Batman Volume 3: Death of the Family TP (The New 52): 03 (Batman (DC Comics Paperback)) Paperback – 20 May 2014

I am on a massive marathon bing reading of the Batman Graphic Novels books as I simply love them. I am rereading them once again as I read these comics over ten years ago.It's fun to see and read them once again. Best wishes

A year after his disappearance, the Joker returns in a blaze of activity that kills many members of the GCPD. Kidnapping Alfred Pennyworth, Joker threatens to expose the Bat Family and take away the anonymity they fight so hard to protect.The Joker is even more insane than in previous incarnations and cleverly manipulated the police, the criminals and the Bat Family in his quest for a new level of notoriety. Snyder's brisk plotting, coupled with ghoulish artwork will ensure that this relaunch of Batman's nemesis will be memorable.

But what the hell is?This is one of the best Joker stories told in a very long time, I much prefer it to The Man Who Laughs. Instead of retreading old ideas with Joker and Batman, it explores one that's always been there but never explored. Batman's allies are his weakness. As long as they exist, Joker has a way to hurt Batman. This isn't just Joker being Joker, which is always fun regardless, it explores that relationship in a way hasn't really been seen since The Killing Joke in my opinion, though it's hard to compare the majesty of The Killing Joke to anything.Many felt the ending fell a bit flat, but I disagree. Everything that needed to happen did, and while the way these events could have shifted the status quo for future comics was ultimately overshadowed by the death of Damian in Batman Incorporated around the same time, this story, as a self-contained piece, is near perfect.Also, the Joker face thing, while creepy and gross, is entirely unnecessary. Snyder wanted to tell his story, but had to deal with the fact that last time we saw Joker was in Detective Comics 1, having his face removed. So he made the best of a bad situation, it maybe would have been better without that.

I think graphic novels need to be a careful combination of story, pace and mood. The text and imagery needs to support these in suitable proportions to make the medium work. This is an excellent example of the genre. The dialog is realistic, the energy is maintained well and the imagery is superb. All the elements intertwine nicely.The storyline is well constructed, keeping you guessing and pondering in various places. The Joker is once again revealed as a despicable and truly disturbing character, leading to a quite horrifying showdown.My main issue, and the reason I docked a star (though I would have preferred half a star), is that it feels like it ends rather suddenly... but that's just me... and perhaps this will mean I get more enjoyment from the other "Death of the Family" book which I believe is written more from Joker's perspective...If you like Batman / Joker stories, I'm pretty sure this won't disappoint. If you're new to the genre, this is a great place to start.

Holy crap! I’ve yet to read a comic book that gave me such emotional stress. Literally struggled with the concepts of some of the things Joker was doing in this story, and found myself genuinely concerned for many different people. I won’t get into any spoilers, but this book really escalated things, and was some wonderful story telling. Had some of the best aspects of what makes Batman awesome, but also plays in to why the Joker is so terrible. Very well done, and one day I’m sure I will read it again. My goodness!!

The Joker returns after going missing when The Dollmaker cut off his face, orchestrating chaos in a plan that’s very personal to him and Batman with a number of callbacks to historical events that long time readers will appreciate.If you’re a fan of Batman and particularly his battles with The Joker then this is a must have alongside The Man Who Laughs, A Death in the Family and The Killing Joke. The stakes are high, the plot feels personal and the pacing doesn’t falter. It’s a great read although I have one nagging doubt.The nagging doubt is that things reset a bit too easily at the end, although I appreciate it’s building towards Volume 7: Endgame. A Death in the Family and The Killing Joke delivered moments with lasting consequences and I feel this story would become an all time classic with something similar.

A Very interesting book for joker lovers

Great story - I think this is superior to The Killing Joke. I loved it so much I read it again. This is a joker like the one from the Arkham Games which is my favorite version.It examin's the psychology behind Joker and Batmans relationship. Its entertaining, well paced and very satisfying.I don't want to spoil it - you should read it and see. Joker is back in Gotham after a year of self exile and he effectively wants to relive his past glories with Batman and remind the Dark Knight who he truly is.The one quibble I have is ****(Spoiler Be Warned) Its a tad ridiculous how easily Joker finds it to kill the cops at the beginning. Joker is ruthless and violent but he's not a one man army, breaking necks didn't seem his style. But that's a minor point really.*****