DC Comics looks to tell a definitive origin for Joker this February, in the pages of Batman 142-144

The Clown Prince of Crime already has a few versions of his origin, but there might be one to rule them all coming with Year One.

Flashback

The “Dawn of DC” era rolls on, and as the Mindbomb arc comes to a close, something decidedly interesting is set to take shape. While fans have already seen a few different takes on the mystery of Joker’s origin, this one looks to be as ‘official’ as it’s gonna get.

A three-part tale, The Joker Year One will kick off in February’s Batman #142 and hail from the creative team of Chip Zdarsky, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Stefano Nesi, Andrea Sorrentino, Alejandro Sánchez and Dave Stewart. It seems that some of what’s come before will be worked into this flashback/flash-forward story, which takes place in the past, the present, and a dark future.

Not only will fans see the fallout from the “death” of the Red Hood gang’s leader (remember that?), but they’ll also get a glimpse at just how far-reaching the life of Joker will be. Scroll down for a brief look at the action, some covers, and synopsis’ for each issue.

• Batman #142, written by Chip Zdarsky with art by Giuseppe Camuncoli, Stefano Nesi, Andrea Sorrentino, Alejandro Sánchez and Dave Stewart, will publish on February 6, 2024.
• Next, in Batman #143, the terrifying tale of “The Joker Year One” continues as a mysterious figure from Batman’s past has come into Joker’s orbit, changing the Clown Prince of Crime forever! And what secrets does the re-formed Red Hood Gang have for Batman’s future? Batman #143, written by Chip Zdarsky with art by Giuseppe Camuncoli, Stefano Nesi, Andrea Sorrentino, Alejandro Sánchez and Dave Stewart, will publish on February 13, 2024.
• Batman #144 features the climactic, chilling conclusion to “The Joker Year One,” delivering massive repercussions for the future! The Red Hood Gang is on a rampage and the only man who can stop them…is The Joker! And can Batman stop a devastating new virus in a future where The Joker looms over everything?Batman #144, written by Chip Zdarsky with art by Giuseppe Camuncoli, Stefano Nesi, Andrea Sorrentino, Alejandro Sánchez and Dave Stewart, will publish on February 20, 2024.

DC Comics press release

Things to come

While the big story of the day is undoubtably Joker, DC has also revealed what’s coming up for Batman after the Year One arc. Right on this new tale’s heels will be the Dark Prisons arc, in which “Batman will face a terrifying figure from his past in order to survive Zur’s onslaught.” Look for that in Batman #145-148.

Things won’t let up from there either, as the comic series rolls right into a possibly even bigger storyline, one that might have some serious stakes. Batman #149 brings the Bat face-to-face with The Suicide Squad’s commander Amanda Waller, and the US military itself.