The Joker: Year of the Villain # 1 2019 NM

The Joker: Year of the Villain #1 is a special one-shot horror story co-written by legendary film director John Carpenter and Anthony Burch. The plot follows the Joker as he attempts to regain his status as the DC Universe's ultimate villain during the "Year of the Villain" event, where everyone seems to be accepting villainy as the norm. 

Synopsis 

The story focuses on a hapless, mentally ill young man named Jeremy (referred to by the Joker as "Six" from the Royal Flush Gang) who escapes Arkham Asylum with the Joker. The Joker, feeling a loss of purpose in a Gotham without a strong Batman presence and where general bad behavior is rampant (during Bane's rule of Gotham), decides he must "out-bad" everyone else. 

The core of the psychological horror story involves the Joker forcing Jeremy into a twisted role-playing scenario where the Joker dresses up in a makeshift Batman costume and forces Jeremy to act as his "Robin". Through a series of violent and disturbing events, the Joker puts Jeremy through his version of "Joker school," showcasing his unpredictable nature and pure evil. 

Key Themes and Details 

• A Day in the Life: The issue serves as a standalone "day in the life" story that emphasizes the Joker's unique brand of evil and sanity, distinguishing him from those who are simply mentally ill.
• Horror Auteur: John Carpenter's involvement brings a distinct psychological horror tone to the comic, focusing on tension and disturbing character interactions rather than excessive gore.
• Character Study: The narrative is largely experienced through Jeremy's internal monologue, providing a stark contrast between his mental illness and the Joker's deliberate, calculated malevolence.
• Art Style: The artwork by Philip Tan has a dark, chaotic feel, with unique lettering techniques used to represent the Joker's maniacal laughter and capture the mood of the story.