The sequel to last year's Thrillkiller mini-series is just as good, if not better. There's something interesting about the DC Elseworlds stories, the chance to see sometimes-more-intriguing-than-the-original variants of DCU characters. In this case it's the Batman mythology (again) but features Batman following Batgirl's lead. The Joker is a female, the ringleader of a major drug syndicate. We are introduced to variants of Harley Quinn, Roy Harper, the Black Canary, and Killer Croc. The story is an extention of its predecessor, following Barbara Gordon's breakdown since the loss of her lover Richard Graustark (Robin). This one shot focuses more on Bruce Wayne as well, still on the run for a framed murder he did not commit, and still trying to bring down the Joker's empire. With the help of his partner's widow, they bring down the smiley bitch, and things begin to finally look up in the bleak 60's of Gotham City.
Chaykin wrote a well crafted and well rounded story, leaving it open for so much more, yet finishing it off in a way that you don't ever have to read another Thrillkiller again. Brereton is an absolute master at creepyness, using dull colors to accentuate the bleak world of the main characters. The guy paints the mood perfectly.
Finely crafted and highly recommended