Batman Cacophony # 1 - Cacophony Part One: Bring The Noise

I love this book...flat-out love it.  I'm a big Kevin Smith fan (though I didn't care for the Clerks Animated Series at all), he's one of my personal heroes, so naturally I'm biased, but still, even if I wasn't I would still dig this book.  I like the art, Walter Flanagan will definitely be getting a few phone calls from other writers following this arc, and the writing is awesome, the story seems like it's going to rock (love the idea of a gang war between Batman villains), and Victor Zsasz is legitimately scary.  I seriously never though the guy who wrote "Chasing Amy", "Jersey Girl", and "Mallrats" could write such creepy, disturbing material but, low and behold.  There is a dark, twisted corner of Smitty's mind after all. 

That being said, there has been some controversey about this portrayal of the Joker, as being well...y'know.  I have to admit, the first time I read it, I was a little put off.  I think Smith could have reined in those allusions a little bit, but going back, I actually find this portrayal gaining favor with me.  It's not my favorite by any means (The Killing Joke and Lovers and Madmen take that honor), but it is refreshing to see something different (emphasis on different).  I've also found myself quoting some of his lines in my daily lingo (such as "Seduced and abandoned"...that panel cracked me up even the first time I read it).  Also, I don't see what all the fuss is about.  Smith isn't the first writer to do this (Morrison's "Arkham Asylum", anyone?), but I guess the idea is startling enough that being even the second writer to go this direction (and in all fairness it has been 20 years since AA appeared) that it'll still cause an uproar.  Personally, I think people need to just calm down and enjoy the story. 

Can't wait to see where this book goes, and if the Joker ever does get a second chance with Onomotapoeia. 

I'm sorry, I couldn't resist. :))))