In recent years, The Joker's origin story has become increasingly convoluted thanks to the introduction of multiple versions of the Clown Prince of Crime. Now, DC Comics has promised to finally reveal the villain's greatest secrets in "The Joker Year One," a terrifying three-part tale that will play out across Batman #142 - #144, starting next February.
After the current "Mindbomb" story concludes in January's Batman #141, the Dark Knight will discover the terrible secret behind his greatest enemy.
The story begins in Batman #142 by Chip Zdarsky, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Stefano Nesi, Andrea Sorrentino, Alejandro Sánchez, and Dave Stewart. In part one, the tragic "death" of the leader of the Red Hood Gang in a vat of chemicals has become the subject of myth...but what is the heartbreaking and gruesome tale of the monster who walked away from that violent birth?
From the first pages of "The Joker Year One" onward, it's said readers will be left questioning everything they know about The Joker, but how will it all affect Batman’s distant future? Within each issue of "The Joker Year One," artists Andrea Sorrentino and Dave Stewart are going to illustrate a story juxtaposed to show the far-reaching impact The Joker will have on DC's Caped Crusader.
Next, in Batman #143, a mysterious figure from Batman’s past has come into Joker's orbit, changing the Clown Prince of Crime forever. And what secrets does the re-formed Red Hood Gang have for Batman’s future?
Batman #144, meanwhile, features the climactic, chilling conclusion to "The Joker Year One," delivering massive repercussions for the future.
The Red Hood Gang is on a rampage and the only man who can stop them...is The Joker. And can Batman stop a devastating new virus in a future where The Joker looms over everything?
After "The Joker Year One" concludes, the previously announced "Dark Prisons" story will run through Batman #145 - #148, where Batman will face a terrifying figure from his past to survive Zur's onslaught. And if Batman survives, a new enemy is waiting in the wings: Amanda Waller and the U.S. military.
2024 sounds like an exciting year for Batman fans, but is an origin story for The Joker really what fans want or need? More and more has been revealed about the villain in recent years, taking away much of the intrigue surrounding one of DC Comics' most popular villains.
You can check out some artwork from "The Joker Year One" below.