Writer: Matthew Rosenberg
Art: Carmine Di Giandomenico, Romulo Fajardo Jr., Nick Filardi, and Tom Napolitano
Publisher: DC Comics
Price: $4.99
Release Date: March 7th, 2023
The Joker’s enjoying the sunny, warm weather of Los Angeles so much that he’s decided to stay…and get involved in local politics! Kate Spencer’s fists might have something to say about that, though! Let’s dive into The Joker: The Man Who Stopped Laughing #6 by Matthew Rosenberg and see just how sunny Los Angeles is this time of year.
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 #6 Review.
THE DISPATCH
The Comedy Club was a nice touch to open the issue. It provided a classic side to the Joker that’s been missing for years now. Lately, the Joker has been so demonic and terrorizing that his roots have kind of gone by the wayside. From being a lunatic, criminal wrapped up in a good joke to a psychopath willing to slaughter thousands and rip his own face off, he’s definitely become more demented since Scott Snyder got ahold of the character. Nevertheless, I understand he’s always been a bit horrifying. Yet, it was still great to see the Joker and comedy mesh together again.
Moving on to the rest of the story, we ultimately watch as the LA Joker tries to make it to the airport. That’s basically all of The Joker: The Man Who Stopped Laughing #6. Some other sly, humor was sprinkled in that was more situational with his goons. But nothing really happens. Nevertheless, there are some weird remarks and attempts at humorous shticks that just didn’t hit the mark. From people thinking he’s a cosplay actor to the ridiculous repeated LAX joke, nothing really happens in this issue. Is he the real Joker? Is he one of the three Jokers? And why did he go to LA in the first place?
We do get about two entire pages that reflect on the other Joker in Gotham. However, those ideas are a bit messy as well. Someone is now helping that Joker but is introduced into The Joker: The Man Who Stopped Laughing #6 without any rhyme or reason. Where did they come from and why? Plus, the Red Hood is just released from prison because they saw the Joker on TV in LA. So, they assume he wasn’t killed. However, he could have killed someone else. And he fired a firearm in public. That’s got to be something, right? Moreover, Red Hood is in custody without his gear on. Meaning, they know who the Red Hood is. Therefore, they must have other crimes on him in order to keep him. My point is: this angle makes no sense either.
ART
Carmine Di Giandomenico’s technique is just not as pragmatic as some would like. Meaning, there is blood and violence on display but mainly for shock service. Plus, Di Giandomenico’s method and line work comes across as more cartoony and less natural. The character’s facial designs are still just too dang busy. Moreover, I’m still not a huge fan of his Joker. Yet, his work is still miles above most. And even though it provides a slightly gimmicky feel, it unquestionably doesn’t come off as childish. I personally just prefer a more smooth, pristine, shine, and more practical appearance.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Joker: The Man Who Stopped Laughing #6 is a filler issue. Readers will get no advancement to the story and no big cliffhangers to really hold on to with excitement for the next installment. This week’s issue focuses on the LA Joker but provides no clues or answers to questions in the story. The confusion to resides with no guidance as to why there are two Jokers or which one is the real one. Furthermore, its depiction of LA is a bit over the top by Rosenberg. LA residents are just aimlessly walking around with the Joker unfazed. How? Why? Are you telling me LA has no idea about Gotham criminals at all, especially the likes of the Joker? Why would people just pick him up in a cab?
Moreover, the point of a story is obviously entertainment. However, the goal should be to provide readers with some type of hook or engage them in some manner or fashion by giving them something new and pertinent to chew on. Fans get nothing. Readers, you could skip right over the Joker: The Man Who Stopped Laughing #6 and easily not miss a beat from issues five to seven. So, why buy a completely unnecessary comic? Exactly my point. Fans who have read my reviews of this series would remember that I’ve written some glowing reviews for this series. Nevertheless, I have to call it like it is: The Joker: The Man Who Stopped Laughing #6 was by far the worst issue of the run so far. I wouldn’t recommend fans to hop in here nor would I even recommend fans of the series get this issue. Only the completionist would need to snag this issue. Otherwise, I’d save your money.