A fun, quick and easy read
First of all, let me say that I read some reviews before picking up this comic and as it was butchered in most of them, my expectations going in were not very high. At the same time, the main complaint seemed to be the fact that Andy Kubert attempted to write an origin story for the Joker, an idea that I don't find appalling at all.
Story
Once reading the actual comic, I soon noticed that this complaint had been overly exaggerated. Yes, there is a flashback to Joker's childhood, but by no means does it pretend to be final or definite. I actually found it quite an interesting take, even if it only lasted for three pages. We all know that Joker's past is a multiple choice question and I don't mind the option that Kubert has added. Not at all.
(Spoiler) The story then moves on to an adult Joker, who steals a baby gorilla from the zoo to raise it as his son and start his own family. It is the whackiness that we are used to seeing of Joker. Especially when he dresses the gorilla, who he has named Jackanapes, up in a clown outfit and goes on a rampage through the city with it. They make for an odd, fearsome and entertaining couple. The end comes quite sudden tough, as Jackanapes supposedly falls to his death. However, we don't get to see a body and the final panel seems to suggest there might be more to this story. I, for one, hope so, since you only just start to appreciate Jackanapes, when he is killed off.
I can see how the story is off-putting for many fans. Don't go into this expecting a dark, realistic Joker interpretation (although the so-called "origin story" might be a little darker and more realistic than Alan Moore's classic interpretation in The Killing Joke). If your expectations aren't too high and you just want to read an entertaining, quirky and fast read starring the Joker, than this is your comic.
Art
Whether you like Kubert's writing or not, you have to love Andy Clarke's amazing artwork. The faces are spectacular, both of humans and gorillas. They really add personality to both Joker and Jackanapes. Additionally, Jackanapes brightly colored clown outfit gives him that much more of a Joker-accomplice feel. While the use of coloring doesn't really stand out for the most part, it is generally well done.
There is quite a clear contrast with the first three pages, the supposed childhood memories of Joker. These are much darker and more sinister. The style of drawing translates into emotion very well, namely that of horror and fear. They play with your emotions rather than with your sense of realism. Something I can appreciate, being a huge fan of A Serious House on a Serious Earth.
The 3D cover is a nice extra touch. Generally, I am not too fond of 3D prints, as I find they give me a headache most of the time, but I feel that this particular version is well designed. I would have been fine with a regular print, but like I said, it is a nice touch that adds a little extra to the comic.
Verdict
All in all, your appreciation of this comic will depend entirely on your expectations. If you are looking for a dark Joker without a face after the events of Death of the Family or for a serious adaptation such as portrayed in the must-read Joker then you are bound to be disappointed. However, if you are looking for a quick read that is fun and simple, yet still Joker related, then this is your pick. Clarke's artwork only adds depth to the characters and the story and the cover may convince you to cash in on a unique opportunity.
For those who are hostile to any form of Joker origin or childhood flashbacks (as short and incomplete as they might be), stay as far away from this issue as possible.
