Who is the greatest comic book villain of all time? There's no doubting the ruthlessness and uncalculating way the Joker operates. When it comes to Batman villains, he clearly holds the top spot among them. He is the only character that has hit so close to Batman's home. He's already shot and crippled Batgirl and brutally killed Robin. Both may have gotten 'better' but the fact he managed and did so remains. Since the beginning of the "New 52," there really hasn't been much of the Joker seen, aside from his face. The big question on all of our minds is where will he turn up next?
Today DC has announced that the Joker will return in October's "Death in the Family" story arc and it will be in a "horrifying, unnerving and huge way."
Who will be responsible for bringing the Joker back? How about Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo and Jonathan Glapion in the pages of BATMAN? It seems it will be more than just Batman dealing with Joker. Batman will also have to fight to protect his secret identity along with those who fight alongside him.
== TEASER ==We've heard Scott Snyder talk about his affection and fascination with Batman. How does he feel about Joker? Snyder shared a few words on DC's blog.
Joker is my favorite villain of all time. Not just in comics. In everything - film, books, TV. He's the greatest, hands down. So this story is something extremely important and personal to me - something I've been building in my head ever since I started working in Gotham. Basically, this is my big exploration of the Joker, my ARKHAM ASYLUM or THE KILLING JOKE, only bigger in scope. Bottom line: it's the biggest, baddest, most shocking Joker story I could tell. This is Joker completely unleashed. He has been away for a full year planning this revenge, watching, plotting, setting things up. And now he's back. He has his traps set, his knives sharpened... And wait 'til you see him. Greg's sketches literally gave me chills. Point blank: This is Joker like you've never seen him before. He has a mission. He has a secret. And he has a serious axe to grind with Batman. It isn't going to be pretty, but it's going to be a wild ride. Thanks for taking it with us.
Scott's not the only one excited. Here's what Greg Capullo had to say:
When Scott told me that he'd written a Joker story for our next arc, I couldn’t contain my excitement. Talk about a dream come true! For me, the Joker is the ultimate rogue and the villain I most wanted to draw. I gotta tell you, after hearing what the story is about, this isn't a dream come true. It's a nightmare! A macabre and bloody, flesh crawling nightmare. We hope you'll have the nerve to face what's coming. Warning: It ain't for the faint of heart!
If those words aren't enough to get you excited, I'm not sure why you're reading this news. As exciting as this is, there clearly is a reason to be a little scared. This isn't going to be a fun romp in the park for Batman. Snyder and Capullo already put Batman through the ringer with the Court of Owls. This sounds like it's going to be an encounter unlike any the two have had before.
The Joker makes his return on October 10 in Batman #13. Mark your calendar.