New Read - One Operation Joker, Volume 3 (Final Volume)
The final volume of One Operation Joker has dropped and gave us a full conclusion to the story! We finally find out why Batman was turned into a baby and who is responsible for this unlikely scenario. Through it all, we see The Joker trying, again to be a parent, with guest visits from Robin and The Riddler, both of whom 100% see through his "disguise" of not wearing makeup in public when he's going around with baby Bruce.
We also get a cute chapter where now toddler Bruce gets into a fight at school, only to find out that the baby's sense of justice prevailed as he punched a bully.
The ending pretty much just restores the status quo of Batman as Batman, the Joker as the Joker after an unfortunate situation with the Riddler that mirrored one from Batman's childhood. However, the entire series covers like 3-4 years where Batman was gone in Gotham and the Joker was far less active. The story shows a trickle down impact that a less active, murder spree Joker leads to overall less supervillain activity in Gotham. Which is an interesting thought.
Overall, enjoyed this silly concept. I don't know if it could have gone on much longer with this gag, but it remained funny to the end. Would recommend if you want a silly Batman story.
This weekend I read Volume 2 of One Operation Joker. Much like Volume 1, it continued with the parenting jokes. This time we brought in Harley Quinn a couple times to help the Joker get baby Batman into a good daycare facility. Also, Alfred Pennyworth showed up as said daycare facility happened to be owned by Wayne Enterprises.
It's such a goofy concept and it was able to keep the gag going through a second volume. I feel like this series maxing out at 3 volumes is probably for the best because I'm not sure how much more they can do with this same baby Batman gag.
Okay, so when I posted up the picture of this first volume, the response was very much "What in the world is this." Let's be real, that was my thought on it too. But, now I've read it. So, let's discuss.
Basic premise - The Joker sets off something that accidentally turns Batman into a baby. The Joker then has the realization that without the Bat, he is incomplete and his crimes are pointless. So, decides to raise the baby Batman into the best Batman he can be.
There is no depth beyond that here. It takes that concept, puts The Joker into situations parents get into on the regular to comedic effect. It's a goofy manga through and through; I for one am here for that. Seeing The Joker complain about child care options in Gotham, changing diapers, or telling Harley to be gentle with a baby is hilarious on its own.
Already pre-ordered Volume 2, we'll see if it came keep this same level of humor throughout this 3 volume series.