Johns didn't get the memo.

[@the_thunderer6980]

Yes, Back issues! I can't get enough! You guys are hilarious and put out incredible content that I almost continually binge.

[@mttylerdurden9]

13:55 that would be an interesting retcon or story that the riddler was inspired by the joker.

[@megamonmon]

You know what id like to see in back issues? Captain universe spiderman. Especially when he has to fight all the villians he beat with those powers at the same time without them

[@Scarshadow666]

17:47 I'll admit, I cracked up thinking of an exchange of a younger, inexperienced Joker with one of his henchmen being something similar to that. XD XD XD Joker: "HEE HEE HEE! Time to put some smiles on those faces!" Henchmen: "Sweet! Is that part of your moniker, boss?" Joker: "Um, uh...Yes. Yes, let's roll with that!" 28:17 Actually, that's a good question! Aside from selling arms and petty crime, it's weird how Joker can bounce back financially so easily (makes his "Where does he get those wonderful toys?" line from the Burton movie something that Joker should question about himself....). Hmmmm....🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@jacksingh9234]

You guys are the Redlettermedia of comic books. Keep it going, guys!

[@pillsburydoughbane2618]

That take on fictional journalists is so true. They always hunt for “the big story.” They’re never not selfish schmucks- can’t we have one that stays because they think people need to know what’s going on? You know, basically just a journalist with actual integrity.

[@jarjared3522]

Those type of journalists never last long enough to make an impression.

[@StephenIC]

You guys made Batman crashing through the window fucking hilarious! "He's dead." lmaooooo

[@maniax7517]

The back issue videos are so cool I'm really happy I found this channel keep up the great work Sal, Ben, Ethan, and everyone else who works there WHOO!

[@jacklynsheridan2322]

I love that the Nolan movies make the same continuity fuck up with the year one Gordon scene. Dark Knight has no reference to Jokers double homicide and calling card Gordon has at the end of Batman Begins.

[@johnmobley9369]

LMAFO Batman’s casual dissing of the people who studied so hard to be perfect and concise with forensics. I loved the moment when Gordon knew Batman was there. Reminds me of the new “the Batman” for some reason

[@joshrowland7605]

Joker was so excited when the news gave him his name and he didn’t have to call himself the Riddler.

[@mitchellregan21]

Lost track of what day it was until I noticed a new episode! Never read this book so it'll be interesting.

[@r.babylon2885]

If you use Batman Endgame as the final story, Arkham has an interesting timeline. It's reopened around the arrival of Joker, only to be destroyed around his death.

[@calvinjluther]

I'd love to see more Brubaker on the couch

[@douglascaldwell3622]

Amazing episode. Good job gentlemen, feels like old school Back Issues.

[@esac7472]

Just wanna say I look forward to this every Wednesday and I believe I’ve been watching since you guys covered red son Superman. I recently started buying some of the books you covered in the show and a few others that peak my interest. Here’s to a amazing 2019

[@johnmobley9369]

Nightcrawler cemented me liking jakes work. He had this one movie before this that’s so underrated.

[@johnmobley9369]

Arkham is such a lovecraftian vibe, I love the mysticism contrasted with the real horrors of mental illness, the criminally insane, corruption, and I’ll intent.

[@brandonpena468]

Wow @ 5:20 3 year prediction of what happens in The Batman

[@johnmobley9369]

I’m thinking of joker as just doing what he wants and not considering a name and people often get real life serial killers nicknames, so it fits, but I do think that since in discontinuity Batman created him, it would be a good unhinged moment to show how the range joker is the spews about how Batman created his antithesis physically and by name

[@bman184r]

OH that would be a great way to name the Joker. Set it up how Sal said it BUT joker has to be on the verge of saying his ACTUAL name. So then as soon as Batman says “ alright Joker”..Joker stops from saying his actual name and instead likes the name “joker”

[@SpiralSine6]

I just realized, why has Batman never gone after the other criminals who roped pre-Joker into robbing Ace Chemicals? They would presumably know his name if they were able to blackmail him into being the Red Hood.

[@MsTitovski]

In the Killing Joke flashback part, it shows the cops shooting and killing the other criminals.

[@ourguygustav]

Wow i just got this for Christmas and i really enjoyed it. Glad to see you covering it too.

[@SeriousRereader]

This was a particularly great episode of Back Issues. The jokes were seriously on point.

[@kangofkek8079]

These videos are the highlight of my day

[@flywheelshyster]

Been waiting all day and binging the show for this episode....wasting my one day off? i think not!

[@ItsOver9000Productions]

I really loved this episode. I think when you do classic yet bizarre stories, they make for great episodes

[@artiepavlov6593]

Go Team Plaid!

[@MrCeratix]

Have to disagree on Sal on this one Riddler trying to create his brand in Batman: Forever is a cinematic masterpiece

[@CharlesFitzgerald-pm5uk]

I have learnt so much about comic books because if you guys.I am a huge fan from the uk thank you guys

[@MrGillen]

Ben, I appreciated the Chris Farley reference at 36:58. Good one chum!

[@frailmachinemeen4288]

I Stan BACK ISSUES 🍿

[@hbawlup]

back issues always makes the day better

[@Benm701]

Ohhhhhhhhhhhh, World's Greatest Detective.

[@Grievousish]

I already know i'm gonna get this book and The Batman Who Laughs mixed up way too much from now on. Curse you similar name schemes!

[@bhunt372]

Grievousish I totally misread the title! I went “oh... well that was quick!”

[@megamonmon]

I didnt know about this book so the title of "batman who laughs" is more clever than i thought

[@architeuthis3476]

Okay, but this one is better than the New 52's story _The Death of the Family_ , not to be confused with one of the most notorious Batman stories of all time, 1988's _A Death in the Family_ . Oi. Goddmanit, comics, don't start giving shitty confusing titles to stories like movies have been ( _Predator_ vs _Predators_ vs _The Predator_ or even worse... _First Blood_ vs _Rambo: First Blood Part 2_ vs _Rambo 3_ vs _John Rambo_ ) Its fucking annoying!

[@GeneralSteelflex]

@@megamonmon ​ Yeah, it's based on the title of this book. And in fact, the title of this book is itself based on the 1928 silent film "The Man Who Laughs", whose main character inspired the Joker's design. vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/monstermovies/images/4/4a/Thelaughingman.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20150816034833

[@lcmck2418]

Loved the episode guys! Any chance that one day you will do some of Gotham Central?

[@BurnedChiliMan]

Oooooh yeahhhhhhhh! Can’t get enough back issues it’s like my “Venom” except I don’t get super strength and I’m just horribly debilitatingly addicted to it....

[@R.J.Godzilla81]

I got some great Trades for Christmas. Secret Wars (1984), Revenge of the Sinister Six (hardcover), and Godzilla: Rulers of Earth, the complete collection vol.1. It was after watching The Secret Wars, and Revenge of the Sinister Six (for the 100th time) I've finally decided to get them. thanks again

[@jamaalellison941]

I fucking love back issues you guys are fire together!!!!

[@DrMadd]

This was my very first Batman comic. Really interested in seeing what you guys think of it.

[@ItsOver9000Productions]

I thought this was Dark Knight Metal for a sec. I think this story was adapted into "The Batman" TV show from 2004.

[@timshady237]

If I were Ben, I’d run away from my imaginary wife who threatens to poison a town’s water supply. Even if it’s meant to be a darkly playful metaphor, that’s definitely a red flag that she might just be a masochistic clown lady.

[@thegreyinitiate3680]

“I know they can’t control themselves, but I AM going to kick them in the face with both boots.” 😂

[@EC-ed1zg]

Yes! I swear there’s a BTAS episode that harkens back to this story. Joker poisons one of the guys with his own cat...

[@Farmeryeti]

Man, Batman's disguising it up all over this book. I wish Batman would wear more disguises. Mission: Impossible the hell out of it.

[@goblinbaitgaming]

Love your videos. You guys cram so much entertainment and flannel into every episode

[@johnmobley9369]

The moment where all the responsibility is out on Gordon reminds me of Batman earth one

[@Mrgokujr2012]

Love the little Gyllenhaal tangent there.

[@manuelrosas5889]

And also another great back issue guys keep it up

[@josephde-haan1074]

I like your idea for the Batman/Joker story with the corrupt government as the real villain. Add in the fact the government has imprisoned and is using the Joker and Batman has to rescue him even with the conflict of all the suffering the Joker will cause in the future.... Yeah cool. Also make it horror/sci fi. My favourite Stephen King book is Firestarter and like stories along them lines.

[@johnmobley9369]

“This glass is fine” LMFAO

[@davidbreault3283]

I do wanna say I'd love for you guys to go through Made of Wood

[@thegraphicloop5506]

It’s so good how you guys laughed your asses off at the Prince of Persia. 😂

[@BrightBlue925]

"HOHOHO MOTHERFUCKER". I choked

[@michaelthethird702]

I haven't read this one yet. I'm definitely going to pick it up.

[@KB-zq9ny]

Would you please do Jokester of the Countdown series? I love that character!

[@logansmith2703]

That bones reference tho

[@ryanstang6556]

26:12 You’re Welcome

[@EniGmaFactor134]

Have you guys thought about uploading the audio of these episodes on Spotify or some other podcast hosting platform like Stitcher or Apple podcast? They might do okay in a podcast format.

[@ohimleyesh4866]

Thankx Comic Poppers, happy new years!

[@chisasa9509]

This one is great. I enjoy a classic Batman story. Old school Gorden. Retro Batmobile. Amazing Short story Fun.

[@aceyross9173]

Do Joker death of the family next

[@NerdsOnlytv]

0:24 immediately addressing the name

[@jordanthomas4379]

you all kind of felt like dressing the same today.

[@hartthorn]

It would be interesting if Joker, in his absurd madness, has decided the one person NOT to blame is Batman. Could even see it as two veins of logic that are, of course, kinda contradictory but that just fit Joker thinking. 1: Joker sees that final push as a baptism that turned him in to who he was supposed to be. Batman HELPED him in this way that he could never be angry at him for. 2: Batman was just the LAST domino in a long chain of dominos to fall that resulted in him winding up in those chemicals. And Batman wasn't even involved with the chemicals directly. It would be unfair to blame HIM for all the things other people did that created the whole scenario to happen in the first place.

[@jamesc2889]

I don't know if you guys take suggestions on the comments but would mark Waids daredevil run be something you guys one day do?

[@StephenIC]

Sweet, love this book.

[@TevyaSmolka]

Yay awesome

[@mamat7925]

I love this book.

[@jlev1028]

I just read that comic today, and it's pretty un. The artwork reminds me of What's So Funny About Truth, Justice, and the American Way? and the atmosphere feels like a more modernized fully realized upgrade of Joker's debut with him killing off important people even when they're under police protection. I also really like how Bruce almost becomes a victim. It reminds me of that seen in Return of the Joker where he's exposed to laughing gas and is only saved by a quick antidote. Overall, The Man Who Laughs is a very underappreciated Joker story.

[@edwardosquidwardo1182]

Please for the love of God please do Preacher on Back Issues!!!!! I would love to see it!!!!!

[@valekrossner1143]

Joker created Umbrella the real founder for the zombie apocalypse

[@goshdamnbatman8578]

Awesome, more batman

[@Martin_TheCollector]

Jake can still star as a comic book character: MOON KNIGHT

[@harrisonpeck8958]

The three flannelmigos! ......or plaidmigos but that just doesn't work as well.

[@jordanhunter1211]

I wouldn't even cast Jake Gyllenhaal as Darkhawk

[@ninja1man4u]

Awesome!!!

[@johnmobley9369]

Batman is super facet. If the joker is like spry and limber that makes sense. Unpredictable even. But is he like just naturally that fast or is he chemically enhanced.

[@manuelrosas5889]

Can you do a back issue on unworthy Thor or Thor God of thunder the god butcher and the godbomb