Batman: Three Jokers #1B (DC Comics 2020)

Batman: Three Jokers #1 delivers a forty-eight-page prestige-format examination of the Clown Prince of Crime’s fractured identity, written by Geoff Johns and illustrated by Jason Fabok. Published by DC Comics in 2020, this opening issue establishes the foundational logic behind the central puzzle of the miniseries: why exactly three distinct versions of the Joker exist.

Deconstructing the Archetype

Set three decades after the landmark impact of The Killing Joke, the narrative bypasses complex multiverse mechanics to dissect the psychological layers of Batman’s rogue gallery. Johns combines investigative pacing with grounded consequences, exploring how each iteration of the villain reflects different facets of the Dark Knight’s mission. The storytelling directly references plot threads introduced during Rebirth and tied into the Justice League’s broader cosmic conflicts, keeping the focus squarely on Gotham’s core dynamic.

Expanded Format and Visual Design

Unlike standard monthly comic issues, this prestige edition employs a larger magazine-style trim and reinforced binding. The additional interior space accommodates Fabok’s detailed inkwork and expansive splash layouts, giving creators room to map out crime scenes and psychological confrontations across full spreads. Rated for mature readers, the issue pairs intricate panel construction with Johns’ tightly structured dialogue, delivering a complete standalone chapter before the serialized arc moves forward.