Superman: Emperor Joker Reading Guide

Overview:

Emperor Joker is a DC Comics storyline that ran in late 2000 across several Superman titles. The primary writers include Jeph Loeb and Joe Kelly, with Ed McGuinness being the main artist. The story revolves around the Joker gaining near-omnipotent powers through tricking Mister Mxyzptlk, an imp from the Fifth Dimension. With these abilities, the Joker essentially reshapes reality to his whims.

The primary conflict pits Superman and Batman against this new all-powerful Joker. Superman, as the story’s central protagonist, must grapple with the Joker’s chaotic version of reality, pushing him and Batman to their limits. The Joker’s limitless power makes him a terrifying villain, as he freely distorts life, death, and even the laws of physics to satisfy his unpredictable mind.

Upon release, Emperor Joker received a mixed but generally positive reception. Fans appreciated its surreal elements and how it explored the psychological battle between Superman and the Joker. Critics noted that while it was an interesting take on the Joker’s chaos, some parts felt convoluted or too outlandish. Ed McGuinness’ art was praised for capturing both the lighthearted and terrifying aspects of the Joker’s altered universe. Overall, it’s seen as a unique and imaginative Superman storyline.

Best Way To Read:

• Superman: Emperor Joker
  • Collects: Superman #160-161, Adventures Of Superman #582-583, Superman: Man Of Steel #104-105, Action Comics #769-770 And Superman: Emperor Joker #1

For crossover and significant events, I typically only read the main story the first time I encounter it. Trying to read all of the tie-ins with the story tends to make them increasingly convoluted and are not crucial to the main narrative. However, I think they are important to read, as many series-shifting plotlines can happen.

For the tie-in issues, I only read them as they come up in the reading guide that I am working through. This can become problematic because the tie-in issues are not always included in collected editions of the event. So you may need to hunt for them.

Reading Order:

References:

• Comic Book Herald
• Comic Book Reading Orders

Feature Image from Superman #161 cover art by Cam Smith, Comicraft, T. Horie, Danny Miki, and KANO