Thoughts: The Best Man (Batman #48)

Sean Wragg
Sean’s Blog
Published in
3 min readJun 6, 2018

“THE BEST MAN” part one! Batman and Catwoman decide it might be better to elope rather than go through some big, stodgy wedding ceremony, but no sooner do they put their marriage on the fast track than The Joker appears! And when The Joker kidnaps the Caped Crusader, will he give his old foe a piece of his mind or bash in his brains?

As we narrow closer to the epic Batman/Catwoman wedding, an (un?)expected surprise appearance by the Joker may derail their plans.

Sharing some thoughts on Batman #48

Spoilers below, in…

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This issue opens full throttle right out of the gate. Joker is mercilessly executing wedding members at a Gotham church to get Batman’s attention.

Yet somehow we already know this isn’t going to be the typical catch-and-release Arkham Inmate 0801 encounter. And it’s incredible that Joker knows Batman so well, that he predicts exactly when Bats make his entrance — which gives us a great nod to the ‘66 Adam West Batman (RIP):

© DC Comics 2018

In Part 1 of ‘The Best Man’, Joker clearly wants to convey some twisted story about love to Batman — in only a way Joker can. He decides to use a hostage to delay the inevitable beatdown Bats will dish, but after an accidental discharge — the hostage is quickly dispatched.

Unable to find anyone else alive, Joker holds himself hostage (Blazing Saddles anyone?) to continue telling his dark story.

He kneels at the alter and instructs Batman to pray with him, then pops the question we all knew was coming:

© DC Comics 2018

It’s no secret that Batman and Joker have a… special relationship. Greatly looking forward to Part 2 of what will very likely impact the Bat/Cat wedding!

This issue ends with Catwoman on her way, presumably against Batman’s instructions, to rescue the man she intends to wed.

King has created a very compelling lead to an event in which many are looking forward. As always, Janin and Chung continue to dazzle with great art and rich colors.

Unfortunately, this reader is left with more questions than answers!

  • Is there a reason Joker chose “this” wedding to violently interrupt?
  • How will Batman react?
  • And why exactly does Joker want to be The Best Man?

Hopefully we’ll find out in Part 2, next time. Same Bat-time; same Bat-channel!

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