Following up on Batman: Zero Year, Scott Synders Batman: Endgame story deals directly with the issue of the Jokers origin, as it plays with the idea that the Joker's back-story is a compilation of ever-evolving narratives. Having miraculously returned from the grave with this face in tact (read Death Of The Family for more details), the Joker reveals to Batman that he knows his secret identity and he plans on ending their long-term relationship. The Joker then releases a new version of the Joker toxin, an "incurable" air-born pathogen that spreads across Gotham turning everyone into crazy Joker zombies. Later, Jim Gordon discovers pictures of the Joker dating back to decades before the Jokers first appearance. The Joker shows up and attacks Gordon, who in turn shoots the Joker in the head. Although the bullet should have killed him, the Joker remains unharmed, revealing that the character now somehow has regenerative capabilities. Throughout the story, the Jokers origin is called into question, as each issue has a backup story that provides a different account of how the Joker came to be. Essentially, the Joker is now claiming that he is immortal and has been around forever. Eventually, Batman deduces that the Joker is using a serum called Dionesum for his regenerative properties. And with the help of Julia Pennyworth, Batman discovers that the new Joker toxin is the inverse of that serum; however, in order to cure the city, he must obtain a sample of Dionesum. The story ends with Batman and the Joker fighting in the caves underneath Gotham, where the Joker found the original source of the Dionesum. As the cave collapses on the two of them, Batman clings to the Joker and reveals that his plan has failed, as Julia has created an anecdote to the new toxin. The cave crumbles, burying both Batman and the Joker. Needless to say, Endgame was a controversial addition to the Joker mythos. Synder has written a unique story that only adds to the mystery of the Joker's origin, leaving the question of the Joker's immortality unresolved. With various competing narratives, this postmodern take on the Joker calls into question everything that has been established about the Clown Prince of Crime.
Since childhood, Bryant has been an avid fan of superheroes, and he has been reading comic books since 2006. His full name is "George Bryant Lucas"; however, after enduring countless Darth Vader jokes, he has chosen to go by his middle name. Born and raised in the United States, Bryant is currently living with his lovely wife in the country side of Wiltshire County, UK. Bryant does suffer from a mild case of dyslexia; misspellings and homonyms are to be expected on occasion.
