Joker: Folie à Deux And What's Making Us Happy

In *Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth*, Grant Morrison and Dave McKean present a groundbreaking, psychologically intense tale. The story follows Batman as he confronts his most dangerous foes and inner demons within the walls of Arkham Asylum. The graphic novel explores themes of sanity, identity, and the blurred lines between reality and madness, featuring a unique blend of symbolism and horror elements.

In 'Back Story', David Mitchell reflects on his life, including his childhood, university experiences, and career as a comedian. The book is structured around a walk in Kilburn, London, where Mitchell shares personal anecdotes and insights into his life and career. It offers a humorous and honest look at his journey to becoming a well-known television personality.

Heart of Darkness, written by Joseph Conrad, is a novella that examines the horrors of Western colonialism. The story is narrated by Marlow, who recounts his journey as a riverboat captain for a Belgian trading company in the Congo. Marlow's journey takes him deep into the African jungle, where he encounters the enigmatic and brutal ivory trader Kurtz. The novella delves into themes of power dynamics, morality, and the psychological impact of colonialism on both the colonizers and the colonized. It is a landmark of modern fiction, known for its narrative and symbolic power, as well as its acute psychological penetration[2][3][5].

Frank Miller's "The Dark Knight Returns" is a seminal graphic novel that reimagines Batman as an older, more brutal vigilante. The story explores themes of aging, violence, and the nature of heroism in a decaying urban landscape. Miller's gritty style and mature themes challenged the conventions of superhero comics, influencing subsequent interpretations of the character. The novel's impact on the superhero genre is undeniable, shaping how Batman and other characters are portrayed in subsequent works. Its exploration of violence and the moral ambiguities of heroism continues to resonate with readers.

The story follows Guy Fletcher, an actor who overhears a joke about his famous mother and decides to find its origin. His investigation leads him to a mysterious group and a company called Sphinx, which creates and distributes jokes to keep people from taking serious issues too seriously. Along the way, he falls in love with a woman named Sally, and together they face various challenges and dangers as they delve deeper into the mystery.