"Batman: Cacophony"

DC sent me an advance copy of issue No. 1 of "Batman: Cacophony," written by Kevin Smith and featuring the return of the bizarre masked killer known as Onomatopoeia. In the first issue, Onomatopoeia frees the Joker from Arkham Asylum. I've got to say, Smith's take on Joker as a sexual deviant left me a little queasy. Joker's goal, it appears, is not just to kill Batman but to "defile his carcass sexually." Joker also drops his drawers in an anticipated reward for his rescuer. Amusing, perhaps, but out of character. I kept thinking, "Joker and Onomatopoeia Make a Porno." (Smith's "Zack and Miri Make a Porno" recently arrived in theaters.)

I did, however, really like the art by Smith's buddy, Walt Flanagan. And the story overall was entertaining.