The world inhabited by Spider-Man is filled with colorful supervillains, both deadly and ridiculous. But now that one of his most murderous old foes has returned to the Marvel Universe, he has done so with a major difference--making him more like Joaquin Phoenix's re-imagined Joker than anyone could have predicted.
As thrilling as it may be to consider how perfect a Spider-Man villain The Joker would make, it's the homicidal tendencies that the DC villains has most in common with Spidey's latest enemy. Since his introduction to the storyline, Stanley Carter (aka Sin-Eater) has been one serious threat to Spider-Man. While his actions are that of a crazed villain, some still view him as a savior for his motivations. Throughout the story, he spots the evil in those around him... and aims to "cleanse" them and the larger world of its sins. In his mind, justice requires drastic action.
This third installment of "Sins Rising" begins with a powerful monologue delivered by Sin-Eater himself. Entrusting Marvel reporter Norah Winters with a message for the public (and despite J Jonah Jameson's protest that the interview may incite violence), she claims that the media has a problem with acting as "self-appointed gatekeepers" while the public is kept in the dark, so the dangerous footage is released. After promising power to those who join his mission, it comes as no surprise that people line up to support the villain. What began as the radical ideals of one man imposed on others has now become a movement run by an army of vengeful, unpredictable criminals... drawing eerily similar parallels to the events incited by Joaquin Phoenix's character in Todd Phillips' Joker.
Despite their differences in approach, the philosophical views on society harbored by both Sin-Eater and Joker are remarkably similar. The commonly held perspective of Arthur Fleck, aka Joker, is that of a crazed maniac prone to homicidal tendencies in the name of his values. He believes that society lacks the class and decency that it once had, and he wants to rid the world of "awful" people. After appearing on live TV to share his thoughts, Gotham City devolves into anarchy, with supporters for the clown-faced symbol of justice filling the streets. And that is just what takes place in the latest issue of The Amazing Spider-Man #47.
Sin-Eater believes firmly in the validity of his mission; he has created a story in his head that the world must be cleansed of sin. Whereas Arthur Fleck unknowingly sparks a movement, Sin-Eater does so with the intention of building an army to support him. Fueled by a deep-rooted hatred for the darkness of society, he uses mass media to communicate directly with the people, just as the Joker does. Our hero must now fight off Marvel's version of this cinematic take on one of the most unhinged and unpredictable antagonists of all time.
Sin-Eater has the restraint to act in a methodical manor, capable of controlling his followers through psychological understanding and promises of power. He cleverly plays off of their desperation, and this gives him the potential to be an even bigger threat than the Joker. Norah's decision to broadcast his message has started a war., and now, it is up to Spider-Man to end it.