The story has The Joker -- who’s appearance hasn’t changed hardly at all in 67 years -- announcing his crimes via the radio before he carries them out. His first victim is millionaire Henry Claridge who has his diamond stolen and is murdered by The Joker as predicted -- even as Claridge is surrounded by Gotham police! The Joker’s method of murder is his “Joker Venom,” which leaves his target’s face twisted in a horrible grin.

And how does The Joker mark his crimes? He leaves a joker card behind of course!

The Joker’s method of madness continues throughout the story, culminating with The Clown Prince of Crime declaring that he plans to whack Judge Drake, who once sent him to prison.

In the meantime, The Joker makes enemies with the “normal” criminal element of Gotham as they feel he’s invading their turf. This part of the storyline has historical significance as it most likely inspired the idea of the “Rise of the Freaks” in Gotham’s underworld. This idea was made famous when it was injected into current Batman mythos in BATMAN: THE LONG HALLOWEEN.

The Batman keeps his eye on The Joker’s antics and promises to strike when the time is “ripe.” I guess that times comes for The Dark Knight as The Joker’s attack on Judge Drake is being carried out. This leads to not one, but two showdowns between The Batman and the character that will go on to become his arch-enemy.

BATMAN #1 can be found in THE BATMAN CHRONICLES, Vol. 1

What one should note when reading “The Joker” is that it is a fairly dark story. Especially when the The Joker character was lightened up tremendously as the 1940s progressed. He went from being this dark, murderous madman, to a laughing trickster carrying out rather harmless crimes in short order.

The Batman himself has changed quite a bit in BATMAN #1, from his initial incarnation just a year earlier. He’s still a dark character, but he is quickly progressing to the friendly, friend of the police, walking around in daylight “Caped Crusader” of the late 40s and 50s.

Even though this story is nearly 70 years old, I found it to be a good read. It’s dated obviously (ex. The Joker announcing his crimes via radio broadcasts, the dialogue, etc.), but still comes off rather fresh still today. It’s also very historically important to the Batman mythos with the inclusion of the joker card, Joker Venom, “rise of the freaks,” and of course, The Joker himself.