The turn in comics toward a darker, more violent side has been ongoing since the 80s. The latest series Dark Nights: Metal has a dark multiverse, demonic versions of Batman, "swords, sorcery, and general mayhem" with a bent so dark it is similar to staring into a black hole. One of the major players and most popular versions of Batman is The Batman Who Laughs. He first appeared in Teen Titans #12 on September 13, 2017. This comic book was written by Ben Percy with art by Mirka Andolfo. Additionally, Stjepan Sejic creates master cover work befitting a first appearance. The Batman Who Laughs has been wreaking havoc ever since. The story revolves around Nightwing returning to Gotham City. But he is not in Kansas anymore. This Gotham has monsters, magic, and deadly villains. Can Nightwing along with Batgirl, Harley Quinn, Killer Croc, Black Canary, and Green Arrow save their city?

 

 

 

Teen Titans #12

The Batman Who Laughs is some kind of sick deranged anti-hero. Having strangled Joker, Batman becomes TBWL sparking instant fans everywhere. This book ties into the larger Dark Metal Universe and storyline. Can this book provide speculation or investment cache in the future?

 

 

Long-Term

  • Grade 9.8 $375 FMV returns negative -2.4%
  • Grade 9.6 $160 FMV returns positive +33.3%
  • Grade 9.4 $95 FMV returns negative -2.4%
  • Grade 9.2 $95 FMV returns positive +34.2%
  • Grade 8.5 $55 FMV returns positive last sale +58.8%

This book is sheer speculation based on the popularity of this particular character. Every once in awhile an offshoot of a major superhero like Batman produces a new version. Something magical happens and the superhero adapts to service the needs of a new generation. While sad, it means the old superheroes will last even if in a different format. Perhaps more in tune with this generation's overstimulation from horror movies and grim storylines. All that aside, it has pretty solid returns over the last two years. Best of all it is still under $400 in a grade 9.8. All it will take to spike this book up above the Gotham skyline is the media hype of a possible movie or series. I am betting on Teen Titans #12 and hopefully will be laughing all the way to the bank.

 

Conclusion:

There have been many iterations of Batman over the years. My favorite having first read Batman in the '80s was Frank Miller's, Dark Knight Returns. Many love the Neal Adams' darker version of Batman from the 70s. I think it really depends on when you first started reading Batman comics. That being said, this Dark Knight will always be with us. He is the archetype of the dogged detective, the man willing to sacrifice everything to make the world right, our dark hero.

Another comic book you might look at is Dark Nights: Metal #2 a clear tie-in for Teen Titans #12. This Dark Night tie-in is another big book for this series and early appearance of this new iteration. "As Superman and Wonder Woman hunt for a missing ally, Batman investigates a mystery spanning centuries. When the world's greatest detective discovers a foe even greater than the Justice League could imagine" (GoCollect Issue Notes). As my uncle says, "Buy 'em all!" After all, none are that expensive and this Batman is no laughing matter.

 

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