In the review for the previous issue of Batman: Arkham Knight, I lamented the fact that this series seems more concerned with exploring Joker's death than introducing us to Arkham Knight. But ,as some of our acute readers have pointed out, there is a reason for this: a previous Batman: Arkham City mini-series has already dealt with the aftermath of Joker's demise.
So to some extent, writer Peter J. Tomasi's hands have been tied in the story he can tell. This series has been retreading plot points from the previous comic, but with a few additions, like the presence of the Arkham Knight lurking in the shadows. That makes sense — sort of. It's clear that Tomasi has respect for the Arkham game series and the comics that further fleshed out the world. He doesn't want to meddle with what's already established as official Arkham canon.
I'm not exactly sure why Tomasi couldn't begin his story several weeks after the death of the Joker and thus avoid "rehashing" an existing storyline, but what we've seen so far works and allows new readers to get caught up to speed.
And so it is, in issue #4, that Tomasi can finally free himself from the shackles of existing Arkham continuity. What story will he tell? Will we finally learn more about Arkham Knight? Scarecrow's scheme to destroy the city? What about all of Batman's allies — what are they up to?
If only. Tomasi has decided that he wants to continue exploring Joker's post-death schemes, this time in a three-part arc titled "The Last Will and Testament of the Joker." It's a fun issue, to be sure — Batman watches a recording of Joker, who tells his "secret origin" to the Dark Knight — but it doesn't feel like it's moving the story forward in a particularly meaningful way.
Joker's made-up origin tale is completely goofy, of course. In the recording, Joker explains how he became so proficient at what he does and dives into the complex relationship the clown and the bat share. Tomasi matches the tone of Mark Hamill's Joker from the game series well. This is more of a joke-oriented Joker than we're used to seeing. Sure, he's still completely crazy, but this Joker is also charming, in his own twisted way.
The issue ends on a cliffhanger and alludes to an appearance from Harley Quinn. Once again the danger of existing continuity rears its head. Will the comic be following the storyline we've already seen in Harley Quinn's Revenge DLC for Batman: Arkham City — or will this be a new tale? Perhaps a mixture of both? The sooner Tomasi can distance himself from existing storylines, the better.
Batman: Arkham Knight #4 gives us further insight into the Joker of Rocksteady's games and his relationship with the caped crusader. It adds even more layers to an already layered relationship, and will be a treat for fans of Hamill's take on the Clown Prince of Crime. However, for those more interested in learning about the comic's title character and the plot of the upcoming game — there is sadly little for you here.
Story
★★★☆☆
Art
★★★☆☆
Overall
★★★☆☆
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