I'm playing Joker!!!

[kung_fu_lizard]

Well, i'm on my way to play Joker, Gordon and Alfred in a touring dinner theater production based on the '60's television program "batman" in the new year, and let me tell you, i'm pumped about it. it ought to be a blast.

...here's my trouble, however. other than "hush" (which i read every issue of for what i think are obvious reasons) i'm a little bit out of the loop, batman wise. i haven't read any of his books since the mid/late '90's. so could anybody help me out here? what's the best batman book at the moment? what's being written really well? what's featuring most of the characters? what's running a smashing good storyline? i probably don't need this for the show (which, like i said, is based more on the "Pow!" "Wham!" '60's batman than the contemporary one) but i would be interested...

[freakazoid_x]

Well after Hush the only Bat book I can bring myself to read is Batgirl, so definately that.

[RedMage'sHat]

right now i'm reading Batman: Gothom Knigths, thats rewally good, and Legend of the Drak Knight isn't half bad

[St-Dumas]

Joker's Story:

An unnamed man worked for a chemical company. He quit his job to try and become a comedian, but failed. He was desperate because he was married and had a child coming. He asked a favor of a local crime gang. He would help them steal from the company he formerly worked at, and they would give him money. When he found out his pregnant wife died in a car assident, he wanted to quit, but couldn't. They put him in a crimson helmet, and the man attempted to rob the company. There was more security then expected, and Batman was there. The other criminals ran, claiming the man was their leader, "The Red Hood". He dove into a river where chemicals were dumped. He left the river with white skin, green hair, and a case of insanity. Thus, the Joker was born.

It's in Batman: The Killing Joke.

[Navdi]

That's just one version of the Joker's origin. Its a good story, but there is no telling if it is the truth or not. After all, would you take a madman' s word for it. ;)

[Navdi]

Oh, as regards the topic: Good newer Batman stories I have read include Dark Victory and A Long Halloween, both by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale.

[kung_fu_lizard]

thanks for all the input, but i AM aware of the history/themes of the book (sorry if that wasn't clear), i was just wondering what's a good batman monthly to buy AT THE MOMENT.

and you're right, the killing joke was a fantastic read :p