Even though the Joker’s initial appearance was over eight decades ago, the origin of the supervillain is still a mystery, but that could soon change. Yes, DC Comics will release a new storyline next year titled Joker: Year One, borrowing its name from Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli’s Batman: Year One.
DC’s Batman #142-144 will feature a three-issue story arc titled Joker: Year One. The story will be written by popular Batman writer Chip Zdarsky. The art team will consist of Alejandro Sánchez, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Stefano Nesi, Andrea Sorrentino, and Dave Stewart.
Major details about the Clown Prince of Crime, including a possible revision to his origin story in relation to The Killing Joke, are expected to be disclosed in The Joker Year One. The three-part narrative will primarily focus on the Red Hood Gang, raising questions about their past, and will take place early in the Joker’s relationship with Batman.
Joker: Year One- DC Will Eventually Uncover the ‘Terrible Secret’ of the Joker’s Origin
Something new is coming to the Batman comic in February 2024, so the origin story of the Joker will never be the same. The story The Joker Year One, which is set after the events of the controversial and well-known Batman: The Killing Joke, has been officially announced by DC Comics. It promises to reveal hidden secrets about the Clown Prince of Crime.
As per Screen Rant, the current Batman #139, Mindbomb, by Zdarsky, Jorge Jiménez, Tomeu Morey, and Clayton Cowles, which prominently features the Joker, is immediately followed by The Joker Year One. As per DC:
“Mindbomb will lead directly to The Joker Year One setting the groundwork for a significant new Joker story where ‘Secrets of the greatest villain in pop culture are revealed’.”
The true origins of the Joker remain shrouded in mystery, despite him being one of the most beloved and eerie villains in pop culture, let alone in comic books. It is difficult to determine the true nature of the Joker and his true motivations because of his enigmatic true identity and the chaos caused by having multiple Jokers running around the DC Universe. Though it has not stopped creative teams from trying, a number of iconic Joker stories have been produced, ranging from the controversial but iconic The Killing Joke to the recent Batman: Three Jokers.
Joker: Year One Continues in the Footsteps of The Killing Joke
IGN reports that Joker: Year One will take up where Alan Moore and Brian Bolland’s graphic novel Batman: The Killing Joke left off, hopefully living up to its promises of ‘secrets revealed’ along the way. This story is about the past, but it will also probably have a big impact on Batman’s and the Joker’s future. Also, it will provide even more information about the legendary history between Batman and the Joker, whose rivalry has already been immortalized in pop culture.
Will Joker: Year One provide an analysis of the three distinct Joker incarnations and their implications for Batman?
Joker: Year One will be published weekly in Batman #142–144 starting in February 2024.
