Top 5 Moments From Batman: Death Of The Family

1. Masks

Batman and his allies have always hidden behind masks in order to protect their secret identities and the safety of those around them. In this story it is brought to the reader's attention that that safety might not exist anymore. As soon as the comic arc began Joker's actions seemed carefully planned out. The victims he chose and the places he went all toyed with the past and the memories of the Bat-family's identities. He showed up in the Batcave! Twice! He brought Nightwing to a circus owned and operated by Dick Grayson. He pitched Damian's father against him (he didn't do that for any of the other Bat-members, it was specific). The Joker even kidnapped Alfred! All of these attacks seemed far to "specially made" for them to be general scare tactics. Despite Bruce's claims, the Joker seemed like he knew exactly who they were under their masks. Any and every moment that showcased the Joker's knowledge of the Bat-family's identities was a great one. The absolute fear that ran through Damian and Tim when they heard that they might have been compromised was unusual for them and showed how menacing the Joker really was. If this mad man knew where these people slept at night, then what's to stop him from blowing up their houses and apartments. The Joker was dangerous enough, but this added a whole new level to his character. Bruce made it very obvious for him too, he handed the Joker the card and practically gave his identity away. But, it doesn't matter if the Joker knows, because, as mentioned in Batman #17, he will never see Bruce as a target, it would ruin his fun. But still, from this story and on the Joker knows who Batman is. But, does Batman know who he is? The reason that this got the number one spot on the list is because it can go any way. The best moment in the "Death Of The Family" story-arc was when Batman claimed to know the Joker's identity. After saving the family and chasing the Joker through the cave, he got a hold of the clown and started to beat him senseless. He might have even killed him this time. But, before the Joker slipped away again, the Bat said one thing that left all the readers wondering, "And this year, while you were away, I finally deduced it. Who you were before. Your name. Your history. Your family. All of it. Here. I'll whisper it to you... whisper it right into your ear, darling." After reading that page I realized that maybe Batman actually knew who the Joker was under that "mask" of skin he's been wearing this whole time. It is also possible that he was bluffing, but, what does he have to gain from lying? Nothing. I believe that Batman truly knows who the Joker is, but it doesn't matter. Now, this can be argued either way, which is what makes it such a great part of this great story. What did you think of "Death Of the Family"? What were your favorite parts? Did you like the Joker's final gag (the chemical formula being Ha)?