Superman: Emperor Joker #[nn]
In "Superman: Arkham, Part One: It's a Mad, Mad, Mad World!", Joe Kelly and Kano deliver a mind-bending twist on the Superman mythos, where Joker’s cosmic dominion begins to unravel under the weight of his own obsession. With Marlo Alquiza’s inks, Moose Baumann’s colors, and Richard Starkings’ lettering, the story plunges into psychological chaos, culminating in a shocking turn that leaves Batman broken and Superman forced to bear the Spectre’s unbearable burden. Ed McGuinness and Cam Smith’s cover captures the madness in full, a fitting frame for a tale where even omnipotence can’t erase the one mind that refuses to be conquered.
Sell my copy
Have this issue — or a whole collection? Get a fair offer from us, skip the marketplace fees and the hassle.
We Buy Collections ▸Full credits
Full plot ⚠ may contain spoilers
▸ Reveal full plot — may contain spoilers
Though Joker's control of the universe is absolute, Superman points out that Joker cannot will Batman out of existence because he cannot get Batman out of his mind. With the realization that he will never be rid of Batman, Joker breaks and returns his power to Mr. Mxyzptlk, who restores the universe. But Batman's mind has snapped from all the torture he witnessed at the hands of the Joker, and the only way to restore him is for the Spectre to transfer the pain and trauma to the Man of Steel, who heroically shoulders the burden.
Plot details indexed by the Grand Comics Database (CC BY-SA).