The Tragedy of the Joker: DC Comics Answers the Question, But Does It Matter?

When DC Comics finally addressed the question of whether there are three distinct Jokers in their universe, the answer was a disappointing anticlimax. In a recent February 2024 release, it was revealed that Joker's myriad personalities do not represent a division of the character himself, but rather a mind trick he uses much like the practices of the Cosmic Entity Zur-En-Arrh.

Geoff Johns and Jason Fabok's The Joker Series (2020): An Insight into the Mythology

In 2020, DC Comics published a significant series titled The Joker, written by Geoff Johns with art by Jason Fabok. This series explored the idea that there are three distinct Jokers operating in the DC Universe, each representing different aspects of the character: the Clown, the Comedian, and the Criminal. The Joker introduced these concepts to explain the varying portrayals of the character throughout Batman's history and to add depth to the character's mythology.

The series intricately tied these personalities to Batman's relationship with the Joker, other key characters like Batgirl and Red Hood, and culminated in a deep exploration of trauma and legacy. As of my last update in August 2023, the implications of this storyline had not been fully integrated into the broader DC Universe continuity. The presence of three Jokers remained a unique aspect of this narrative rather than a permanent change to the character's status quo.

Disappointment and Analysis: Daniel DiDio’s The Joker (2024)

February 2024 marked another attempt to address the question, but the answer was disappointingly anticlimactic. Despite fan hopes, the revelation that there are no three Jokers in the DC Universe, but rather a split mind technique used by Joker and Batman, was a letdown. This revelation was based on the theory that Joker has adopted the practice of mind tricks similar to those taught by the Cosmic Entity Zur-En-Arrh. This internal Jedi mind trick concept lacked the depth and intrigue that fans would have hoped for.

The inclusion of Daniel DiDio, the writer behind this storyline, was both a surprise and a controversy. Julia Kask, known for her contributions to the Flash and Catwoman comics, reviewed the new The Joker #1, stating that DiDio's take was a misstep. DiDio had previously been criticized for his controversial script for Heroes in Crisis, where he proposed the idea of an interdimensional/multiverse that went against established continuity.

Criticism and Controversy

The decision to re-introduce the concept of three Jokers and then to completely dismantle it was met with widespread criticism from the fan base. Many felt that the potential of such a complex and intriguing storyline was squandered. The concept of using mind tricks to create separate personalities echoed the work of the Cosmic Entity Zur-En-Arrh, but the execution was seen as a failure compared to the original idea.

Another aspect of the The Joker series that drew criticism was the inclusion of characters like "Prince of Crime" and "Agent of Chaos," such as Red Hood and Batman, who were trained in mind tricks by a character named Daniel Captio. This layer of complexity was seen as unnecessary and distracting from the core narrative.

The misunderstanding and misapplication of the original concept by DiDio created a series that was generally considered a failure. In an era where fan engagement is crucial, the lack of buzz around this release suggests that the audience was not satisfied with the resolution.

Conclusion

While DC Comics attempted to provide an answer to the longstanding question of the Jokers identity, the results were underwhelming. The revelation that there are only personalities designed and used by Joker himself lacks the depth and intrigue that fans had hoped for. The ultimate failure of the The Joker series in 2024 highlights the importance of maintaining narrative consistency and fan engagement. As theDC Universe continues to evolve, it is essential for the editorial team to balance innovation with continuity, ensuring that future narratives are both compelling and satisfying for readers.