109. Joker on the High Seas by J.E. Bright

Joker on the High Seas by J.E. Bright. Illustrated by Shawn McManus  (Canada) - (US)
DC Super Villains

Pages: 54
Ages: 8+
Finished: Apr. 12, 2012
First Published: Jan. 1, 2012
Publisher: Stone Arch Books
Genre: children, early chapter book, superheroes
Rating: 4/5


First sentence: "Even though his arms ached, the Joker couldn't help but grin."

Publisher's Summary: "When the JOKER hijacks a ship in GOTHAM HARBOR, no one is safe. The self-proclaimed Clown Prince of Pirates plans to attack the city by sea! Luckily, two brave and bold buccaneers, BATMAN and ROBIN, are on the case. Will the DYNAMIC DUO swab the deck with this seafaring super-villain, or will they walk the Prince’s plank?"

Acquired: Received a review copy from Capstone Publishing.

Reason for Reading: We love the DC Super Heroes series and were excited to see this new companion series featuring the villains!

The Joker's ultimate plan here is to get Batman and he thinks he's got the perfect plan this time.  The book is written in the third person but from the Joker's point of view.  The reader has insight into his thoughts and state of mind but not into Batman or Robin's.  This really makes the story fun for superhero fans who love to hate the villains and the Joker is a nasty piece of business.  While in the last book read in this series Lex Luthor did have human qualities which make some fans, including me!, actually like the villain.  The Joker, on the other hand, is all nasty and it is fun to read as he over-confidently puts his plan in motion and then watch as the Dynamic Duo eventually bring him down to size.  But will the Joker get caught or does he have enough time to make a getaway?  Very pleased with this series which has all the qualities of its predecessor series with the added bit of extra fun in seeing things from the villains' side for a change.