Review by Ian Keogh

Although this is a story about the Joker, more often than not his presence is indirect, and the personality propelling the narrative is that of former Gotham police commissioner James Gordon. In the present day events have rapidly spiralled out of control after he accepted a mission of tracking the Joker down, and the same skills and dedication applied are relevant in chapters of the past showing mistakes made and regrets.

James Tynion IV opens this closing volume with another of those, as before co-written with Matthew Rosenberg and expressively drawn by Francesco Francavilla, who also supplies his distinctive orange based colour scheme. It’s a dark reflection introducing an obsession with the Joker that would awaken James Gordon Jr’s own sadistic inclinations, and Barbara Gordon’s bitterness shortly after being crippled by the Joker. Don’t look for much hope here.

Volume Two’s present day events ended with a revelation, in turn prompting a mystery not immediately picked up on, although you’ll be relieved to know Gordon hasn’t died with a cleaver in his chest. However, he’s not in any condition to continue his investigation and doesn’t protest too greatly when Barbara informs him she’s taking over.

There have been many unpleasant undertones to The Joker, so much so that he’s seemed the lesser threat when compared to a family of cannibal killers and the person Tynion’s been dangling in our faces all the way through. Yes, there’s a fantastic revelation.

Guiseppe Camuncoli is shipped in to draw the present day events, and his polished realism is understated, but still provides some unpalatable events, with a family dinner more disturbing than anything the Joker gets up to. It’s a level of darkness no-one should ever encounter. Camuncoli’s Joker is at a disadvantage for much of the story, so he’s as much Gollum in a cage as the familiar murderous figure.

Once everything’s out in the open Tynion stretches his story a little further than needed to wrap up all loose ends, and to include one last surprise, this one not as stunning. However, it’s no deal killer as Gordon’s voice has led throughout, and he lays everything out in the final chapter. Some things were never going to happen, and you’ve known that from the start of what’s been a harrowing trawl through the abyss over three volumes. You’ll need a strong stomach, but this is a compelling crime drama without any great redemption, but concluding with some brief peace.

Just in case you’re wondering, the Punchline back-up accompanying the serialised comics has been separated into The Trial of Alexis Kaye.