Vera Drew's film, 'The People's Joker,' a trans coming-of-age story told through the lens of a comic-book parody, has finally reached theaters after a period of 'skittish limbo.' Inspired by Todd Phillips' 'Joker,' the film serves as an unauthorized parody that highlights Drew's trans journey and the broader theme of villainization of her community, drawing inspiration from characters since 'Batman Forever.' Despite initial concerns from Warner Bros., the film has garnered attention for its unique approach to superhero fandom, challenging the norms with its 'queer coming-of-age fair use superhero world parody' and possibly marking a significant moment in the superhero genre's history. Critics have praised the film for its value as 'outsider art' and its bold take on the superhero world through a queer lens.
When Vera Drew set out to make 'The People’s Joker' her goal was to tell a trans coming-of-age story using characters that had inspired her since 'Batman Forever.' When she was done, things got weird. https://t.co/FaQ7Kd7H63
Vera Drew Was So Inspired by Todd Phillips' 'Joker' That She Made an Unauthorized Parody Film About Her Trans Journey: 'My Community Is Completely Villainized' https://t.co/yeINZgSqbQ
Taking the comics and comedy universe hostage with The People’s Joker, Vera Drew https://t.co/n6zhjWVmQs https://t.co/9Q2wqEzmUv
“The People’s Joker” isn’t going to end the 2010s superhero boom all by itself. But Vera Drew’s “queer coming-of-age fair use superhero world parody” might just be the killing blow: https://t.co/rhjkNYbXT4
IndieWire debuts an exclusive clip from Vera Drew's "The People's Joker." We break down how she is doing the exact thing that studios have been asking superhero fans to do for years: https://t.co/sxJlznrwIH https://t.co/dM2PnkFoZa
The People’s Joker review: Transgender comic-book parody highlights the value of outsider art https://t.co/MDPN9swyqj https://t.co/nvhVFdxGcJ
Vera Drew used the Joker to tell a trans coming-of-age story. When Warner Bros. found out, the filmmaker wasn’t sure what would come next. Her film, “The People’s Joker,” is finally reaching theaters after a skittish limbo. https://t.co/fb6Qy73Kpy