The New Batman Proves What Makes the Joker So Special
Warning: Spoilers for I Am Batman #10 ahead!
As the Batman of New York City, Jace Fox may have his hands full with a serial killer but he's yet to come across a threat anywhere as deadly as the Joker — though not for lack of effort. Although this new villain, Manray, has tried to match the Joker's sense of showmanship and style, all he's managed so far is to highlight just what makes the Joker such a credible threat. As he currently stands, Manray simply isn't a plausible nemesis for the new Batman.
In this spinoff of Future State, Timothy 'Jace' Fox has set up operations as Batman in New York City. His current target, a serial killer named Manray, outwardly ticks all the boxes necessary to be compared to the Joker: his brutal murders make other Batman villains seem G-rated, his mask creates a striking visual motif, and he views death and chaos as his «art.» As Manray moves his way through increasingly higher profile victims, Batman is hard-pressed to put a stop to him.
Related: DC's New Batman Is Totally Flipping Bruce Wayne's Reliance on Gadgets
I Am Batman #10, by John Ridley, Christian Duce, and Rex Lokus, sets the stage for their biggest confrontation yet. Having intimated that his next target is the mayor, Manray makes good on his threat and attacks city hall, ripping through aides and bodyguards. Despite an armed team of guards waiting in the lobby, the mayor arrives to find them all slaughtered and Manray waiting for him. Batman arrives at the nick of time and after a tense battle, Manray is subdued.
Sadly, there’s little to justify Manray’s apparent rampage, exposing him as another Joker copycat. With no powers or martial training, only a spiked iron on a chain, there is no explanation given as to why a team of
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