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tailored_books's review
3.0
Story Rankings:
1. Killer Croc
2. Harley Quinn
3. Mad Hatter
4. Two-Face
5. Riddler
6. Scarecrow
7. Penguin
8. Poison Ivy
9. Joker
10. Clayface
The emotional rollercoaster that I experienced reading this was wild. I was afraid I wouldn't enjoy the comic after the introductory story and the lackluster (and way over-sexualized) poison ivy story; however, the more I read, the more I gathered the central theme around the importance of feeling loved and respected. A lot of these short stories indeed drew me in and made me feel for these villains until their extreme reactions took place (Penguin, I'm looking at you). I love the Killer Croc story so much, I literally was hugging my copy to my chest on the brink of tears for Waylon. Overall, not my favorite story I've ever read but utilizing Joker as an unreliable narrator and allowing other writers/artists to step in for each story really allowed certain stories to shine.
1. Killer Croc
2. Harley Quinn
3. Mad Hatter
4. Two-Face
5. Riddler
6. Scarecrow
7. Penguin
8. Poison Ivy
9. Joker
10. Clayface
The emotional rollercoaster that I experienced reading this was wild. I was afraid I wouldn't enjoy the comic after the introductory story and the lackluster (and way over-sexualized) poison ivy story; however, the more I read, the more I gathered the central theme around the importance of feeling loved and respected. A lot of these short stories indeed drew me in and made me feel for these villains until their extreme reactions took place (Penguin, I'm looking at you). I love the Killer Croc story so much, I literally was hugging my copy to my chest on the brink of tears for Waylon. Overall, not my favorite story I've ever read but utilizing Joker as an unreliable narrator and allowing other writers/artists to step in for each story really allowed certain stories to shine.
august_18's review
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Moderate: Stalking, Kidnapping, and Death of parent
Minor: Alcohol and Infidelity
rebus's review
3.5
Slightly better than the 5 stories in the first volume. The Harley tale is especially good and the Hatter tale was as well, featuring a rare appearance on inks by Bill Sienkiewicz.
rags16_'s review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
katdjz's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this book. The Joker is just such a great character in general, but him hosting this storytime of sorts cracks me up. Having him tell 5 stories, each revolving around a different person kept things moving and interesting, and was great for me to get to know some different villains. It was just a lot of fun and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
maedo's review against another edition
4.0
So there's a running theme in four of these stories -- ill-fated luv for Mad Hatter, Harley Quinn, the Riddler, and Killer Croc -- and then a random Clayface story tacked on at the end. I'd have loved this collection too, but CLAYFACE, UGH. At least Mr. Freeze would have kept it thematically on point? Talia al Ghul and Bane?
just_fighting_censorship's review
2.0
After thoroughly enjoying the 'Tales from the Crypt" vibe of the first volume [b:Batman: Joker's Asylum|4328865|Batman Joker's Asylum|Jason Aaron|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1349036321s/4328865.jpg|4376671] this sequel was a letdown. All of the stories center around a love theme and the focal characters are The Mad Hatter, Harley Quinn, The Riddler, Killer Croc, and Clayface.
For me the book starts off on a sour note as the lead story, The Mad Hatter, is the weakest of the bunch. To make matters worse, it is followed by a Harley story that was so unimaginative that I could have sworn I've read it before. The Riddler story is noteworthy as the story itself is a bit of a riddle but the overall plot was unmemorable.
The best story is the Beauty and the Beast, a Killer Croc story, which stirred up a surprising amount of sympathy for Killer while also having an well constructed message.
The narration from the Joker was a bit forced, and the character's voice just wasn't quite right. Sometimes less is more, the repetitive gruesome statements felt more schlocky than shocking.
For me the book starts off on a sour note as the lead story, The Mad Hatter, is the weakest of the bunch. To make matters worse, it is followed by a Harley story that was so unimaginative that I could have sworn I've read it before. The Riddler story is noteworthy as the story itself is a bit of a riddle but the overall plot was unmemorable.
The best story is the Beauty and the Beast, a Killer Croc story, which stirred up a surprising amount of sympathy for Killer while also having an well constructed message.
The narration from the Joker was a bit forced, and the character's voice just wasn't quite right. Sometimes less is more, the repetitive gruesome statements felt more schlocky than shocking.
op_ivey's review
4.0
Just as good if not a little better than the first volume. I really liked the Riddler and Croc stories. Clayface was fun too. Worth checking out, fan of DCU or not!
teki_p's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
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