Writer: Matthew Rosenberg

Art: Carmine Di Giandomenico, Arif Prianto, and Tom Napolitano

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $4.99

Release Date: November 1st, 2022

Have you ever wondered if you’re the best version of you? What if the best version of you was on national television committing shocking acts of atrocity that could only be perpetrated by a mind as bent and broken as…The Joker’s? The Clown Prince of Crime is about to find out a shocking new truth as The Joker: The Man Who Stopped Laughing #2 by Matthew Rosenberg continues to unfold.

If you’re interested in this comic, series, related trades, or any of the others mentioned, then simply click on the title/link to snag a copy through Amazon as you read The Joker: The Man Who Stopped Laughing #1 Review.

THE DISPATCH

Confusing, Clever, Creative, and Cryptic are all the best words to describe The Joker: The Man Who Stopped Laughing #2. Rosenberg has really formulated an intriguing story here. However, the most clever twist of fate is between the two distinct Jokers as fans spend the majority of the issue pondering which one is real. Moreover, this reviewer can’t help but hang his hat on the narrative table-turning as fans are led to believe which Joker is real until the wool is pulled right out from under our eyes… or so we think.

Sure, Rosenberg still has a ton of questions to iron out. However, he spends The Joker: The Man Who Stopped Laughing #2 as the enigmatic hook to draw readers into this mystery. Further, it’s the vicious surprise hero addition as well as one Harley Quinn that add the extra layers to this story making the issue truly sing. The only real takeaway any fan will get from The Joker: The Man Who Stopped Laughing #2 is the bizarre nature of events leading toward two different Jokers that both feel like they’re the real deal, or at least one does. Nevertheless, the how and why are still vacant from the story. Now, do I wish we got a bit more of the how and why… sure. However, it’s only the second issue so Rosenberg still has a tone of time to weave all of that into the story.

ART

Probably the toughest aspect of the issue is Carmine Di Giandomenico’s distinct style. After looking at many people’s views and takes on Di Giandomenico, it appears that many people are on the fence about his technique. They either love him or hate him. His art can be busy and cluttered with too many lines that condense panels. Sometimes, his anatomy of the characters can be a bit wacky as well. However, on the positive side, Di Giandomenico’s art mixes gritty and almost horror tones with highly kinetic storytelling that’s incredibly rich with imagery that does make The Joker: The Man Who Stopped Laughing #2 pop.

Readers, I can see both sides of the argument for and against Di Giandomenico which leaves this reviewer in quite the pickle for this reviewer. For now, I think I need more stories to accurately weigh in guiding me to also be on the fence myself. The jury is still conferring right now. Maybe with another issue under my belt, I can see how everything shakes out within this story.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The Joker: The Man Who Stopped Laughing #2 is mysterious, clever, wild, and inventive all at once. The addition of a certain “hero” definitely spices up this issue and all while Rosenberg complicates this who’s who into something a bit deeper. Readers, I’m hooked! This is the concept of Batman: Three Jokers but with a certain unexpected and rather unique wrinkle. Now, I love a good mystery, even if that mystery involves a psychotic villain. And somehow, Rosenberg still finds a way to get the reader to feel for the Joker. The Joker! An insane, sadistic, killer! If that’s not top-notch writing I don’t know what is. Readers, it’s still early on into this series meaning you can probably still get your hands on issue one. Head to your local comic shop, or click the link right HERE, and snag both issues of The Joker: The Man Who Stopped Laughing right now. You can thank me later. Let me know what you think, have a great week, and God Bless!

9/10