One of Batman’s Best Stories Is From His Most Controversial Run

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As a dedicated Batman enthusiast, I can’t help but acknowledge Tom King’s tenure on the series as one that has certainly stirred up controversy among fans. To this very day, you’ll still hear passionate discussions about how intensely some readers disliked this run – and I get it, to a certain extent.

The wedding hoax, the pacing issues in the latter stages, and the tragic death of Alfred were undeniably challenging aspects. Yet, as problematic as this run may have been for many reasons, it also offered some truly remarkable moments that often go unnoticed due to its association with the less favorable parts.

One such instance is the “The War of Jokes and Riddles” storyline, spanning issues #25 to #32, which I believe ranks among Batman’s finest arcs for several reasons:

1. The psychological tension between Batman and the Joker is palpable throughout this arc, with their cat-and-mouse game reaching new heights of intensity.
2. King expertly weaves a complex narrative that delves deep into both characters’ psyches, offering fresh insights into their respective motivations and dynamics.
3. The suspenseful climax leaves readers on the edge of their seats, eager to discover the outcome of this high-stakes battle between Gotham City’s most formidable foes.

Despite the controversy surrounding Tom King’s run on Batman, I firmly believe that “The War of Jokes and Riddles” stands as a testament to the power of compelling storytelling in comics, showcasing the depth and nuance that can be found even amidst its less popular elements.

The War Between Gotham’s Worst

The narrative opens with Batman and Catwoman reclining on a bed, and Batman proposing to Catwoman. However, before she could respond, he felt compelled to share with her about the ongoing war that had left him shattered. In his second year as the Dark Knight, the Joker lost his ability to laugh, finding nothing amusing anymore. He committed numerous atrocities against innocents, but still, laughter eluded him. Whenever the Joker kidnapped a comedian, he would leave clues about his location and compel them to perform their acts, hoping for some response, but before Batman could crack the case, it was the Riddler who solved it first. The Riddler then confronted the Joker, suggesting that the reason for the Joker’s lack of laughter and the Riddler’s disinterest in riddles was their constant encounters with Batman, which always ended predictably and dulled the excitement. The Riddler proposed they collaborate to eliminate Batman, break free from him, but instead, the Joker shot the Riddler and disappeared. This marked the beginning of the conflict between them.

Chaos Unleashed – A City on Edge

As a devoted film critic, let me share my thoughts on this gripping masterpiece that redefines the world of Gotham City. The Joker and Riddler, two notorious supervillains, have orchestrated a dangerous alliance, each rallying the city’s most sinister criminal elements to their cause.

Under their respective leaderships – one erratic and unpredictable, the other meticulous and calculated – Gotham City transforms into a war-torn battleground. Batman valiantly attempts to quell the chaos, but the sheer number of adversaries, their relentless determination, and deadly tactics leave him struggling to maintain control.

The once-united city finds itself divided by loyalty, with citizens choosing sides in this brutal conflict. The only neutral figure is a man who would eventually be known as Kite Man. Despite his humble beginnings as a petty thief and informant, he found himself caught between the two warring factions.

In an unexpected turn of events, Kite Man was coerced by Batman to assist the GCPD in their mission to restore order. However, one of the criminals retaliated by poisoning his beloved son through a kite. Overwhelmed with grief and driven by revenge, Kite Man rose from the ashes, earning the nickname “Kite Man” in remembrance of the tragedy that shaped him. His catchphrase, “hell yeah,” serves as a poignant reminder of the carefree spirit his son embodied – a fear he once harbored would send him to an eternal torment.

This captivating story offers a fresh take on the origin of Kite Man, further expanding the rich tapestry of characters in the dark and gritty world of Gotham City.

One fascinating feature of this conflict was that Batman engaged on multiple levels. He not only pursued his personal mission and collaborated with the GCPD, but Bruce Wayne took action to protect Gotham as well. By manipulating the relationship between Joker and Riddler, he proposed a deal where whoever could persuade him to hand over a billion dollars for bribing the enemy’s forces would be granted. In the end, it was Riddler whom Bruce supported, and Batman assisted in dismantling Joker’s army until only Kite Man remained.

The Ending That Broke Batman

In due course, Kite Man was apprehended and betrayed the Joker, leading Batman and Riddler directly to him. As expected, Riddler attempted to eliminate both heroes, but as usual, Batman subdued both villains. Crumbling under the weight of his actions, Riddler confessed that he had killed Kite Man’s son and orchestrated a series of events to make the Joker’s last supporter, turning the son into a joke. The intended climax of Gotham’s bloodiest conflict was staged by none other than Kite Man, leaving the Joker in shock.

Upon realizing that all the suffering and loss were merely for a cheap laugh, Batman lost control. He seized a knife with the intention of killing Riddler, but the Joker intervened. For the first time, Batman defied everything he believed in, and this act brought on the Joker’s laughter. The narrative concluded with present-day Bruce confessing his likeness to the villains he fought, but Catwoman reassured him that he remained different. She argued that if he could be manipulated so easily, it didn’t matter. He chose to be Batman, to strive for better, and his decisions were all that mattered. Bruce asked once more, and she agreed.

The remarkable quality of this narrative lies in its exploration of psychological depths. Beyond the extraordinary transformation of Kite Man from a forgettable antagonist to a popular character with his own TV series, the unique portrayal of a Joker who has forgotten how to laugh stands out as the most innovative take on the Clown Prince of Crime in the past two decades. While the story showed immense promise, it still has some flaws, common to any narrative. The war aspect is not explored as extensively as I would have liked, with the focus primarily on its effects during peaceful intervals. This story also features a considerable amount of dialogue, typical of Tom King’s writing style, which might not appeal to those who are not fond of his work. Nevertheless, it offers a wealth of intriguing elements. This narrative delves into Batman’s darkest hour, portraying his self-perceived failure but also highlighting his unwavering determination to fight and ultimately demonstrating that, despite his assertions, he is indeed a hero.

This tale may not be flawless, but its imperfection adds depth. It’s not an impartial account of incidents, rather it’s Batman confessing one of his deepest regrets to the woman he cherishes. The narrative doesn’t dwell on the action because, for Batman, the crucial segments were the tranquil instances, when he fell short in protecting the city. This battle, among countless others, lingered most in his memory. It depicts Batman cracking under pressure, a sight that stirs discomfort and compels one to exclaim how Batman wouldn’t falter. Yet, swiftly follows the retort that even though he came close to making a grave error, he didn’t, and since then, he’s demonstrated repeatedly that he would never repeat that mistake again. The narrative labels itself as a war, yet it’s more about Bruce laying bare his feelings, fearing mockery but finding acceptance instead. It’s not a war tale; it’s a tale of love. The Joker laughs, believing he’s found something new to torment Batman, but Catwoman corrects him, reminding us that what truly matters is Batman will always be a hero. It’s an engaging read with a compelling premise and insightful exploration of Batman’s self-perception, culminating in a heartwarming proposal. Though the marriage itself could not come to fruition, this isolated moment remains extraordinary.

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2025-08-27 22:14