Joker/Mask #2

June 2000 2/4
Story: Henry Gilroy & Ronnie Del Carmen
Writer: Henry Gilroy
Pencils: Ramon F. Bachs
Cover: Ramon F. Bachs

Back to Bighead.. or The Mask's joint rampage through Gotham with Joker.

The cover certainly gets the theme of the issue across even if I don't get - and probably never will - the logistics of those physiques. Plus.. Bighead's teeth just..

The only teeth to parody other giant, unnatural teeth. 

Last time we saw Joker/Mask and Harley, they were on the lam after 'killing' Batman, but here it picks up three days later where it's apparent that no one realises that Joker is involved.. everyone just thinks it's Edge City villain Bighead with some vague Joker connection. True to her roots, Harley gets miffed at her Puddin's snub but then forgets about it on account of putting one too many fingers in the candy jar.

We've all been there, skintight bodysuit and all. 

Meanwhile, GCPD (looking a little worse for wear) is discussing the matter and introducing Lieutenant Kellaway who is here to help with the situation. Kellaway realises that Joker has the Mask while the GCPD are only just beginning to suspect Joker having a more solid hand in the the game.

Batman... or a sneaky imposter - appears and wreaks havoc.

But life's not all it's cracked up to be despite Joker's big toothy smile. The real Batman IS still alive, not that Joker knows it. He is feeling a bit down and lacklustre about having all of this power.
Harley doesn't mind - she gets to gorge herself on high fructose candy snacks and her love life isn't suffering... even if her beau refuses to take off his new mask at all.

Joker then becomes aware that he's not getting all of the credit for his green tinted rampages and this causes him to decides that the city needs a new introduction to the improved Joker.

Converging on the local TV channel, Joker demands the anchor-lady, Jessica Platinum help him address Gotham via their broadcast. Using Harley as his camerawoman, he plans to have the entire channel just be Joker 24/7... he does love an audience, doesn't he?

He basically runs a pun show with explosions.. Harley starts out enthusiastic and happy to help but as the show goes on her mood starts to deteriorate. It could be that Joker with his boundless manic energy is expecting her to keep up as they run across the city without breaks... it could be the work directions she's given or the poor response to her involvement with punchlines. Might even be the changes in her Puddin', or to be honest, all of the above.

Harley tries to take a quick break but is interrupted by Joker's ego when it sees a truck emblazoned with the slogan "Bighead Rules, Joker Sucks" causing Joker to see red. He drags Harley along after him - not realising it's a tactic by the police to contain him. Sure enough when they turn the corner they see the SWAT team that Joker lamented not rating in the last issue. 

Harley wisely runs out of the way of the tank but nothing they shoot manages to harm Joker. Eventually he retaliates and causes a bit of a war zone downtown.

Hostile work environment!

Gordon already suspects Kellaway knows more than what he's saying about Bighead but Kellaway doesn't know much about the Joker.. attempting to reason with him to get the mask off. 

Batman is revealed to be alive albeit very banged up. Harley's emotions are pretty banged up too.. after she's not allowed to use 'Puddin'' anymore and is replaced by The Jokettes, being relegated to mail bag duty while her Mr. J runs around with Jessica Platinum. 

Times like these, there's only one thing to do... call on your crazy eco-terrorist gal pal for some serious favours!

The Short End of the Jester Schtick

A surprising amount of effort with world building in this cross over comic, but it's all easy to get the hang of without having to be a major Joker or Mask fan. 

This issue focuses a bit more on Harley's experience with the Mask/Joker and I think it's great, the whole straight man act against Joker's wildcard. Especially with Batman out of the picture for the most part. It's also nice to have a comic where you see a side of the Joker/Harley relationship that shows that they work well as a team. 

Or to be technical, a menage a trois? Hmm. 

Wotta Comedian! 

Jessica Platinum: Since then, the meta-human Bighead, has rampaged through Gotham, robbing every major bank in the metropolitan area. Tonight he attacked Arkham Asylum with a fire bomb. His overheard motive -- for 'old times' sake.'

Jessica Platinum: And even if his identity is discovered, can the police stop him?
Commissioner Gordon: We haven't been able to stop him.

Joker/Mask: You cops never get tired firing your big guns do ya? I wonder what Dr. Freudy would say about that? Me.. I just chalk it up to our violent culture.

Joker/Mask: Don't know it's me? Who else gives a police detective a wedgie?
Harley: Preachin' to the choir, Puddin'. 

Joker/Mask: I'm the Joker, you idiot.
Jessica Platinum:Oh, my G-G-G....
Joker/Mask: No, it's Joker, with a J-J-J.

Joker/Mask: Some call me the Clown Prince of Crime, some call me psycho freak from hell, and others still, inmate number 706429. Most, however, simply refer to me as.... The Joker! Hahaha!

Joker/Mask: You police! Always with your guns! You can't solve a problem with just a gun. You need the biggest gun!

Harley: Stick by a man during the lean times and this is what ya get? Replaced by the Barbie twins?