I had been anxiously awaiting this book.
I admit I am a huge Batman fan. All things Batman. I really love the idea of a graphic novel that focuses on The Joker. The new book is good with a few flaws. One flaw is the likeness of Heath Ledger to the Joker in the book. Don't get me wrong, I loved Ledger's performance in the movie but I feel the Joker in the novel should have a different look to set it apart from the movie. I know that it is intended to be what happened after the movie, but I still feel his look should have been a little different.
What are your thoughts and opinions on this book.
Friday, November 07, 2008
The Joker graphic novel
2 comments:
I bought this book expecting a run of the mill Batman story and a (few months too late) cash-in on the success of the Dark Knight. What I got was a stand alone story that probably ranks in the top five greatest EVER. I thought this was a phenomenal book. Brian Azzarello really nails the Joker's character with dialogue like this: "Work. I got into this business to avoid it. There's the rub--it is a business. You never know it, at first--gettin' that free taste in the alley choking whores for milk money." I can see where you might not like the Heath Ledger rip off in the artwork but I think it's just fine. I thought Ledger portrayed the definitive Joker and to see that carried over into the comics is fine by me if only because the man is never going to reprise the role again. This isn't the first Batman story to use Batman only on the peripheral. But it's done very effectively here. I think he really only speaks four words in the entire story. This book was definitely written by a dude who was marking out for Heath Ledger's portrayal in the last film. I've been reading that Johnny Depp (who was my personal choice to play the Joker) is on board to play the Riddler in the next movie. It's obvious that the artist had him in mind when doing Edward Nigma's scene in the story as well. I also dug the alternative presentation of Killer Croc as a scaly black man and Harley Quinn as a drug addicted crack whore. All in all I'll give this book five out of five stars. I'll rank it up there just behind my favorite Joker stories like The Dark Knight Returns and the Killing Joke.
I do agree that the book is great!! I did not think about Ledger never playing the role again. In retrospect, that is cool to have his likeness in the book for that matter. I will say that the third movie has a lot to live up to.
Harley Quinn as a crack whore--maybe Lindsey Lohan could play her in a Batman movie? Just a thought.
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