| Batman: The Killing Joke |  | Author: Alan Moore
Publisher: Action Direct Distribution
Category: Book
Buy Used: $49.95
Used (2) from $49.95
Rating:  188 reviews
Sales Rank: 2549711
Media: Paperback
ISBN: 9999390145
EAN: 9789999390149
ASIN: 9999390145
Publication Date: November 1988
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Condition: Publisher: D.C. ComicsDate of Publication: 1988Binding: Soft CoverEdition: First EditionCondition: Near FineDescription: 4to - over 9?" - 12" tall A modern classic; one of the best-written & most literate Batman stories ever published. Winner of an Eisner award as best graphic album of 1988. Cited as one of "The 101 Best Graphic Novels" (Stephen Weiner, 2001).
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Amazon.com Review
The Killing Joke, one of my favorite Batman stories ever, stirred a bit of controversy because the story involves the Joker brutally, pointlessly shooting Commissioner Gordon's daughter in the spine. This is a no-holds-barred take on a truly insane criminal mind, masterfully written by British comics writer Alan Moore. The art by Brian Bolland is so appealing that his depiction of the Joker became a standard and was imitated by many artists to follow.
Product Description
One of the most famous Batman stories of all time is offered for the first time in hardcover in this special twentieth-anniversary edition. This is the unforgettable that forever changed Batman's world, adding a new element of darkness with its unflinching portrayal of The Joker's twisted psyche. Writer Alan Moore, acclaimed author of WATCHMEN and V FOR VENDETTA, offers his take on the disturbing relationship between The Dark Knight and his greatest foe. The Clown Prince of Crime has never been more ruthless than in this brutal tale. This special new edition also includes a story written and exquisitely illustrated by Brian Bolland.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 183 more reviews...
 Good, but not great January 6, 2009
While the art is fantastic I was a little disappointed by the brevity and lack of depth in the story. It just seemed to be over too quick and left me wanting more.
 Short read but an essential one January 6, 2009
What is there to say that hasn't already been said? The art and writing are top shelf and it comes in a grade A package. The only thing to deter you from reading this story is that it contains some mature imagery, so it's not for the kids.
 A historical moment in the Batman universe... January 5, 2009
The Killing Joke was good in the art and plot mediums. It's by no means my favorite Batman story, but it does cycle through nicely. The plot begins with Batman visiting with the Joker in Arkham. After eventually seizing him and smearing off some of his makeup, it transitions to the Joker "buying" what seems to be an abandoned amusement park that seems to have a few hazards riddled about it. From here on out the plot begins shifting back and forth between two stories:
1.) The Joker somehow gets out of Arkham and breaks into Jim Gordon's apartment where he shoots Barbara (Batgirl) in the hip thus paralyzing her from the waist down for life (this leads to her becoming "the Oracle" later). The Joker's goons then grab Jim and drag him off to the now demonized amusement park to put Jim through an assortment of hellish experiences and games all the while Batman is trying to track him down and stop all this.
2.) The other story is the Joker's origin, or at least one of the more popular ones. It involves the Joker as a then nice guy who quit his job at a chemical factory to become a stand-up comedian. Sadly, this turns out badly so he decides to help some ruffians cut through the chemical factory he quit from to rob the playing card company next door to help support his pregnant wife. His wife is eventually killed in an accident, but he continues on with the plan to aid the ruffians due to their threats. The ruffians give him a red helmet to help him reassure him that he will not be recognized. This results badly when Batman and a squad of police crack down on them and Batman thinks the Joker to be the same thief who wore the helmet on a separate occasion. To escape from Batman, the Joker jumps into the toxic chemical drainage where he ends up being washed up on some shore with an entirely mutated face, skin and personality.
Overall, I'd say that the story is good as is the art. Much of the style of the comic is very twisted and is laced with grim humor throughout, but that's to be expected when you're taken inside the mind of one of DC's sickest villains. Obviously, this is more about the Joker than it is Batman, so all you're essentially seeing throughout this is an assessment of the Joker from his origin to his strengths to his weaknesses. Batman is mearly the hero who inexplicably comes in to stop all this, although there is a constant assessment of the relationship between Batman and the Joker that surfaces once or twice in the story. Try it out.
Overated December 31, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I had heard so much about this story that I may have set myself up for a letdown. The art IS spectacular and it is a fine story. I just walked away from it feeling like I had missed something. It is no Watchmen or V for Vendetta.
Not the best joker....but December 28, 2008
This isn't bad i like the story, it's just missing something if you ask me I'm just not sure what it is. this joker to me was kinda a wuss totally awesome but he just seemed like he could have been so much better. the best part of the whole book was the end when he beat down batman that part was cool but the story up to it not so great
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