'Batman: Three Jokers': DC unveils release date, preview pages and cover art for the highly anticipated series
Geoff Johns and Jason Fabok's long-planned DC Black Label miniseries 'Batman: Three Jokers' has been literally years in the making but now the book is finally closer to hitting the stands with a release date announced. DC also released covers for the miniseries' three issues, drawn by Fabok and colored by Brad Anderson on March 9. Each cover focuses on a different Clown Prince of Crime, covering the character's full range of portrayals from absolutely unhinged to diabolically cunning.
A first look at the opening issue of the upcoming series has also been released. The preview pages show Batman returning home to Wayne Manor after a particularly difficult night, bleeding and barely managing to stay on his feet until Alfred sits him down and prepares him for surgery.
The scenes of Bruce stumbling through the Batcave show some interesting Joker memorabilia that he's stored away as mementos of their many battles over the years (including what appears to be a stuffed Joker Fish). Clearly the Dark Knight's archenemy is going to be dominating the new miniseries right from the get-go.
Johns has revealed that the three Jokers featured in this story will be based on the original who was introduced in 1940's 'Batman #1' and the one who beat Jason Todd to death in 1988's 'Batman: A Death in the Family', and arguably the most menacing version of the character, the one from 'Batman: The Killing Joke'. That last version of the character was the one who paralyzed Barbara Gordon / Batgirl and redefined how the Joker was portrayed for all the years that have followed.
“It goes back to the beginning when Batman first encountered the Joker, but it’s also The Killing Joke and A Death in the Family that speak to the book and that we’re building off emotionally,” Johns told EW. “Barbara and Jason have gone through so much, as has Bruce, and it’s really focused on healing, on scars and wounds and what that does to somebody. If you suffer some trauma, you don’t just get over with it and move on with your life, it changes who you are. Sometimes it changes you for the better, sometimes it changes you for the worse. You can heal right, and you can heal wrong. That’s really what the book’s about: Healing right, healing wrong, and surviving.”
'Batman: Three Jokers' will be published under DC's 17+ Black Label imprint. The story will focus on Batman, Batgirl and Red Hood as they each explore their twisted relationships with Gotham City's Clown Prince of Crime.
'Batman: Three Jokers' #1 by Geoff Johns and Jason Fabok is scheduled to go on sale June 17.
