Batman Confidential #11 - DC

When this story first started, I was a little worried. I was worried about how they would handle Joker's origin. Actually, I would say, I was worried about what they might do to update it, and how that might change the overall story. Well, as usual, I needn't have been concerned. Michael Green has done a fantastic job with this story so far. The subtle nuances that he's given the Joker, and his psychobabble have been brilliant. Yes they updated the story a bit. But, they really didn't change the main essence of it. The only thing I am worried about is in this version, Batman is much more intricate in the creation of his evil counterpart than he ever was before. Basically, it was his decision to take this guy out. Something he himself couldn't do, so he turned his identity and location over to a mob boss, whom he knew would do the things he couldn't. However, they didn't. They messed up. And that's what led to him being dropped in the vat of chemicals. But, more than that, this issue we begin to see the strings that tie these two fantastic characters together. Joker's antics are really much akin to a child begging for his father's attention. A beaten and abused child. Not that he doesn't deserve it. But a child none the less. Unfortunately, Joker decides to make his presence known at the exact same time that Bruce learns that Miss Shore is alive. So he decides to be by her side until she comes out of it. That is until the Joker raises the stakes enough that he has no choice. Or, I should say, until Alfred gives him no choice. "You unleashed something foul and depraved on those whose lives you swore to improve. A dead thing, killed by you, that makes more things dead. And now they call on you to rein it in. You cannot do nothing." Of course Bruce has to go now. And he finds the Joker ready and waiting. Ready and waiting for their dance to begin. Like I said, this turned out to be a fantastic story by Michael Green and Denys Cowan. Denys draws a pretty wicked looking Joker. And we aren't even done yet. The next issue should be full of mayhem.