Understanding Superhero Comic Books by Alex Grand

The world of Watchmen collides with the DC Universe in the most shocking story in DC history! Something is amiss in the DC Universe. But nothing is hidden from Manhattan, and the secrets of the past, present and future will leave ramifications on our heroes lives forever. The critically acclaimed sequel to the best-selling Watchmen written by master storytellers Geoff Johns and Gary Frank! As the Doomsday Clock ticks toward midnight, the DC Universe will collide with its greatest threat- Dr. BATMAN, THE JOKER, THE KILLING JOKE and all related characters and elements © & TM DC Comics and Warner Bros. This rapid-fire sequence of events spirals together to threaten Batman's closest friends and allies, and locks the two eternal foes in their ultimate death match. Simultaneously, Commissioner James Gordon and Detective Harvey Bullock take on a cartel distributing the latest designer drug-'giggle sniff,' derived from a venom created by The Joker.

In their mission to protect Gotham City, Batman and Batgirl (Barbara Gordon) pursue ruthless criminals such as the grandiose Maxie Zeus and Antonio 'Python' Palmares. Escaping Arkham Asylum, he plots his most lethal caper. For years, the Clown Prince of Crime has been caught in a dance of violence with his greatest nemesis, the Batman. In his first heist, he is immersed in toxic chemicals that disfigure him bizarrely, driving him mad and thus giving birth to The Joker. Faced with overwhelming poverty and a pregnant wife, a tragic, struggling comedian is forced to turn to crime. Adapting what may be the most popular of graphic novels, by the edgy Hard Case Crime author, adding layers and exploring the nature of morality.

Understanding Superhero Comic Books by Alex Grand