Every time I watch Christopher Nolan’s Dark Night, I feel a little sad that Heath Ledger is no longer with us. Prior to seeing the film, I didn’t really care. I remember when the news broke, it was the non-stop gossip topic, replacing Big Brother for a week, of a lot of my female friends, but I didn’t really know who he was. “He’s the guy from 10 Things I Hate About You” - “Australian guy?” - “That’s the one, also in Brokeback Mountain”.
It was only then I grew concerned he was playing the Joker. Whilst there is absolutely nothing wrong with being gay, making a gay cowboy is on par with messing with the work of Robert De Niro….or Jack Nicholson. …so you can see where my concerns started.
However, after watching the film, it is my belief that now, the Joker character for film died along with Heath Ledger….at least for the next 100 years….so are we to turn to comics for a continuation of the work started by Ledger?
I have to say that carefully, as the Joker graphic novel and the Dark Knight film are very separate bodies of work, despite their similarities with the Joker character…I think it just proves there are the required amount of dark minds out there in the entertainment business to bring us the best work.
Written by Brian Azzarello, (known for 100 Bullets and Hellblazer to name a few), the novel is told by Johnny Frost, a unknown criminal who basically wants to become a household name for his crimes.
The story features Killer Croc, Harvey Dent, The Pengiun, Harley Quinn, The Riddler and of course, Batman., however the caped crusader only appears a couple of times. This is more a story of what Joker is usually doing when our attention is focused on Wayne’s alter-ego. However, those wanting to see a epic fight between Joker and Bats will not be disappointed.
Upon his release from Arkham Asylum, Frost is sent to collect Joker and drive him back to town. Since he has been away, Joker has become unhappy at the disrespect shown by the people that should have been caring for his business….and he is determined to get his business back, and make sure people know not to mess with him.
Popping pills, snorting lines, shots, blowing up bars and killing his way back to the top….the Joker is definitely out of Arkham Asylum…and with this graphic novel, it is almost like everything Nolan wanted to show the Joker doing but couldn’t due to the age restrictions on the film, and for me, regardless of meaning to be similar to Ledger’s character, it is a beautiful way to remember him, and provide the sequel he is unable to.
Azzarello has really captured the unstable side of the Joker and written a befitting story that had me from page one, that saw my girlfriend completely ignored until I had finished it. The artwork has been done by Lee Bermejo, and to put it in the simplest terms possible, it left me speechless…..which is a little unhelpful when it comes to reviewing it.
The dark nature of the writing has been captured perfectly, and the seedy undertone of Gotham’s worst has been given the light they should be shown in.
Still not convinced? Well, don’t just take my word for it – head down to Frog Bros and buy it! You HAVE to own this. Period. No arguing. If you want to argue FINE come find me….probably in Frog Bros….telling you you’re wrong…..
