Each week, DC Comics will be releasing a free—that's right, FREE—digital comic book issue featuring a sample chapter from one of our 25 Essential Graphic Novels as well as sample pages from the 2015 Essentials catalog. These special issues, which will be available for free for one week, are ideal for new fans looking to learn more about the DC Universe and its mature readers imprint Vertigo, and provide the perfect reading guide for those looking to wade the waters of DC Entertainment's extensive library of graphic novels and collections.

This week: Joker #1!

These days it seems easy to make a crack about a Joker tale bringing a smile to your face. However, we won't be making that joke here. Mainly because you'll be too busy picking your jaw off the floor from the insanely detailed and downright drool-worthy art and too absorbed in the noir-ish, "Goodfellas"-esque storyline that examines what life is like in Gotham City from the perspective of Joker's right-hand man. Spoiler: it's completely insane and ridiculously dangerous.

Written by Brian Azzarello with art by Lee Bermejo—the very same creative team behind another villain-centric tale, LUTHOR (not to be confused with the Idris Elba starring BBC television series "Luther")—the graphic novel brings such a brilliant sense of realism to the world of Gotham City that even the Christopher Nolan films seem more comic booky by comparison. Almost all of Batman's most infamous rogues make an appearance: the eponymous title character, obviously, Killer Croc, Two Face, Penguin. Their version of Riddler is especially inspired, in terms of both character design and criminal motivations.

It's difficult to go further into detail with the story without spoiling what makes it great, but if you're a fan of Batman and his Rogues Gallery (which, let's face it, who isn't?) you need to pick up DC COMICS ESSENTIALS: JOKER #1 for FREE starting January 6 until January 12 by clicking here!