Detective Comics #91

In "The Case of the Practical Joker," the Joker—locked away in prison and fed up with being mocked by fellow inmates—makes a chilling promise: if he ever escapes, he’ll steal an entire city as revenge. Written by Edmond Hamilton and brought to life with sharp, expressive art by Dick Sprang (who handled pencils, inks, and lettering), this 1944 issue captures the early days of Gotham’s most chaotic criminal with a mix of menace and dark humor. The cover by Dick Sprang perfectly encapsulates the menace and absurdity of the story, making it a standout in the early Detective Comics run.