Kapitel 449: Idol's Mockery

It's evident that cutting social welfare is a foolish move; Commissioner Gordon feels it shouldn't happen.

Peter Parker agrees, "Exactly, basic welfare facilities give people hope, fostering a positive attitude rather than resorting to more extreme measures to retaliate against society. If the people and the environment were better around Mr Arthur, maybe he wouldn't have fallen into becoming the Joker. It's a regrettable situation."

Bruce Wayne frowns, "Budget cuts by the government surely indicate financial issues. If my father became the mayor, these basic welfare facilities would continue to exist."

Commissioner Gordon nods, "At least in our world, Thomas has indeed contributed a lot to Gotham. Many basic welfare facilities here were built with his financial support."

Of course, he can only confirm Thomas Wayne in his world. As for the Thomas Wayne in Arthur's world, based on the recent video, it's questionable.

In the video, Arthur is preparing to perform, not forgetting his dream of becoming an outstanding comedian. His girlfriend, Sophie, is among the audience. When Arthur takes the stage, before introducing himself, he suddenly falls ill, laughing uncontrollably.

Sparse laughter is heard from the audience, but most find it strange. Even if you're a comedian, if you haven't told a joke and you're laughing uncontrollably, what's going on?

Arthur laughs until his throat hurts, trying to control himself. After telling the first joke, which isn't funny, the audience remains quiet. Arthur, however, genuinely finds his own joke hilarious. This time it's not a seizure but genuine amusement.

Sophie, being supportive, smiles at him. Encouraged, Arthur takes out his notebook, flips to a page, and says, "Here's a funny one. I was thinking the other day, why are rich people always..."

The video doesn't provide a specific joke, but the audience reacts eagerly. Applause and laughter suggest Arthur's performance is successful, perhaps because he captures the current concerns of Gotham citizens—economic inequality.

After the performance, he goes on a date with Sophie. On the way, Arthur sees a newspaper about the subway shooting case, stating the killer has still not been caught yet. Arthur mocks the wanted image of the Joker.

Sophie notices and asks, "Do you believe what they're saying? I think this person is a hero!"

She refers to the murderer, and Arthur is pleased. He craves attention, especially from those he cares about.

Later, Arthur sees people wearing Joker masks, clearly imitating the subway shooter. This case becomes a catalyst, exposing the extreme wealth disparity in Gotham, leading the lower class to support the killer rather than the victims.

Regardless, Arthur is in good spirits that day. After returning home, he dances with his mother. However, his good mood ends abruptly when he secretly reads the letter his mother wrote to Thomas Wayne.

The audience has already seen this video, and some express regret: "Arthur's life is so tough. Just when things were getting better, bigger problems arose."

"To be honest, I feel like I'm going crazy, sympathizing with the Joker's madness... maybe Joker is right, madness has its allure, a person only needs a gentle push to fall."

"Arthur didn't just get a gentle push, he was forcefully pushed into the abyss. Honestly, if his circumstances were a bit better, the tragedy that follows might not have happened."

"Can you stop being self-righteous? Regardless, that's not an excuse or reason for Joker's crazy and terrifying actions! In my opinion, he should be killed, not sent to a mental hospital!"

Viewers engage in a heated discussion, aware of some subsequent plot developments. Arthur seeks Thomas Wayne to confirm his lineage, only to receive a more tragic lesson.

During this process, the impact of the subway shooting case intensifies. Many people protested against Thomas Wayne, and the influence of the case exploded.

When Arthur's mother suddenly falls seriously ill and is rushed to the hospital, it may be related to Arthur's previous questioning about his origins.

Arthur comes to the hospital to care for his mother, and Sophie accompanies him. After Sophie leaves, Arthur sees Murray's show on the hospital TV.

As he hears Murray's jokes, Arthur smiles along. However, his smile fades when he sees himself on the program.

Murray brings up a video of Arthur performing on stage at the comedy club, struggling to control his laughter due to his illness.

This video has likely gained attention in the media circle, prompting Murray to use it for some mockery.

Arthur silently watches the TV screen, expressionless. His eyes seem to radiate a chilling hostility, even frightening the audience outside the screen.

They notice this segment was missing from the previous videos about whether Arthur is the biological brother of Batman. Besides, viewers also notice another detail: "Look, don't you think Arthur's childhood photos look a lot like Bruce Wayne?"

After obtaining his mother's medical records, which include information about her adopting Arthur, there are childhood photos of Arthur. The previous videos didn't show this, and now, it indeed looks very much like Bruce Wayne!

"Is there a possibility that Arthur is indeed Thomas Wayne's illegitimate child but was abandoned due to a negative impact, and then Thomas Wayne arranged a psychiatric proof for Arthur's mother?"

"Wow, this is actually not impossible. Thomas Wayne is wealthy and influential; he could easily do this!"

"Give it a rest. The previous videos made it clear. Don't overthink it. Arthur's mother is delusional!"