The Four Color Media Monitor

Slash Film's telling that one of DC's most overrated alternate world projects draws ideas from a modern horror movie. But first:

In the forthcoming "Absolute Batman" issue #15, writer Scott Snyder and guest artist Jock will reveal the origin of the series' overarching villain: who else but the Joker, baby! As part of "Absolute Batman" flipping our preconceptions of Bruce Wayne and Bat-lore, this Joker is not a clown-themed criminal mastermind. He's a sinister, scowling billionaire exerting his power to keep the world a cruel and hopeless place.

Since the "Absolute" Joker *looks* normal, does that mean he's less monstrous? Not at all! Based on a previously leaked character sheet of the Joker from "Absolute Batman" artist Nick Dragotta, the "Absolute" Joker can transform into an enormous and demonic monster. In his human form, the "Absolute" Joker is drawn to look like classical depictions of Bruce Wayne. His transforming into a monster completes the parallel; he's a reclusive billionaire with a darker alter ego, but while Batman transforms only spiritually, the Joker does so physically and gruesomely.

Don't be shocked if this is yet another anti-conservative/Trump metaphor. And don't be shocked if the human character design is an insult to Bruce Wayne himself. While there are left-wing billionaires the world over, the politics of modern contributor make it clear you can't expect them to actually base these renditions on left-wing figures at all. Now about the horror movie the comic is said to draw from, it's a film titled "Smile":

The "Smile" films thus far have been a bit light on backstory. We still don't know where this malevolent entity came from or what it wants except to continue spreading. We do know, though, what it looks like. In "Smile," it peels back its face before Rose, revealing an impossibly deep mouth filled with row after row of teeth, the perfect look for a smile-themed demon. Skye sees the same horrible face in "Smile 2."

The Joker is the most famous "creepy smile" villain in pop culture. His appearance is inspired by Conrad Veidt's character, Gwynplaine, in the 1920s film "The Man Who Laughs," rictus grin and all. Most comic artists depict the Joker with a wide and toothy smile, though Heath Ledger's Glasgow grin in "The Dark Knight" is also a famous look. The villain of "Smile" earned some unavoidable comparisons to the Joker (even here at /Film), and now this comes full circle.

Just what the world needs. All in an alternate universe title with telling hints it's more of a political metaphor. And the way the horror genre is put to use here is atrocious in the extreme. We could honestly do without this. Even as an alternate take on a classic villain, it's still one of far too many reliances on a supervillain who's been written as one of the most lethal in the DCU, and the inability of the writers to conceive a villain who's not drawn as a demonic clown is decidedly galling. I hope this Absolute universe isn't the sales success they must want us to think it is. But if a lot of people are actually willing to spend tons on this, it's a terrible shame.

Labels: Batman, dc comics, golden calf of villainy, moonbat artists, moonbat writers, msm propaganda, violence