Batgirl devises a disturbing penitentiary for the Joker, imprisoning him within a simulated universe where he consistently falls short against Batman.
Although Batman declines to eliminate the Joker, Batgirl is prepared to subject him to a manufactured reality full of torment.
Perhaps Batgirl's Joker-resistant penitentiary offers the sole permanent solution to halt his campaign of horror.
Only a handful of institutions have the capability to contain the Joker, yet one of Batgirl's futuristic inventions promises to be the closest attempt at permanently vanquishing the Clown Prince of Crime.
Spoiler Alert for Batman #142! The infamous Phantom Zone, known for imprisoning even the most dangerous criminals that Superman himself couldn't handle, pales in comparison to the torturous confinement facility that Batgirl plans to create for the Joker. When Barbara Gordon assumes a leadership role at the GCPD, she designs an eerie prison tailored specifically for the Clown Prince of Crime.
In Batman #142, penned by Chip Zdarsky and illustrated by Giuseppe Camuncoli and Andrea Sorrentino, a peek into the future unveils a Gotham that has spiraled further into chaos with time. The Joker remains the most significant threat to Gotham, prompting future Commissioner Barbara Gordon to resort to drastic measures.
Instead of imprisoning the Joker in Arkham, the former Batgirl invents a machine that traps him in a virtual realm where he's doomed to repeatedly clash with, and succumb to, Batman. While this device proves effective, a negligent Arkham doctor inadvertently aids the Joker in fleeing from one of his most impregnable prisons.
Batgirl Nearly Constructs a Joker-Proof Prison
Superficially, the Joker may seem indistinguishable from Batman's other adversaries, such as the Riddler or Two-Face. However, the Joker has surpassed the atrocities committed by other Gotham villains. Having survived countless brushes with death and escaped from highly secure facilities, some consider eliminating the Joker as a permanent solution. Nevertheless, Batman and most of his compatriots choose to operate within the existing system, refusing to stoop to the level of their archenemy. While this system is imperfect, Batman steadfastly maintains his moral high ground.
Batgirl, conversely, possesses ample justification to desire Joker's torment. Although she would strictly adhere to Bruce's principle of preserving life, she derives pleasure in enslaving Joker within a fabricated realm where he experiences repeated defeats. Superman frequently faces criticism for his use of the Phantom Zone as a last resort, yet his severe penitentiary at least exists within the real world, rather than a fabricated one like Superman's imprisonment of his fiercest foes. Arguably, if anyone merits eternal captivity within a virtual domain, it is undoubtedly the Joker.
Is Batgirl's Joker Prison Justifiable?
Among the Bat-Family, Batgirl has made the most significant progress in vanquishing the Joker. Is it justifiable to confine an individual and distort their perception of reality? When it comes to the Joker, many would likely affirm this approach. Gotham's heroes possess limited means to permanently halt the Joker's antics, yet Batgirl's method nearly succeeded (it would have been effective if not for the misguided physician who aided Joker's escape). Although the Bat-Family treads a fine line, Batgirl's anti-Joker penitentiary might constitute the sole means to terminate his reign of dread permanently.
Batman #142, now available from DC Comics, showcases the talents of writer Chip Zdarsky, artists Giuseppe Camuncoli and Andrea Sorrentino, colorists Alejandro Sanchez and Dave Stewart, letterer Clayton Cowles, and cover artist Giuseppe Camuncoli. This edition, released in 2024, promises an engaging read.