Batman: The Man Who Laughs

Ed Brubaker and Doug Mahnke’s 2005 one-shot for DC revisits Batman’s first encounter with the Joker, a pivotal moment in the Dark Knight’s early career. This standalone story distills the essence of their iconic rivalry into a tense, psychological thriller, with Mahnke’s detailed art capturing the grim atmosphere of Gotham. It stands as a definitive modern take on the characters’ origins, often cited for its sharp characterization and noir sensibility.