Non-laughing Joker and Riddler with no riddles to tell?

DC Universe Rebirth series continue to surprise me with fresh stories created for old wildly recognised characters. What happened this time to my beloved characters? Here is the brief overview of current Batman #24-#25.

Unbelievably, The Joker has lost his taste for laughing! What an irony to be a clown with no smile but a huge displeased frown indeed.

Desperately trying to return to his regular path of ensuring mayhem in Gotham, The Clown Prince of Crime murders dozens of comedians in attempt to recover himself from the most sudden, unhappiest and joyless state of mind. Severely depressed  by the lack of his own persona, he can't make peace with his mind, boiling in his insanity.

He jokes, he kills, he leaves blood paths, but he no longer laughs.


















At the time of Joker's misery, the Riddler experiences a similar problem - his riddles feel void and senseless, unoriginal and worthless. Sick of his obnoxious mood he comes to conclusion that Batman is responsible for his discomfort. Determined, he finds the Joker to offer alliance in killing their common enemy. That way, he had figured, no one will be left unsatisfied. However, as expected, the clown doesn't want to share his arch-nemesis fall with another villain, so he shoots the Riddler in the stomach that the latter will transform into a question mark.

The Joker's betrayal then leads to a war that none of the gothamies had ever seen in their worst nightmares. Former inmates of Arkham are fast to choose their side in the battle and soon the city becomes a playground of two prideful men. After some time, Batman, from whose point of view the story is told to Cat-woman, realises he must take one's side too. Not as Batman, but as Bruce Wayne. If he gives money to one, another will be killed. That's what I love his comic series for - the decisions hero is forced to make explore the ambiguity of morality. Whom will he ally with and who will be left aside? How will Selina react to his confession on a bridge of marriage?

Just knowing this plot line makes me giddy with excitement - my favourite character - the Joker - is back to the stage parading a war! What more can a fan dream about? Now, the story is yet to be finished, and I wonder if the ending will live up to my expectations. Wouldn't forgive King for bringing my hopes up, would I? Also, if the clown dies, I'm quitting DC, that's for sure.

Waiting for the juicy Batman #30-32 will be hard, I feel. But I will keep you, guys, updated on the development of the story.
Hopefully, I didn't spoil too much or too little. Anyway, you can express you opinion freely and help me in bringing you better stories. Also, what do you think the Bats will do? Is he bluffing? Whose side would you chose (if you were immortal, 'cos these bastards kill even their own people)?

Comments are highly appreciated!

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