Marc Silvestri is one of those creators whose name stands out from my teenage years (if that). His art was definitely a draw (no pun intend) for me. Silvestri had a style that stood out from those he eventually teamed up with like Lee, Liefeld, Larson, and McFarlane, a bit rougher and mechanical in some ways. It looked, and still looks, great. So when it comes to Batman & The Joker: The Deadly Duo #1, Silvestri is the reason you’re going to get it. The name alone the hook to the comic.
A DC Black Label comic, Batman & The Joker: The Deadly Duo #1 opens with a kidnapped Harley Quinn in a sequence that’s very much a riff on Silence of the Lambs. All that’s missing is a bucket and lotion. Who’s her tormentor? That’s a mystery left for a reveal in another issue but it’s the driver to the main story, the Joker needing Batman’s help.
Batman himself has an issue with horrific attacks by individuals that sound like the Joker but can’t be and eventually someone close to him also seeming to be in danger.
Batman & The Joker: The Deadly Duo #1 is the crumbs leading you to the main event, the eventual team up. There’s weird monsters to fight and just a glimpse of what the “Deadly Duo” will be like but let’s face it, it’s Silvestri’s art that’s the main event.
Silvestri’s art is what you’d expect. His style is unique and stands out and is perfect for this type of story. Batman with a cloud hovering over it like Se7en and mix in a little Hannibal Lecter, that’s a combination that’s perfect for Silvestri. What’s interesting is the art, while very dynamic at times, stays away from too many two-page spreads. Instead there’s a solid balance of panels focused and up close, and at a distance giving us a grander view. Arif Prianto‘s coloring adds to the mood of it all, delivering a pop of color but not making the overall mood too bright. It’s a combo that’s so solid.
Batman & The Joker: The Deadly Duo #1 is exactly what one would expect going into it. Silvestri’s art pops and the story itself is interesting enough. It’s the tease before the main event and this team-up really gets going.
Story: Marc Silvestri Art: Marc Silvestri Color: Arif Prianto
Story: 7.75 Art: 8.5 Overall: 8.0 Recommendation: Buy
DC Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: TFAW – Zeus Comics – comiXology/Kindle
Source: Graphic Policy
