For Lack of a Better Punch Line...
All I can say is... really? I love the Joker as a character, but this was embarrassing. This story follows the strange relationship between Joker and his adopted ape "son" Jackanapes. You would think that would make an entertaining story with some humorous instances... sadly, the jokes are few and far between.
The Story/Writing
The story felt bland, and most importantly, unnecessary. Even the attempt at Joker's backstory falls flat, giving a slight sense of sympathy for a character that should be despised by all. On the up side, Jackanapes is treated with the right amount of sympathy, with an ending that seems sudden and unfair, that's only made worse with a joke at the end that reminds you how much you are supposed to hate the Clown Prince of Crime.
The Art
No saving graces here. The art is average, nothing spectacular but nothing horribly shocking. Although the montage of Joker and Jackanapes "shenanigans" are pretty well drawn, especially from the colorist perspective. And that COVER! That 3D cover alone was worth the extra dollar. Was it worth the other three $ though? Well...
Overall
... Not really. As I said previously, this was a completely unnecessary story. It did the clown no favors. I had hoped to laugh at Joker's unusual sense of humor, however all I got was morbid swimming jokes, man eating pythons and a lackluster Joker.
