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Batman & The Joker: The Deadly Duo #1
- Writer:
- Marc Silvestri
- Artist:
- Marc Silvestri
- Letterer:
- Troy Peteri
- Cover Artist:
- Marc Silvestri
- Publisher:
- DC
- Price:
- $4.99
- Release Date:
- 2022-11-01
- Colorist:
- Arif Prianto
First announced at San Diego Comic-Con 2018, Batman & The Joker: The Deadly Duo #1 finally hits stores this week. Marc Silvestri, who writes and draws the series, has described his new DC Black Label series as a "buddy cop" story with horror elements. Now fans can see for themselves in Batman & The Joker: The Deadly Duo #1, by Silvestri as well as colorist Arif Prianto and letterer Troy Peteri, places The Dark Knight and the Clown Prince of Crime in an unlikely position, forcing them to work together to rescue their dear friends.
Batman & The Joker: The Deadly Duo #1 starts the way many Batman stories do -- there's crime afoot in Gotham, so Batman and the GCPD attempt to snuff it out. This story leads Batman on a deadly goose chase to track down the person responsible for a brutal murder. This first issue draws the line between where the GCPD operates and where Batman steps in to remind readers that officers of the law often fear Batman as much as Gotham's criminals do. Batman & The Joker: The Deadly Duo #1 places the Dark Knight in a dangerous fight with a powerful new foe and an unlikely new ally, the Joker.
Batman & The Joker: The Deadly Duo #1 doesn't try to reinvent Batman. Instead, it serves as a harrowing reminder that he answers only to himself. Silvestri frames Batman as a symbol of both justice and fear in Gotham City. That being said, some of the best moments in this first issue explore Batman's sense of humor. Whether he's joking with members of the GCPD or even The Joker, he can be disarmingly witty. Batman & The Joker: The Deadly Duo #1 shows different sides to Batman, and Silvestri doesn't shy away from how disgusted Batman is with himself for having to team up with The Joker.
Silvestri's artwork is just as strong and exciting as his writing. Batman & The Joker: The Deadly Duo #1 puts Batman in some pretty epic poses, and in true Batman fashion, his cape is almost its own character. When Batman glides through the city or drops into a fight, his cape makes him seem larger than life. Silvestri always makes sure that Batman has a dramatic entrance. This first issue shines the most when Batman is examining a crime scene, and each small detail that Silvestri puts into it pays off immensely, whether he's drawing bullets, skull fragments, or blood-smeared walls. Arif Prianto's colors bring each panel to life and show the darkness of the city around them.
Batman & The Joker: The Deadly Duo #1 is well worth the wait since 2018, and Silvestri nails each aspect of this first issue. It sets Batman up for one of his most challenging partnerships to date, and readers are in for a deadly treat. Batman & The Joker: The Deadly Duo #1 pulls readers in with stellar artwork from the first page and a well-written story that will leave fans anxious for more.