Batman Death of Family Vol 3 Death of Family carries on the story of Joker, where he has come back from his hiding in Gotham and is now targeting the Bat family, he has gone so far as to harm Harley Quinn as well. Here is the part of the story from the book.
Harley Quinn looks around the room which is illuminated by a single light bulb, she calls out to check if Joker’s there. No one has seen him in a year, since he cut his face in Arkham Asylum; So she looks around confused – Joker had asked her to come to this place but it’s dark and seems like no one is here. Joker calls from the darkness asking her to take off all of her clothes, she does as she’s asked, stripping down to no clothes and then she’s handed over a suit and realizes that she’s about to be of Joker’s height. She exclaims that she’s gonna look just like him, and Joker exclaims “That’s the point!” But there’s one thing wrong – your pretty face spoils everything, I need to remove it! She retorts “Won’t it hurt”, “Oh yeah tremendously you’ll never experience a worst pain in your life, but worst part is the eyes!” She panics and screams “No!” Joker moves quickly and slashes her face.
Commissioner Gordon walked into the police station like he would any day and got to discuss cases with his fellow police officers, when suddenly he saw someone at the end of hallway and suddenly lights go out – and all realise it’s the Joker! Shots are fired, bodies fall on the floor, but police don’t know what to do. Eventually lights are put back and stands Batman over Gordon and he asks him where is Joker, but Jim had to console Batman that he is gone.
Batman returns to BatCave to see television on and a man in Joker’s face paint is reading teleprompter and announces to Gotham – the Joker’s back! He was gone for a little while but he has returned! And he will kill the Mayor Hady at midnight! And then the Joker shoots the man dead on Live television. Later it was found that it was John Claridge, son of a diamond magnate. He also used Joker Toxin for the first time. Bat family calls him to ask whether they can assist him in locating Joker, but Batman refuses all help and declares “I’ll handle him”.
Every entrance to mayor’s office is sealed to ensure no one gets in or out. The glass is bulletproof, walls are three feet thick and literally a fortress. “That Damn clown has no way in” declares Mayor but Gordon stands by his requirement of having some men with him. So he finally relents and allows them to stay. Gordon waits till evening but no Joker yet. Everything seems to be going fine, until entire police force with Mayor seem to have a twisted frown and die awkwardly. After investigation from the toxin samples, it is found to be a binary compound that was used at two places – one as a floor cleaner which Mayor had a couple of days back and another activating compound on the police force’s clothes.
Batman goes to where it all started – A.C.E. Chemicals factory – once he gets there, he sees someone with a red Hood calling out “I have been waiting for you, old friend!” You’re not Joker, Batman exclaims and he jumps at the Red Hood. But she declares ‘It is here you showed me the skin beneath my skin. Little trip down memory lane. How I have missed you Batssss!! Telling out to come out and Play… So Will you?’Pushes him hard and says “You’re too slow! Too slow to save the policeman, too slow the mayor’s man and too slow to play with me. you’ve gotten fat and soft. your kingdom rots beneath you”.
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Don’t worry I am here to save you from allies, your friends, the ones making you slow. and help you focus says Red Hood before Batman comes over and takes out the Red Hood to find Harley with tears in her eyes! Where’s he Harley, screamed Batman and Harley replies “Joker’s not the same anymore” Joker is actually in Wayne’s family home, taking a swing at Alfred Pennyworth “Stop me if you have heard this one!” … Batman screams at Harley to open the enclosure, Harley pushes chemicals onto him and escapes. But somehow Batman remembers the chemical composition and escapes just in time.
He heads straight back to BatCave where he announces inmates to be on highest possible alert as Joker may be targeting them individually. He walks around Wayne’s Manor looking and calling out for Alfred but can’t find him. After much searching, he finds a cassette in a package and plays it, but to his much horror finds Joker in it torturing Alfred. “I hope u don’t mind my borrowing your butler. I am planning something special and I hear he’s simply the best” and tortures Alfred by burning his eyes with Ammonia!
While lost in his thoughts on what’s happening, Batman sees its marked Gordon and straightway heads off to Jim’s house. He tells him about Joker’s kidnapping Alfred who opines “It’s what I hate the most about that lunatic, with everyone else there’s some logic, some motive that makes sense, but with him what you can do is just react, see who his next target is”, to which Batman replies, “you are his next target”. I have come over to take you to a bunker I keep, Jim said Batman. He doesn’t want to accompany Batman without taking Joker to task, seeing one of the old photographs where her daughter was attacked by Joker when he suddenly bleeds! Batman hold him and admits him to the hospital.
Batman explains to Nightwing all that has transpired and makes him understand that everyone related to batman is in danger, and tells him not to reveal to anybody as Emotions may get better of them but Joker will be in advantage as won’t be in control and Joker is already after them. “ I can barely keep control myself, Dick! And I can’t take the risk. I am asking you to keep this to yourself for now” But he’s gonna see Joker soon. With Nightwing wanting to accompany, Batman asks him to move to Aqueduct as Joker is re-enacting his crimes. “He’s picking and choosing from our early encounters, redoing them but in inverted way”. Thus, he would end with the water reservoir where it all began.
Batman is welcomed by Joker, “Hello darling!!” Batman questions him, “What is this all about Joker? Where’s Pennyworth?” Joker lets out a laugh, “Always straight to the business Batssss. Not even a Hug Hello, Bata rang to the head?” I took care of everything don’t worry about the remote and the poison! Because already I have captured the people!
Joker makes fun of Batman of what he did the last time they were at the Water Bridge, “You would wait for the call from Nightwing. throw Batarang from behind your back just like last time. I’d get hit but being fast push the remote and poison water but your Robin would blow up Aqueduct. But this time I went ahead and well, got THEM!” Showing Batman, the dead bodies, he chuckled “See! It’s all done. The water is poisoned, aqueduct blown and the people are dead. Now we can talk!” Before Batman can pounce on him, Joker traps him “Now we can chat, old friend!” He claims “That’s all I have tried to do for you Batssss. Bring you the Worst News, so you might Survive it and Become STRONG!”
Joker shouted at the top of his voice “I Know who you are! All of you Batman and company, beneath your masks. I know your secret identities! I’m coming for you all, one by one because you’re the real bad ones! The true Villains!” he goes on taunting Batman “Look at him! He can’t even cage a few old owls without your help anymore! Within 72 hours you’ll all be dead and here’s the punch line – BATMAN will be the one who KILLS you” As Joker thundered, Batman roars “You know nothing… you’re nothing but degenerate filth!” As police round them up, Batman screams “It’s between you and me Joker. leave them alone!” and he ignites his gloves on fire, charges at the Joker grabbing him by his neck. But Joker kisses him and transmits toxin to Batman who is paralysed, flounders, and Joker pushes him into the water below!
Batman wakes back in BatCave saved by his family after having a bad dream about Alfred turning into Joker and attacking him. All of his family, including Todd, want to know what’s going on. Bruce proceeds to go but everybody stop him for their answer. They ask whether Joker finally knows their real identity and why Bruce didn’t tell them about Alfred being kidnapped. Bruce explains that he didn’t want them to get emotional and kept it to himself. He explains that it was because of Bruce Wayne’s connection to Batman Inc. that Joker took Alfred. But they persist with Batman of what’s he hiding. Batman then opens up!
Back when he started as a Batman, his next meeting with Joker was on a blimp, using which Joker tried to gas the city. Once Batman stopped Joker, the blimp crashed into the bay. Batman spent the next few hours getting the blimp out of the bay before it could poison anyone. Then, he looked for Joker and angry that he could not find him, got back to the BatCave. He was so furious that he couldn’t get Joker that he went straight to his bed, without even checking any of the safeguards! But few hours later, when he came down he found something in the water beside the boat – a Joker Card!
All in Bat family is shocked! Dickson, in fury asked “You’re saying Joker gotten into the cave?” Barbara exclaimed “He’d know who’s Bruce Wayne, and if he figured that out it’d be easy enough by association to figure out who all of us are!”.But Batman shrugs their claims and says “NO! he didn’t get into the cave Barbara, I’m sure of it. Because it would’ve been impossible to bypass the Batboat sensors, hold his breath for about 5 miles, hold onto the Batboat travelling at 50 miles/hour, which even we aren’t capable of, and avoid all BatCave sensors” But everybody isn’t so sure of his assurance.
Nightwing says in disbelief “No offense Bruce, but Joker’s been pulling off the impossible”. Batman just walksout from the BatCave, saying he has a lead and leaving all in wonder why he hasn’t asked for any help from them, while Batman asks all of them to be safe.
Batman follows one of the henchmen who worked with Joker on the reservoir bridge the other day, incidentally also a guard at Arkham Asylum. He admits to his wrongdoing. Joker has the entire staff at Arkham as hostage and controls the entire facility. Batman enters the asylum and he witnesses how horrific Joker has turned this place of healing into. Batman sees guards dancing in Batman and Joker costumes all around and pleading for Joker to stop. But unfortunately Batman can’t release them, as push of a button will kill them out of electrocution. Joker welcomes Batman “They dance for you! The whole place is alive” Batman deactivates the electrical pulses going to their feet before Joker can kill all of them!
Batman walks into the next room, cutting through the stables where a flaming horse charges towards him. Batman somehow keeps away and walks into a darkened room – lights come on with Joker exclaiming “Chance to a sparring with your royal knights!” with Batman finishing them all and leaving, Joker shows him the “Royal Tapestry” – on the wall, Batman sees bodies sewn together displaying greatest fights between Joker and Batman, and as he leaves for Joker, they shout “Hail the Bat King!” trying to distract him.
Batman then disposes of his groundskeeper Mr. Freeze, his royal player Clayface, royal physician Scarecrow and finally he gets to top of Arkham Asylum where all wait for him in Royal court, led by Joker! He sees that all are dressed up as in Justice League – individuals that Joker intends to torture. Batman jumps in to stop them from pulling chainsaw which tortures them, but the Joker lowers the bars in front to stop Batman from coming to them. Batman slings onto the power cable and whoa! No power to raise the bars and they get locked.All exclaim that he has won, but Joker has other plans. “I don’t think so. look to your left, Batssss, will you?”
Batman is shocked to see his family being hit, torturedby Joker and says “Now sit on your throne” with Hail cheers from his league. Batman is electrocuted. While Harvey Dent and Penguin discuss whether Batman’s dead and prepare to shoot him, Joker captures them in his cell through downing the bars. Harvey screams “Open these damn bars! We’ll follow as long as Batman dies. We have right to see this through”. But Joker shows them a glimpse of what’s in store and leaves for his ‘special’ dinner with the Bat family!
Part 2
Joker makes fun of Batman of what he did the last time they were at the Water Bridge, “You would wait for the call from Nightwing. throw Batarang from behind your back just like last time. I’d get hit but being fast push the remote and poison water but your Robin would blow up Aqueduct. But this time I went ahead and well, got THEM!” Showing Batman, the dead bodies, he chuckled “See! It’s all done. The water is poisoned, aqueduct blown and the people are dead. Now we can talk!” Before Batman can pounce on him, Joker traps him “Now we can chat, old friend!” He claims “That’s all I have tried to do for you Batssss. Bring you the Worst News, so you might Survive it and Become STRONG!”
Joker shouted at the top of his voice “I Know who you are! All of you Batman and company, beneath your masks. I know your secret identities! I’m coming for you all, one by one because you’re the real bad ones! The true Villains!” he goes on taunting Batman “Look at him! He can’t even cage a few old owls without your help anymore! Within 72 hours you’ll all be dead and here’s the punch line – BATMAN will be the one who KILLS you” As Joker thundered, Batman roars “You know nothing… you’re nothing but degenerate filth!” As police round them up, Batman screams “It’s between you and me Joker. leave them alone!” and he ignites his gloves on fire, charges at the Joker grabbing him by his neck. But Joker kisses him and transmits toxin to Batman who is paralysed, flounders, and Joker pushes him into the water below!
Batman wakes back in BatCave saved by his family after having a bad dream about Alfred turning into Joker and attacking him. All of his family, including Todd, want to know what’s going on. Bruce proceeds to go but everybody stop him for their answer. They ask whether Joker finally knows their real identity and why Bruce didn’t tell them about Alfred being kidnapped. Bruce explains that he didn’t want them to get emotional and kept it to himself. He explains that it was because of Bruce Wayne’s connection to Batman Inc. that Joker took Alfred. But they persist with Batman of what’s he hiding. Batman then opens up!
Back when he started as a Batman, his next meeting with Joker was on a blimp, using which Joker tried to gas the city. Once Batman stopped Joker, the blimp crashed into the bay. Batman spent the next few hours getting the blimp out of the bay before it could poison anyone. Then, he looked for Joker and angry that he could not find him, got back to the BatCave. He was so furious that he couldn’t get Joker that he went straight to his bed, without even checking any of the safeguards! But few hours later, when he came down he found something in the water beside the boat – a Joker Card!
All in Bat family is shocked! Dickson, in fury asked “You’re saying Joker gotten into the cave?” Barbara exclaimed “He’d know who’s Bruce Wayne, and if he figured that out it’d be easy enough by association to figure out who all of us are!”.But Batman shrugs their claims and says “NO! he didn’t get into the cave Barbara, I’m sure of it. Because it would’ve been impossible to bypass the Batboat sensors, hold his breath for about 5 miles, hold onto the Batboat travelling at 50 miles/hour, which even we aren’t capable of, and avoid all BatCave sensors” But everybody isn’t so sure of his assurance.
Nightwing says in disbelief “No offense Bruce, but Joker’s been pulling off the impossible”. Batman just walksout from the BatCave, saying he has a lead and leaving all in wonder why he hasn’t asked for any help from them, while Batman asks all of them to be safe.
Batman follows one of the henchmen who worked with Joker on the reservoir bridge the other day, incidentally also a guard at Arkham Asylum. He admits to his wrongdoing. Joker has the entire staff at Arkham as hostage and controls the entire facility. Batman enters the asylum and he witnesses how horrific Joker has turned this place of healing into. Batman sees guards dancing in Batman and Joker costumes all around and pleading for Joker to stop. But unfortunately Batman can’t release them, as push of a button will kill them out of electrocution. Joker welcomes Batman “They dance for you! The whole place is alive” Batman deactivates the electrical pulses going to their feet before Joker can kill all of them!
Batman walks into the next room, cutting through the stables where a flaming horse charges towards him. Batman somehow keeps away and walks into a darkened room – lights come on with Joker exclaiming “Chance to a sparring with your royal knights!” with Batman finishing them all and leaving, Joker shows him the “Royal Tapestry” – on the wall, Batman sees bodies sewn together displaying greatest fights between Joker and Batman, and as he leaves for Joker, they shout “Hail the Bat King!” trying to distract him.
Batman then disposes of his groundskeeper Mr. Freeze, his royal player Clayface, royal physician Scarecrow and finally he gets to top of Arkham Asylum where all wait for him in Royal court, led by Joker! He sees that all are dressed up as in Justice League – individuals that Joker intends to torture. Batman jumps in to stop them from pulling chainsaw which tortures them, but the Joker lowers the bars in front to stop Batman from coming to them. Batman slings onto the power cable and whoa! No power to raise the bars and they get locked.All exclaim that he has won, but Joker has other plans. “I don’t think so. look to your left, Batssss, will you?”
Batman is shocked to see his family being hit, tortured by Joker and says “Now sit on your throne” with Hail cheers from his league. Batman is electrocuted. While Harvey Dent and Penguin discuss whether Batman’s dead and prepare to shoot him, Joker captures them in his cell through downing the bars. Harvey screams “Open these damn bars! We’ll follow as long as Batman dies. We have right to see this through”. But Joker shows them a glimpse of what’s in store and leaves for his ‘special’ dinner with the Bat family!
Part 3
Batman slowly wakes up and finds himself and his family with gunny bags over their head, and Joker welcomes them in his own creepy style. “What did you do Joker”, cried Batman, while he calls his servant to the table. Alfred walks over, and removes bags to reveal that their faces are wrapped in bloody bandages!! With everybody guessing what would be served in their plates, all let out a huge gasp of disbelief when they see their own faces been cut-off and kept in ice packs and served to them! Joker lets out a huge roar and ignites the table in which they are sitting. But Batman knows these caves as one among many outside Bat Cave, he pulls off a support beam and allows all the gushing water from above to put out the raging fire. He runs over to Damian to be sure whether his own son if ok. Preparing for the worst, he starts peeling off bandages from him to reveal the extent of damages done….
Only to find that it was a again a sick joke from Joker! Batman goes off to capture Joker but a bomb containing Joker toxin goes off in the room, infecting everybody and thus causing everyone to go on a murderous rampage. Batman gets hold of Joker and punches him so hard that he peels off his skin! But Joker reminds Batman that all his family is gonna soon die, but Batman claims “I have faith in them, they’re not gonna die!… They make me stronger”
Joker gets angrier, spits some acid on his face to escape from him and commit suicide from cliff, but Batman catches him and tells him, “I have been thinking what you said that we should end this once and for all.. I did what you didn’t do.. This is the spot where you fell off years ago.. All these years when you were away I figured out who you are, the person before Joker.. I know your history, family.. all of it! I will whisper it into your ear, darling!” And Batman pulls him closer and starts whispering, “Joker, your real name is…” Joker pulls off and buzzes Batman in the face with hand buzzer, forcing himself down waterfall.
Batman lost the faith of his family, nobody eager to take with him regarding this. Bruce went to the Bat Cave where it is revealed that he didn’t know Joker’s real identity and looks up the chemical compound that was in Joker’s toxin: Ha Ha Ha