SYNOPSIS
The Joker’s escaped from Arkham Asylum and he’s gunning for anyone and everyone who was responsible for locking him up. And of course, The Batman’s at the top of his list!
REVIEW
If you like The Batman’s version of The Joker, you’ll probably enjoy this episode. If not, well….
“Topsy Turvy” reminded me a bit of the classic Batman story, "The Joker’s Five Way Revenge” in BATMAN #251 from back in 1971. The stories of each are similar in that you’ve got The Joker seeking revenge on the people who helped put him away. Other than that basic story premise -- and the fact The Joker’s the main villain -- there’s not a whole lot else these tales have in common.
As far as the plot of “Topsy Turvy” itself, I thought it was very, ahem, “Joker-ish.” Escaping from Arkham undetected? Turning people (figuratively) into giant playing cards? Doesn’t that seem rather Joker-ish?
I do. Anyway…
I never had any problem with THE BATMAN’s version of The Joker -- other than his red eyes and shoeless feet. I thought they pretty much nailed the essence of the character and enjoyed Kevin Michael Richardson’s voice performance as Mr. J as well. In retrospect, I’m of the belief that the main reason that most fanboys had a problem with this Joker was because it wasn’t the one from B:TAS and voiced by Luke “Mark Hamill” Skywalker. They also had a tremendously petty nitpick with this Clown Prince of Crime because he wasn’t the “Classic Joker” -- aesthetically speaking.
Whatever. THE DARK KNIGHT and Heath Ledger’s Joker anyone?
The Batman and The Joker in
THE BATMAN's "Topsy Turvy"
I thought “Topsy Turvy” was a pretty darn good episode of THE BATMAN -- as well as a Batman story in general. But like I said, anyone who had trivial issues with the show’s Joker look, isn’t going to like it regardless.
