Batman: Lovers & Madmen

Batman Confidential

by Michael Green, Denys Cowan (Illustrator), John Floyd (Illustrator)

A tale set early in the career of the Dark Knight that sheds light on who the Joker was before he became the Clown Prince of Crime. Discover how Batman first crossed paths with the punk who was destined to become his deadliest foe, and see just how far he will go in order to bring down the new criminal insanity that's inspiring Gotham's underworld.

Genres: Comics, Batman, Graphic Novels, Dc Comics, Fiction, Comic Book, Superheroes

144 pages, Hardcover

First published April 15, 2008

About the author

Michael Green is an American television and film writer, as well as a comic book scripter. Green grew up in Mamaroneck, New York.

Green has been a contributor for Superman/Batman. He will also co-write a Green Lantern movie with Greg Berlanti and Marc Guggenheim, set for release in 2011. He wrote the six-issue story arc "Lovers and Madmen" for Batman Confidential.
Green was a producer and writer on Everwood and Heroes.

Green is the creator and writer of Kings, an NBC drama based on the biblical story of King David but set in an alternate present. Kings premiered on 15 March 2009 but was cancelled soon after. The remainder of season 1 (thirteen episodes) was shown in the summer of 2009.

Reviews

[Sam Quixote · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lovers and Madmen is a deeply flawed Joker origin story which borrows elements from far better Joker stories like Alan Moore’s The Killing Joke and the 1989 Batman movie and warps them with Michael Green’s own bad ideas and pitiful characterisation.

Jack is a young man recently come to Gotham to make it as a career hitman. But he’s bored – robbing banks and shooting cops isn’t enough for him and his boredom translates into a death wish, where he deliberately fouls up any heists he’s involved in to see if someone can put him out of his misery. That is until he meets Batman and his entire outlook changes. He becomes obsessed with this “ridiculous” figure, doing everything he can to draw him out with his crimes. And then he goes too far and a confrontation in a chemical factory leads to the creation of the most famous villain in comics history – the Joker.

Alarm bells started ringing as soon as I saw Green had attempted the unbreakable rule about the Joker: he gave him a name and a backstory prior to his becoming the Joker. This is a cardinal rule of the character: that you never give him a solid backstory. But here he is, Jack (imaginative!), a hitman (yawn) who shoots playing cards (!?!?!).

Most Batman readers understand this already but the power of not knowing the Joker’s origins is a large part of why he’s such an appealing villain – the mystery lends itself to the reader’s mind where we have to imagine how such a creature could come to be. Many writers and artists have implicitly understood this, and the most recent Joker incarnation on the big screen also played to this strength – Heath Ledger’s Joker telling everyone a different story of how he got his scars, and Batman unable to find out the character’s real background.

If you’re going to give Joker a background, at least make it interesting like Moore did. Green just goes for the laziest, most uninteresting version imaginable, emphasising in the clumsiest and most offensive way possible that Batman is partially responsible for the Joker’s creation. Because here’s the second part of why this book is such trash: the way Green depicts Batman.

Batman’s girlfriend for the book, Lorna Shore, who only appears in this book and who’s such a transparent character that she may as well be called Batman’s Character Motivation, gets hurt by the Joker and makes Batman angry. So angry that he throws a giant Frisbee-sized Batarang at Joker which slices open one side of Joker’s face, comes flying around and slices up the other half! First of all, that is so stupid and the visual is even stupider. Second, d’you wanna know how I got these scars? Batman! So on top of Batman capturing Jack’s attention, he literally supplies the character’s most physically defining physical characteristic!

Green’s out-of-character Batman carries on as later in the story Batman orders a hit on Joker. Yes, Batman orders a hit. He doesn’t kill – but that doesn’t stop him from getting other people to kill for him! And the way Batman treats Alfred is offensive, to both the character and the reader. Alfred is Bruce’s surrogate father and his most trusted confidante though you wouldn’t know it from this book. He’s verbally abusive to Alfred, sneering at him, mocking him, treating him like absolute crap – this is another totally uncharacteristic display of behaviour and offensive to readers who cherish Bruce and Alfred’s relationship.

Other bizarre moments include Jack meeting Harley in the first bar he stumbles into when he arrives in Gotham and Harley falling for his charms right off – though it would be years before she got her psychology degree (paid for by Joker!), went to work at Arkham and fell in love with “Mistah J”. And speaking of Arkham, in Green’s story Jonathan Crane built it! The freakin’ Scarecrow! Oh and Joker created the Bat signal. I… I give up. Every single one is an awful choice.

The layouts are ok for the most part but towards the end things get very shoddy. In one panel Joker clearly leaps off of a building backwards to prove that Batman will save him because he doesn’t kill, then in the next few panels the two are having a conversation face to face, and then they’re fighting, and then he’s back to falling – whaaaat!?! And no it’s not a flashback mid-sequence either as it’s the same background, and no Batman’s not holding onto Joker either. It’s such a poorly put together scene in an otherwise ok-drawn book. The art’s not amazing and everyone’s eyes are too far apart but I didn’t hate it, though this sequence was just baffling.

Lovers and Madmen is the argument against writing a Joker origin story. The best Joker stories happen after whoever this person is becomes Joker, like The Man Who Laughs by Ed Brubaker which does a far superior job of telling the story of Batman and Joker’s first encounter, and part of its brilliance is that Brubaker doesn’t attempt to explain Joker’s origin – the character is fully formed, his mysterious origins intact. Batman doesn’t find out, the reader doesn’t find out, the legend continues. Fair enough, Alan Moore got away with it, but Green ain’t Alan Moore and this book isn’t a tenth of the same quality as The Killing Joke.

Michael Green’s book is garbage – it takes better ideas from great creators and fudges them, with Green tossing in his own bad ideas to create one hell of a crapfest. He fails in telling a compelling origin story and fails in adding anything of remote value to the Joker character. His dismal attempts at characterising Batman only further serve to underline how little he understands the character or his world. Lovers and Madmen is one of the worst Batman books I’ve ever read and definitely the worst Joker book of the bunch.

Here are some better Joker books to read instead:

The Killing Joke by Alan Moore and Brian Bolland
Mad Love by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm
The Man Who Laughs by Ed Brubaker and Doug Mahnke
Joker by Brian Azzarello and Lee Bermejo
Death of the Family by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo

[Iain · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another iteration of the Batman and Joker story. Testament to the creative team that this oft told tale manages to still hold the interest.

[James DeSantis · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a few meh Batman stories the last few reads I'm very happy to report, this is a fantastic 6 issue story worth reading if you're a fan of early day Batman and Joker.

This is of course another origin story in a lot of ways, especially for the Joker. Taking ideas from Killing Joke but giving a better twist (in my opinion) and a much darker Jack (Joker) than we are used to before he becomes The Joker is a interesting little twist. On top of that we have Bruce learning to be Batman. Actually making a impact on crime. However, when he starts to become too confident, he might, by mistake, create something way worse.

Good: Hell of a interesting dynamic we have here with Joker/Batman. This might be one of my favorite versions of the two going head to head in mind games and physical warfare. The evolution of Jack and turning him into a super villain known as the Joker was really well done. Watching a much more vulnerable Bruce in his early days was really intriguing and there's actually a couple of gut wrenching moments that work well for our hero.

Bad: The art can be kind of messy. Especially in fight scenes I couldn't tell what the fuck was happening sometimes.

Besides some weak fight scenes and messy art at times, this was a great collection. I really enjoyed everything from the story itself, the dialogue, and the ending result and message. A easy 4 out of 5.

[Yara Hatem · Rating 1 out of 5]

That was the weakest Joker VS Batman story line by far! It felt like it was trying too hard and wanted to be great which unfortunately didn't work. For me the Killing Joke still remains the best origin story.

[Brad Garlich · Rating 2 out of 5]

I understand how DC likes the Joker to have his past shrouded in myth as opposed to a solid origin story. The Clown Prince of Crime is a mysterious creature who has seemingly materialized out of pure natural evil and there are different accounts of his beginnings depending on what you read (or watch). I’ve largely enjoyed this blurry lore and appreciate the approach, so my criticisms of this story are not born out of inconsistency with his history as described in The Killing Joke and The Man Who Laughs. It’s the inconsistencies in logic and character that I struggled with.

This volume delves into the experiences of a young Bruce Wayne/Batman as he has to contend with the Joker, before and after his chemical bath. I really struggled accepting “Jack” as an bored bank robber who found inspiration in Batman as his reason to keep on living and ultimately flourish. The version of Joker as a would-be entertainer that embraces a chaos worldview after personal tragedy makes much sense and is far more compelling. He’s the ultimate Gen-Xer wanting to watch the world burn and you see how he gets there. And I was confused with his ability to withstand pain and slight invulnerability before his chemical transformation. Doesn’t that event give him that durability?

There were some nice character development touches though, like Batman realizing this was a foe he couldn’t out-logic. And it was interesting to see the "non-believing" Batman before he makes acquaintances like Zantana and Etrigen the Demon. I did however think Alfred laying a guilt trip on Bruce for "creating" the Joker felt pretty non-Alfred like. Bruce hit a lot of the Peter Parkerish responsibility notes, especially when Bruce eschewed a chance at having a relationship.

The angular artwork of Denys Cowan worked pretty well for this type of story. His messy, jagged style played well with a less-confident Batman against a villain with a warped sense of reality like the Joker. John Floyd’s inks would however get out of control on some occasions making the figures look like they were just burnt to a crisp.

Overall, a fair attempt at a pivotal early period of the Batman that comes up short with some odd and illogical character beats.

[Blake Billings · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can see why this is considered an alternate, non-canon storyline. It was cool to see Joker as this cool headed mastermind that was just too good for Batman, but it just didn't feel right. Especially after reading "The Man Who Laughs."

Artist is also very talented, but not my favorite style.

[Luz · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's interesting to think of the Joker as Batman's biggest mistake---and that thought has nothing to do with Batman not being able to kill him/sending him to be offed in the first place. In this version of the story, the Joker is born simply because there is a Batman. Bruce Wayne broke convention, so the Joker broke convention, too. The implications of that act are both intoxicating and terrifying.

I have to say though, I liked cool & level headed Joker more than batshit crazy high on drugs Joker. I feel like he could've played a better game, if only because he would've been able to hide better. Jake-before-the-anti-psychotics was scary cuz he could've been just like you, or me, and he had enough of that background experience in social conventions to really pack a punch in his evil deeds~ sort of like a wolf in sheep's clothing. The idea that Jake could have been any other guy and still do the things he did would have upped the chill factor to 1000x, because if there is one then there is more and how can you tell? (You can't.) Jake after the anti psychotics however? He seems so disconnected--in his own brain even!--that he's in relatable. Easy to scapegoat, throw away as the rule instead of the exception.

Still, the origin story was interesting. And knowing that every kill the joker makes after this will be on batman's conscious is interesting too.

[Adam Stone · Rating 2 out of 5]

A few years ago, I made a chronology for how to read modern Batman. I was focused quite a bit on creating the order, as opposed to just reading the books for enjoyment, so now I'm going back to see how the chronology holds up.

When I first started reading to make a Batman canon, I found this superior to Batman: The Man Who Laughs because it delved more into The Joker's origin, and has some fun Easter eggs, even though Denys Cowan's angular faces and ill-fitting clothes never sat well with me.

I've read much more Batman since the original time I read this, and I'm much happier with Ed Brubaker's vague backstory than this specific one. So I'm removing this from what I consider Batman canon.

I recommend it for die-hard Batman fans, and people who simply must know every detail of The Joker's life before he became Batman's nemesis.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael Green (the writer from the TV series Heroes) weaves a new origin for the Joker and with it paints an even darker picture of The Batman. Denys Cowan's artwork has just the right edge to it, with some terrific layouts that convey the action well. The way John Floyd inks the characters almost endows them with a kinetic energy.

Green's The Joker was not only created by The Batman, but also wouldn't want to exist/kill if he didn't have The Batman chasing after him. Before he becomes the Joker, he is just plain Jack, a cruel, highly skilled marksman and criminal, but takes no joy from his work.

The appearance of The Batman, reinvigorates him and transforms him, but most of all, brings a smile to his face.

"What's this? Look at that costume. Those toys he jangles around. Yet he is as serious as serious can be. Working s hard to undo all my plans. He looks like he would never stop punching for the rest of his life. He looks RIDICULOUS."

What Green does (and I won't reveal anymore because you should red this) is blur the line between the two characters). After you read this, you won't quite think of The Batman the same.

['kris Pung · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was dreadful.

[Ben Truong · Rating 3 out of 5]

Batman Confidential: Lovers and Madmen picks up where the previous trade paperback left off, collecting the next six issues (Batman Confidential #7–12) of the 2006 on-going series and cover one storyline: "Lovers and Madmen".

"Lovers and Madmen" is a six-issue storyline (Batman Confidential #7–12) has Bruce Wayne as Batman, approximately one year into his vigilante career, dealing with Jack, who comes to Gotham City for excitement in the criminal element, but finding none, until he meets Batman. Excited, he would become more and more outrageous to draw Batman out and would eventually become The Joker.

Michael Green penned the entire trade paperback. For the most part, it is written somewhat well, it is the origin story of The Joker, which in comparison to others during the time is much to be desired. It seems that Green took ideas from a couple of Joker stories and the Batman film and merged them into an origin story that was rather unsuccessful in execution.

Denys Cowan penciled the entire trade paperback. Since he was the main penciler, the artistic flow of the trade paperback flowed exceptionally well. For the most part, I enjoyed his penciling style, albeit dated, and perhaps one of the saving graces of the trade paperback.

All in all, Batman Confidential: Lovers and Madmen is somewhat a good continuation to what would hopefully be a wonderful series.

[Paige Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cover so Bowie-esque and writing as poetic. Bats seems more ruthless, admitting to more darkness than normal, coming off more arrogant. This is a bloody book though I’d say it has a Campbells soup color palette, few too many scratchy lines in the flesh. Yet it’s Jack 🃏 who comes off w/ a sweet lil origin of talking bartender Leeny (Harleen) up while she’s in school and he’s a mopey “businessman.” It was actually super cute in its own divey down on their luck way w/o feeling unfittingly light.

Jack is tired of his crimes going perfectly, everything seems pointless and no fun—until there’s Batman to duel. Clever, calling in a fake prep school bomb threat to go rob the rich parents who come to scoop their kids up. Alfred is more hands-on, techie.

No acid at first (when it changes his suit brown to purple, that’s nice), rather a batarang smile to remember Bats by. Cool idea, the scars making his mouth sliced to show more teeth, but it’s not drawn w/ consistency or sense. Love the Harley stuff even though she only makes a couple appearances. Would like another book by these creators.

[Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

Brad Meltzer's introduction tries to sell us on the idea 'What does every reader new writer on a Batman book want to do? The Joker' as if that were a selling point. The problem is- nothing Michael Green is particular new or novel. It's not a new take on The Joker. It's doesn't try to make him anything more than a generic serial killer.

The mild retcon to the origin of Harley Quinn is just a little too coincidental once you try to reconcile this with what we know happens later.

In fact, the one interesting story- that of Bruce and Lorna Shore. Bruce becoming attracted to a 'normal' person doesn't go anywhere. It starts a little different from a few others like this, like Vicki Vale. But here is the thing, the end is pretty much the same. Something happens and Bruce realizes it can't work. And here I found her getting stabbed to be pointless and gratuitious. I mean, it was nice to see not be a full on fridging, given Bruce's angsty reaction it does seem like her only purpose in the store was to give it a 'women in refrigerators life' vibe.

[Batman Collected Editions · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am easy to please. I usually like stories people hate (you will see those in my future posts). That is why I did not expect to dislike Batman: Lovers and Madmen since it has a good rating, and people seem to like it. Also, my expectations were high because Brad Meltzer gave a good introduction. Boy, was I disappointed.

Batman: Lovers and Madmen is Michael Green's take on the origin story of the Joker. However, I felt he failed to grasp what the Joker is really about. His Joker seemed out of character, and I was not too fond of the idea that it was Batman who created, albeit indirectly, the Joker (I guess Batman was out of character as well). Denys Cowan's art did not help. I have a hard time believing this is the same person who drew Batman: Blind Justice. This book will never be my Joker origin story.

My Batman Collected Editions Instagram page

[Stevie Oberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't too impressed by this story, I especially didn't like story arc for Jack becoming the Joker. It was unimaginative and didn't adequately explain how he got to be so insane. Batman's story was pretty interesting with the inner struggle to it all, but became weak with Lorna's role in the whole thing.

Overall I'd say I enjoyed the art and the Joker, but didn't enjoy the story.

[Matthew Boyette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t normally car for origin stories, but this was different. A well written story can surpass all judgement by me. I loved this form of Joker’s origin. Joker doing it all just to have purpose. That’s a great story.

[Justin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story was interesting, not a fan of art. Before Joker gets transformed, he is a skilled bank robber having fun with bats. Bats is early and yet to encounter someone insane. Goes downhill toward the later, but nice to see Harley before and scarecrow before they turn.

[The Gandy Man · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like how Joker and Batman change and challenge each other. This comic makes each of them feel very important to the other. I like how Batman struggles with his convictions, and the early-career love interest.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the thought process and psychology of this comic. I love how the joker becomes the joker and how batman struggles with the idea of going crazy himself.

[Trey Kennedy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good Joker story. An even better love interest for Bruce.

[Rachel Dows · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic rendering. I would love to see this story illustrated by Brian Bolland.

[Carlos · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't like the artwork other than that awesome work would recommend.

[Lucas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diferentemente do primeiro que só rola cenas de ação aqui temos uma dicotomia bacana entre herói e mocinho. Com certeza essa história pegou elementos do filme do nolan.

[Omar Zambrano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genial. Todo un nacimiento y explicación del nemesis de batman. Prácticamente su creación y su eterno idilio para que sea el uno para el otro

[Dony Grayman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Volumen 93 de la CNG de DC, edición aparentemente igual a la española pero con ISBN propio.

[Fred · Rating 2 out of 5]

Torn on this one. There are moments when Cowan's art really excels with a lot of grit and intensity, but most of the story is very try-hard.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just kinda there... not great, not awful.

[Sotofunkdamental · Rating 3 out of 5]

Una historia de origen poco satisfactoria de Joker y su primer encuentro con Batman.

[Aaron Sills · Rating 2 out of 5]

some interesting ideas, but inconsistent art and poor dialogue make this a mediocre Joker story

[Marialuigia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5