Joker Mask

If you’re a fan of the Joker from BTAS, then you should probably pick up a copy of this sweet little novel.

As you may guess, “Joker Mask” is the crossover between “The Mask” and “Batman”. One night while Joker and Harley and raiding a Museum, they happen upon the the green mask formerly owned by a man named Ipkiss. The Joker puts it on, and chaos upon chaos ensues.

It utilizes some Joker classics: there’s Harley following him around, there’s a television audience, etc. However not much new ground is tread over the psychology of the Clown Prince. There are great one-liners applied liberally between the Joker and Harley, which adds to the book’s charm.

Granted, although it’s animation isn’t the grittiest, there is enough Joker insanity to remind us he is a “bad guy”. Joker has no problem dropping a ceiling on a bunch of school children, and the book does occasionally hit some darker moments. (Ever wonder what REALLY happened to Stanley Ipkiss?)

All in all, a solid four stars. It’s an interesting read that’s fun, while still respecting the characters. Also, if you’re trying to get your (or some)kids interested in comic books, this is a great jumping off point. It’s a contained story with characters they can recognize from BTAS. Obviously the situations become more cartoonish (after all, it is “The Mask”) but, all in all, worth the look.