The Joker FINALLY gets everything he's ever wanted! | Superman: Emperor Joker

When Batman's greatest nemesis, the Joker, reshapes reality, Superman becomes the world's greatest dangerous criminal, Bizarro is the world's greatest hero, and chaos and death reign. Never miss an episode by subscribing today! bit.ly/2WYvgkt #superman
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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[@comicpop]

Pick it up here: amzn.to/1YDkafR

[@joshuanelson6795]

I...actually really like this story. Its utter insanity and sheer ridiculousness make it a very fun, creative and memorable tale for me. That being said, I acknowledge that it isn't for everybody, as it's about as far from straightforward as you can get.

[@tylerdurden788]

I enjoyed it. Especially the aspect of how bored joker gets from being able to do everything he wants. Reminds me of the twilight zone episode where the guy thinks he is in heaven.

[@daelen.cclark]

Same here.

[@the_rose_garden01]

@@tylerdurden788 "A casino where I always win? I must be in heaven. .... Wait, a casino where I always win is boring! I must be in hell!"

[@Logan7281X]

I liked it as well.

[@SuperSlowmobile]

Yeah, I feel the same way. It's my kind of weird though. I thought the re-imagining of the League by Joker was pretty interesting.

[@Just_Some_Guy_with_a_Mustache]

*Spectre:* "But if God doesn't exist..." _sweats_ "Who's been signing my paychecks?!" *Superman:* " _That's_ what you're concerned about?" *Spectre:* _looking inside wallet_ "I probably should've reconsidered buying those extra pair of jeans..." *Superman:* "YOU DON'T WEAR PANTS!!!"

[@batfreeze56]

This is the basis for my favorite episode of Batman: The Brave and the Bold

[@ItsOver9000Productions]

I remember this implemented in Batman: The Brave And The Bold. Man I loved that show.

[@TheGuy735]

It was pretty good.

[@brandontriplin5447]

definitely top 3

[@Blu_pepper]

Was so awesome and they did it all right , loved booster gold in that series

[@MmmmmApplesauce]

"Odds stacked against him but through it all with a little bit of grit and determination and superman gumption" I thought you were talking about John Cena for a second.

[@shaddowrealm]

Fuckin hell we're over 100 back issues. It's crazy dude, I've been here since TV Little House and it's astounding to see how much you've accomplished

[@derekcornejo9742]

You forgot to mention Joker eating China with chop sticks (actually happened)

[@TheRiverintheRoad]

It's a fun story. Sometimes Sal can be a little harsh

[@saleem6362]

Whoa I didn't think Sal would be so harsh on this book, personally I thought the story was fine with a few shitty moments. Also I think you got the ending wrong, I thought Spectre transferred the memories to the Joker which is why he's a slobbering mess in the end and why Spectre's spirit haunts him. But maybe I'm wrong, and the books ending was indeed really stupid.

[@benn1614]

I really liked emperor joker. I found it really entertaining.

[@keeperofthetriforce7]

the fact they acknowledge the Spectre's existence in this comic means than the presence exists

[@matthiascerebri3315]

Yes, so why didnt they send him in there? Or Dr. Manhattan, who would be immune against the Joker?

[@keeperofthetriforce7]

@@matthiascerebri3315 this comment was made 4+ years ago so I do not know the full context in which this comment was made by myself so I don't even remember what this comment actually refers too because of this I am unable to answer your questions with any form of a satisfactory, complete, or correct answer. if you know the object in the video or what ever context this comment is referring too comment again with it then I might be able to give you an satisfactory answer

[@magnumcornetto]

Hmm, I'm not sure it is Superman that takes all of Batman's memories of dying. The deal Superman does with The Spectre is to give those memories to The Joker, as a punishment. That's why the Joker is drooling in his padded cell, and why you can see Spectre's in Joker's eye. That's also why Superman asks Batman if he sees anything wrong with the Joker, as if to see if Batman suspects anything about the deal with The Spectre.

[@tdtellem]

magnumcornetto There was a follow up to this story a few months later that confirmed that Superman took on Batman's memories.

[@Sicod79]

Honestly one of Superman's most epic moments, taking the pain of Batman that Joker instituted into him.

[@redjirachi1]

One of the most bro things he ever did

[@OtseisRagnarok]

Everything about this discussion makes this story sound great and fun.

[@CAPappy]

I’m kinda surprise you didn’t say anything about how Joker ate the population of China from a Chinese takeout box

[@MrAgooo]

If you have the time, you should do The Nail. It would be cool to see how Ethan and Ben would react to that story given how brutal it is.

[@brandontriplin5447]

Is that an indie book

[@liverusrock6789]

+Cam LeBlanc yes! Justice League The Nail is really awesome.

[@hooliganmulligan]

+Rbdn T it's a elseworlds book where the kents car tire was flattened by a nail so they never found superman and the world reacts to that change, the title is based on the nursery rhyme of "For the want of a nail"

[@asherauthement-garza1223]

I actually really liked Emperor Joker.

[@dannydevito3152]

More flash stories so he can run faster than before!

[@r.babylon2885]

+Tony Cintron Apparently that joke is even carrying into the tv show.

[@daelen.cclark]

I honestly really like this story. I mean genuinely enjoy this.

[@123rtXd]

Can you do the Judas Contract.

[@comicpop]

+Anuj Jain Totally.

[@123rtXd]

Awesome, it's the only New Teen Titans story I read and it is good. Thank you.

[@batfreeze56]

They did;

[@straightouttagotham1258]

Anuj Jain no Judas is ass bro trust me im tha god damn batman

[@desi_no_aka]

It was so nonsensical, but I had a good time with it, and honestly the sweetness to the Superman/Batman dynamic was nice to read. I thought these two were actual friends as opposed to begrudging partners.

[@Spikex1]

I actually really liked this story, although it's still a mixed bag. Joe Kelly's dark humor dialogue and storytelling were noticeably better than the parts written by Jeph Loeb, though. For every eyerollingly lame part, there were two or three clever ideas and jokes. Even the lamer jokes and stupider details of the new world can often work because a straight man will be there to react in a deadpan way (Darkseid, Superman, Batman, whatever). It should have been trimmed down more and not be as long as it was; it shouldn't have taken as long as it did for characters to find out what's happening, and the stuff with the Justice League and Superman's supporting cast should've either had payoff that was worth it or been omitted entirely (except Steel who has a decent role as someone to provide feedback and info for Superman). The ending with Batman's memories does cap the story off in a pretty lame way, it must be said, leaving a less than great final impression. You can see what they're going for in that self-sacrificing way, but it's just dumb.

[@kongokevful]

I absolutely loved this storyline. How does Superman defeat the Joker who has basically been given the power of a God by steal Mr. Mxzlplx's powers?

[@neiljohn619]

Finally, now I know that Superman Hunter/Prey will be done one day. Ive been waiting and requesting for ever since the Death of Superman episode. Please do it for the next episode. PLEASE!!!!!

[@symbiote42]

Next Back issues do Justice League The New Frontier to honor Darwyn Cook

[@liverusrock6789]

I thought they're going to do it.

[@TheDrunkestSailor]

+Live To Rock I think -- THINK -- this was recorded before Darwyn Cooke passed away.

[@liverusrock6789]

Probably, maybe in a couple of weeks we'll get it.

[@ghoulking7616]

You got it a few years later

[@OreoBrawl]

I always loved this book, it reminded me of a twisted episode of the 90's era DCAU shows

[@tromusic7815]

I've been waiting for this since midnight 😂 One question: if the Joker establishes there is no 'God' in the DC universe, then who does the Spectre answer to? I always thought he was the spirit of vengeance commissioned by God

[@fog_goat4168]

The presence exist outside the known universe that why the joker can't detect hi

[@DrMadd]

Based on the art I thought this was going to be Public Enemies:

[@r.babylon2885]

I'd love to see a Back Issues of the Simpsons comic When Bongos Collide. In this book, Kang and Kodos pull Itchy and Scratchy from the Simpsons' TV. They then rampage across the city until breaking into the power plant's core. The ensuing explosion makes every citizen become a parody of DC and Marvel. Homer becomes The Bulk, Marge becomes The Entangler (Medusa/Inhumans) and Lisa becomes The Jazzler. Abe and the other old people become Old Blood while Jimbo's crew become Wild Brats. It's amazing.

[@Seton7588]

Sal - the first 10 minutes, you just sound so disappointed and down trodden that you are explaining this to your friends. Thank you for suffering for our entertainment. Also, damn that Scott Tenorman.

[@TrackMaster844]

There's actually a 2 issue comic by Max Landis where Superman encounters the Joker. It's actually really good and Supes manages to get under his skin! XD

[@the_rose_garden01]

The best Joker story was when he tried to trademark fish

[@TheCampbellcomic]

I remember being 7 and a family friend getting me this for Christmas.. this was the first Superman comic I read

[@saramcmurtrie3955]

I actually love this story

[@TheWildConductor]

Great video!!!

[@eugenideddis]

I definitely enjoyed the Brave and the Bold episode based on this, but the changes they made definitely improved it.

[@robertwild9447]

Batman: The Brave and the Bold did a much better version of this story in an episode

[@ragz2riches5]

I was with you until you said that Lois was Superman's connection to humanity. What about his parents? His mom in particular? They aren't a huge connection for Superman/Clark to humanity???

[@comicpop]

This is what the author said. We don't agree, but that's what the author was saying.

[@ragz2riches5]

Gotcha. Thanks for the reply.

[@larryogrady1420]

I'm loving the channel and Back Issues. I'm so busy and have no time to play catch up and Back Issues is really helpful. It's great to just have on doing things too. Keep them coming and I'll keep watching. Thanks

[@kordelshorgar122]

the premise of the joker getting godlike powers should be the scariest thing ever but this execution makes it look silly

[@TheRealSkycraft28]

Please do ultimate Spiderman!

[@brandontriplin5447]

which arc

[@TheRealSkycraft28]

+Rbdn T psh not sure.

[@Oussorystowe20924]

ultimate spider man would be awesome!

[@brandontriplin5447]

They haven't

[@IHADTHECAKE]

I still say life and death of captain marvel, love this episode guys! Keep up the awesome work.

[@Jack-Franklin_Films05]

I actually love this story lol

[@notsosmartguy6254]

I kinda wish we got more Joker stories where he takes on other dc superheroes besides batman.

[@kevinmarques7716]

Hey Sal, any plans to do the Judas Contract storyline from New Teen Titans? I'm sure that the Superman, Batman, and Spider-Man stories get the most views but Judas Contract is one of my favorite stories DC has ever done so I'm interested to hear your thoughts on it.

[@comicpop]

+Kevin Marques Definitely.

[@kevinmarques7716]

ComicPOP awesome! I'll be looking forward to seeing that. Keep up all the great content!

[@jakemurphy4229]

I love this story! This is what broke me into comic books from the cartoons. My favorite Superman villain six years ago was Mr. Mxyzptlk by Gilbert Gottfried. I absolutely love Ed McGuinness art. After this I went to their Superman Batman run and used to always check out the trades from my Middle School library.

[@kyrosvlar]

hey Ben what's that shirt your wearing? I think it's awesome and one of the coolest things I've seen and I want to get it.

[@PR0MAN01]

Not a flaw on you guys at all but I feel asleep during this episode. Thanks Emperor Joker

[@tonnoka]

This is one of my favorite Superman story. This is an awesome story in my opinion, but my favorite marvel story of all time is Maximum Carnage. My opinion might be biased and warped, but I stick by my statement. This is an awesome Superman story, a not good joker Story

[@reubenseldo1048]

I loved Emperor Joker.

[@HarleyQuinnsMrJ]

Thanks so much for doing these shows, my reading list gets longer by the week.

[@Xer0sama]

After Hunter/Prey, the next DC book you should do is JLA: Created Equal. That one will be a riot.

[@Evyscreations]

Have you done War Games/War Crimes or No Man's Land from the Batman books? If Ben and Ethan thought Knightfall was MASSIVE...

[@lijah1156]

Got super hype when I saw the title. Emperor Joker was my first comic when I was a kid.

[@WDFilms25]

Hey Sal and Ben, it's Warren we met at the ValiantSummit. Excited to watch this episode

[@comicpop]

+WDFilms25 Thanks man!

[@WDFilms25]

+ComicPOP I also just finished American Alien and I wanted to cry

[@comicpop]

WDFilms25 Right? Thanks for saying hey dude!

[@WDFilms25]

+ComicPOP now that I've met you guys I will keep in more contact

[@ricardorios2355]

Letting them pick the book for some reason made me think of Red Letter Media. You should do more stuff like this. It would fun to see the type of books they would pick when they have options.

[@johnny2003]

I would love if the riddler wore a suit covered in exclamation points. And was called the exclaimer.

[@kinneary]

Great episode! Thanks for the head's up... definitely avoiding this one

[@MichaelGiulianoMPL]

The whole setup (along with the threat of reality/time being broken) makes this sound like a DC version of Age of Ultron.

[@IzzysIssues]

I'm still trying to grok the "there's no God" but like...the Spectre? Presence?

[@1337snake888]

yeah it's just a dumb story

[@jeremyg371]

How come they never show superheros going poopy or pee weeing. shouldn't they get the runs once and a while and I don't just mean the flash. Superman is making porn now and kept his name the man of steel. thx for another great review guys.

[@eddydeez]

So wait, God doesn't exist, but the Spectre does?

[@anthonylynch423]

Hey guys huge fan I've watched every back issues and weekly pull. Only complaint is 9 times out of 10 the books you review are ones Sal hates. I really enjoy sals interpretation of the stories so I would like to see more books you personally enjoy because we seem to agree on most books. Just positive feedback because if you can turn stories that just seem god awful into amazing content I can applaud you. Thanks and all the support from TN!

[@Brainiac356]

Not gonna lie I kinda thought it would be something relating to Darwyn Cooke because of events from this week but this was a pleasant surprise

[@bgajdek]

Why on earth would you think Sal to be so disrespectful. Seriously - STFU

[@Brainiac356]

Br Ga Ok tone it down it was just a thought I had.

[@bgajdek]

Sorry about that, little worked up at the time.

[@NerdTalkTv]

thank you guys for opening my package on a post credit scene of back issues!!!!

[@leedriver7029]

Are you guys going to do The Immortal Iron Fist?

[@Farmeryeti]

This comic sounds like the time I ate far to much weed cookie and then spent the next 24 hours in the foetal position of my living room thinking I was having a heart attack.

[@thomasarcanine]

rewatching this... also, if you can, please do another Ed McGuinness work, Wildstorm's Mr. Majestic... it also has another short story from your favorite Lil'Ol' Allie Moore... thanks...

[@AustinShirkey]

Hey Sal are you willing to give the crew a stroke and do Batman Odyssey?

[@DCFanboy-qy7vz]

I'd love to see that Episode!

[@mjj19721]

please, for the love of dardseid

[@comicpop]

+Austin Shirley Ugh.

[@AustinShirkey]

+ComicPOP I remembered when you brought it up on the weekly pull and I was like YES

[@chrisd7562]

But you said you LOVVVVVEED this book during your interview it was Bizzaro Sal number one favorite book of all time ;)

[@IHADTHECAKE]

As a Colorado native, and having marathoner back issues weekend after weekend I have to say you all truly love South Park. Are you guys ever going to travel out here for Denver comic con ????

[@jasperfraser6390]

Do you think you'll do any more injustice? It's my favourite miniseries and I think you could sum up years 2-4 in one episode if anything

[@TheTheDontae]

Hay sal thank you for another ep of back issues! never actually read this comic just watch the episode of Batman brave and the bold

[@corbinpeter]

Comicpop please do a Back Issues on Court Of Owls or Endgame ! It would be awesome to see all of Ben and Ethans Reactions!

[@Blu_pepper]

I had all the marvel treehouse figures, Spider-man iron man hulk Thor, cap, wolverine, and red hulk , but the DC. ones were hard to find had joker batman, and the flash who ducked he never stood up properly

[@ABenAbides]

So Superman takes upon himself the pains, the brokenness, and the bad memories of his friend? ... so ... Superman is Jesus in this story?

[@jonryder7269]

But.....the dc universe has a god, i mean you know, the presence. Right? :S

[@comicpop]

+Jon Ryder Yes Jon. I'm reporting what the Joker said.

[@sampenn2913]

I gotta say I've watched you guys from the start and still you all are amazing please keep it up 💪💪

[@badboi6247]

This would work better if this was a 30 minute cartoon show. Oh wait a minute!!

[@JoshMunroe]

Emperor Joker: Where the rules are made up and the points don't matter.

[@ThePandaSupreme]

Lol some of the faces look like some bad cartoon fan drawings

[@SubwoofBarks]

22:38 Then what is the presence?

[@comicpop]

Not interested in showing himself to a madman.

[@smawzyv9281]

Another problem I have with the story is that Mxy isn't the only inhabitant of the 5th dimension. So didn't anyone else from the 5th dimension stop the Joker? This story is full of crap.

[@jakemayorquin5460]

I mean the thing is you could apply that logic to, like, everything

[@abrahamrobledo5997]

First! Haha

[@superherocrew3625]

I mean Ben has a little stubble so it's not that weird.

[@QueerComics1994]

There's no god? How does the Spectre work then? What about the Presence? The Source? The Greek gods? Highfather? The Overmonitor? Doctor Manhatten? Take your fucking pick.

[@daraghokane4236]

The great gods were mad up by people are dreams made them real. Th presnce won't let joker see him or heaven and joker thought that because he could't they don't exist

[@thegorgeousgloriousone9851]

But DC has a god , it's The Presence, isn't it?

[@liverusrock6789]

or Editorial

[@matthiascerebri3315]

Or Overmonitor

[@LMGamesToTheMax]

13:00 Ben you called?

[@Grievousish]

I sort of love how this show has become my guide for what to buy when it comes to trades. I have yet to be mislead or disagree with a verdict. Keep up the awesome work guys and gals. Also someday I will get to see a back issues on the original run of Spider-man 2099. "looks longingly into the distance" someday.

[@jaypee9812]

I loved this story because it's so insane lol

[@hooliganmulligan]

Ben without bread is weird, burn it with fire!

[@MercysLittleShoww]

I think this sounds like it could be an awesome story. Maybe if it would've been a Justice League event and not just a Superman event it would've been better.

[@AJWensloff]

Are you going to do The Killing Joke?

[@RayOnRoundball]

Could you do Justice League New Frontier? Just because of Darwyn Cooke's passing?

[@bL4zZ3e]

There's this story that I read it was a Batman story I think about his death and rebirth. I think Batman:Whatever happened to the caped crusader. Really enjoyed it.

[@flashallen3055]

you know what you did for marvels agents of shield you should do that for the flash or arrow. PLEASE!!!

[@Blu_pepper]

This episode seemed a bit ruff on Sal... almost has if he remembers all of batman's deaths and can't handle him,I guess you say this in honor of through the looking glass where the gang takes a trip down the rabbit hole

[@saintlugia]

They made a Batman the brave and the bold episode called emperor Joker where Batmite tries to give Baman his powers but the Joker ends up taking them. It's really fun and Batmite legitimately becomes a hero.

[@0zTheAlchemist]

Can you do a black panther back issues? Or the red robin series?