The Joker’s Origin To Be Told In “Year One” Story Coming To Batman

The tale has been told many times, but never conclusively. And now, it will be told once again: The Joker‘s origin will get a reimagining in the pages of Batman, in a story titled “The Joker Year One.”

Hailing from writer Chip Zdarsky, and featuring a bevy of artists including Giuseppe Camuncoli, Stefano Nesi, Andrea Sorrentino, Alejandro Sánchez, and Dave Stewart, the storyline will run three issues beginning with DC Comics Batman #142. After the conclusion of the currently running “Mindbomb” storyline in Batman #141, the Dark Knight will “discover the terrible secret behind his greatest enemy” according to a press release provided by DC Comics. And “readers will discover a terrifying story featuring the greatest villain in pop culture history!”

So will this be the definitive origin of The Joker? The first issue will flashback to the “death” of the leader of the Red Hood Gang, and kick off the seeming beginnings of The Joker. However, it’s perhaps important to mention that the most recent issue of Batman reignited a mystery involving three Jokers. Three Jokers, three issues, three origins perhaps?

Each issue will feature a flashback to The Joker’s beginnings and a flash-forward to Batman’s future. And after the three-issue arc, it’s right back to Batman battling his own mind against the more extreme Batman of Zur-en-arrh. You can check out some art from the upcoming issues, and more info below.

“The Joker Year One,” Part 1 – Batman #142 Preview:

“The Joker Year One” begins in Batman #142 by Chip Zdarsky, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Stefano Nesi, Andrea Sorrentino, Alejandro Sánchez and Dave Stewart. In part one, the tragic “death” of the leader of the Red Hood Gang in a vat of chemicals has become the subject of myth…but what is the heartbreaking and gruesome tale of the monster who walked away from that violent birth? From the first pages of “The Joker Year One” onward, eager readers will be questioning everything they know about The Joker!

And how does it affect Batman’s distant future? Within each issue of “The Joker Year One,” artists Andrea Sorrentino and Dave Stewart illustrate a story juxtaposed to show the far-reaching impact The Joker will have on DC’s Caped Crusader!

Batman #142, written by Chip Zdarsky with art by Giuseppe Camuncoli, Stefano Nesi, Andrea Sorrentino, Alejandro Sánchez and Dave Stewart, will publish on February 6, 2024.

“The Joker Year One,” Part 2 – Batman #143 Preview:

Next, in Batman #143, the terrifying tale of “The Joker Year One” continues as a mysterious figure from Batman’s past has come into Joker’s orbit, changing the Clown Prince of Crime forever! And what secrets does the re-formed Red Hood Gang have for Batman’s future? Batman #143, written by Chip Zdarsky with art by Giuseppe Camuncoli, Stefano Nesi, Andrea Sorrentino, Alejandro Sánchez and Dave Stewart, will publish on February 13, 2024.

“The Joker Year One,” Part 3 – Batman #144 Preview:

Batman #144 features the climactic, chilling conclusion to “The Joker Year One,” delivering massive repercussions for the future! The Red Hood Gang is on a rampage and the only man who can stop them…is The Joker! And can Batman stop a devastating new virus in a future where The Joker looms over everything? Batman #144, written by Chip Zdarsky with art by Giuseppe Camuncoli, Stefano Nesi, Andrea Sorrentino, Alejandro Sánchez and Dave Stewart, will publish on February 20, 2024.

And, after “The Joker Year One” concludes, the previously announced “Dark Prisons” story will run through Batman #145–#148, where Batman will face a terrifying figure from his past in order to survive Zur’s onslaught. And if Batman survives, a new enemy is waiting in the wings: Amanda Waller and the U.S. military!

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