(Photo Credit Warner Bros.)
Batman and The Joker are perhaps the most iconic pair of archenemies in all of superhero comics. One adopted a mantle of fear to impose order upon a chaotic world. The other poses as a figure of fun to spread terror and chaos. As such. many consider the Clown Prince of Crime to be an avatar of change. Even so, the recent changes to the character in the Batman comics mark a surprising shift to the status quo.
Written by Matt Fraction, with art by Jorge Jiménez, Batman #7 is the first Batman book published as part of the DC Next Level initiative. The new line is meant to introduce big changes into existing series and exciting new comics. In the case of Batman, this means big changes to The Joker.
(Image Source: DC Comics / Jorge Jiménez)
The issue finds Batman agreeing to a meeting with his archenemy. This is difficult, as Joker is entirely immobile due to his most recent injuries. He is also being contained in a special facility by maverick psychiatric Dr. Annika Zeller, who does not approve of Batman. However, she does agree to a meeting between her patient and the vigilante in the hopes it will aid his treatment.
What is different about Joker?
To Batman’s surprise, Dr. Zeller’s chemical treatment of Joker’s brain chemistry has yielded impressive results. The Clown Prince of Crime is now surprisingly lucid. Indeed, he expresses remorse for his many crimes and explains that before he could not tell his dreams and imaginings from reality. However, he does not use this to excuse what he has done.
(Image Source: DC Comics / Jorge Jiménez)
Naturally Batman is skeptical of his greatest enemy’s newfound remorse and Joker does not blame him. Despite this, he still managed to sneak out a message requesting a meeting with Batman for two reasons. First, to warn him of a plot to kill Bruce Wayne. Next, to offer his friendship, because he realized how lonely he was and thought Batman might feel the same.
Unsurprisingly, Batman is just as skeptical of this offer. However, it cannot be denied that the dynamic between them has changed. Joker is still dangerous, but has set himself up as the Hannibal Lecter to Batman’s Clarice Starling. This is an interesting change of pace, albeit one unlikely to last long give Joker’s chaotic nature.
Batman #7 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
