Tough book. For some reason, Azzarello decided to interpret Joker through the lens of a gritty gangster movie. There are Bat villains that would fit into that prism nicely. Penguin, for example, or Two Face, both appearing. Joker? Not exactly. Riddler? Didn't buy it. Killer Croc? Um... The story itself would have worked, if it wasn't tied to the existing Batman villains. And starting your story with Joker getting released (not escaped, actually released for not being crazy anymore) from Arkham demands an explanation, which never comes. Bermejo's art is quite good, and suits the overall tone and style of the story. Joker's design is pretty obviously based around Heath Ledger, which I have mixed feelings about. I found Riddler's design here more puzzling than anything else. Really, I think the whole book was an excuse to do an original book that would tie in with The Dark Knight while including as many villains as possible. And in most ways, it sadly fell flat.