The mystery of there being three Jokers in the Batman continuity has been controversial since it was first presented. In 2016, we were told that there are three Jokers by Batman himself, and since then people have asked what that means in the grand scheme of things. This idea has inspired other media as well, such as Gotham‘s approach to the Joker (another controversial take on the Joker’s character).

Written by Geoff Johns, who gave us the “three Jokers” hook to begin with, and illustrated by Jason Fabok, this new three-issue series sets out to solve what it means to have three Jokers in DC Comics. Since the beginning of this whole debacle, fans have speculated whether “three Jokers” means there are literally three people who are the Joker, or if the Joker has three distinct styles and personalities. Three Jokers #1 answers that question with, “Both, of course.”

Geoff Johns is known to write slow-burning, well-executed stories, most recently of which is Doomsday Clock, which was plagued with a crawling schedule that held it back during release, but ended in a conclusion that left fans excited and satisfied. Three Jokers was put on the backburner to make way for Doomsday Clock, but is set to release monthly, which hopefully means that if we have lots of page-turning to do before the climax, we will see that page-turning done in a timely manner. This brings me to my point: this first issue is well written, features amazing art from Jason Fabok, captures The Killing Joke‘s tone, and presents some interesting ideas that, if made canon, will completely shift the perspective fans of the Joker- but it is very much a scene-setting issue.

While this first chapter in the story comes to an explosive conclusion, I am a bit worried that we will be getting too much slow burn for a three-issue series. Much of the early page economy of this issue is spent on reminding us of Batman, Batgirl, and Red Hood’s relationships with the Joker, as well as reminding us that Batman’s parents were killed. It’s all beautifully drawn and colored, and I appreciate the writing and parallels, but I hope that we will not see more reminders throughout the other two issues.

Once the action begins, it holds. Bruce, Barbara, and Jason’s dynamic is strong, as is the Jokers’ strange relationship with each other. The plot is fun, and twisted, and intriguing. It all comes to a head in a way that I didn’t expect, especially so soon. What I hope for is for Johns to hold this momentum the next two issues. We have the setup, now carry us to the punchline. I’m worried that if too much flashing and calling back goes on, we’ll lose the energy that we received in the last panels of this issue.

My worries aside, I’m ready for more. Three Jokers has my attention, and I have faith that it will hold it. We’ll be able to see if my faith is rewarded in September.

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