Article by Steve J. Ray
2018 and 2109 saw the 80th Anniversaries of Superman and Batman. There is no doubt that these two iconic characters paved the way for everything that’s great in comics, and all the wonderful characters they inspired. As you may know Wonder Woman and Flash will be getting commemorative 750th issues this year, but that’s just the start. Hot on the heels of the Catwoman 80th Anniversary Special, DC Comics have announced that fans will also be treated to The Joker 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular too!
Yes, both these iconic characters made their comic book debuts in Batman #1, way back in 1940, so this is the year of the Clown and the Cat, just like 2019 was the year of the Bat.
Here’s the full lowdown, direct from DC Comics:
The Joker 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular #1
Celebrates Eight Decades of Chaos, Mischief, and Mayhem with
Batman’s Greatest Enemy
Tribute Comic Book to Feature Original Stories from Comics Legends,
Decades-Spanning Variant Covers, and More
Available at Comic Book Retailers and Digital Stores on April 29, 2020
Since his first appearance in April 1940, The Joker has become one of the most iconic and compelling characters in comic books and all of popular culture. Time and time again, his drive to sow discord and chaos has made him more than a match for Batman and his mission to protect the citizens of Gotham City.
As The Joker enters his eighth decade of criminal madness, fans can celebrate with a one-of-a-kind collectible tribute comic book. The Joker 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular #1 is a Prestige format one-shot homage to The Joker featuring an original lineup of tales by comics’ most celebrated storytellers, including Brian Azzarello, Lee Bermejo, Paul Dini, Denny O’Neil, Scott Snyder, Tom Taylor, Jock, José Luis García-López, Mikel Janín, James Tynion IV, Riley Rossmo, and more. The stories run the gamut from terror to humor to outright anarchy, showing how The Joker has left his indelible mark on Gotham City, from the gates of Arkham Asylum to the Gotham City PD, from the local underworld to Batman and his allies.
Artists from across comic books are stepping up to pay their respects to The Joker through a series of variant covers depicting Batman’s arch nemesis:
1940s variant cover by Arthur Adams
1950s variant cover by David Finch
1960s variant cover by Francesco Mattina
1970s variant cover by Jim Lee and Scott Williams
1980s variant cover by Bill Sienkiewicz
1990s variant cover by Gabriele Dell’Otto
2000s variant cover by Lee Bermejo
2010s variant cover by Jock
The Joker 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular #1 is a 100-page, Prestige format one-shot comic book available at comic book retailers and participating digital retailers on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 for $9.99.
Cover Image and Press Release Courtesy of DC Entertainment
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