2. The Man Who Laughs - Ed Brubaker And Doug Mahnke
Set in Batman's early days, The Man Who Laughs tells the story of Batman and Joker's first encounter. A madman is killing Gotham's elite using a toxin that drives them to laugh hysterically before dying with an unpleasant rictus grin plastered on their faces. As the deaths continue, the focus shifts to one of Gotham's wealthiest: Bruce Wayne. But if Bruce is being watched night and day by the GCPD, how will Batman stop the Joker? The Man Who Laughs takes its name from a 1928 silent film adaptation of Victor Hugo's novel starring Conrad Veidt. Allegedly, Jerry Robinson, Joker's creator, was inspired by the terrifying look of the lead actor, Conrad Veidt, and used it as a basis for Joker's appearance. That said, the Golden Age Joker was toned down a lot to make him less horrific.
The story itself, set shortly after Year One, shows Batman struggling to discover who the Joker is and how to defeat him. It's an interesting read as we see an inexperienced Batman who doesn't know the Joker yet so he's not as streamlined at defeating him as he usually is, and the finale at Gotham Reservoir is one for the ages. Doug Mahnke's art depicts the vivid effects of Joker toxin on its victims and Brubaker's script makes the story feel more and more claustrophobic as it goes on, ratcheting up the tension as it nears its conclusion. The Man Who Laughs is a first class Joker story: menacing, twisted, exciting, and mesmerising - it's Batman and Joker at their finest.