batman

Publisher: DC Comics Writer: Alan Moore Artist: Brian Bolland Release Year: 1988 Batman: The Killing Joke is iconic. Written by the legendary Alan Moore and illustrated by Brian Bolland, this graphic novel changed the Dark Knight forever. Initially, it was intended as a standalone “Elseworlds” tale. However, it was so powerful that DC integrated it into the main continuity. Consequently, its influence is massive. You can see its DNA in everything from Tim Burton’s 1989 movie to the Batman: Arkham video game series (check out our Arkham Asylum Review here). But reviewing it nearly 40 years later, does it still hold up? The Premise: Madness is Gravity The story is less of a traditional superhero fight. Instead, it serves as a psychological case study. The Joker has a terrifying theory. He believes that “one bad day” is all it takes to turn the sanest man alive into a lunatic. To prove this, he targets Commissioner Jim Gordon. Furthermore, the comic tackles the Joker’s origin with beautiful tragedy. Moore weaves a tale of a failed comedian who loses everything in a single day. We sympathize with him. In fact, at certain points, you might even find yourself on his side. This is a difficult feat to pull off, considering the horrific crimes he commits in these pages. The Controversy: Barbara Gordon We cannot discuss The Killing Joke without addressing the elephant in the room. In his attempt to break Jim Gordon, the Joker shoots and paralyzes Barbara Gordon (Batgirl). Admittedly, this moment remains controversial. Critics argue it treats Barbara as a mere plot device. However, this tragedy eventually led to her reinvention as Oracle, one of the most important characters in the DC Universe. Moore’s writing is uncompromising, but it is undeniably brutal. The Art: Brian Bolland’s Masterpiece The writing is deep, yet the art is what makes this book legendary. Brian Bolland is a master of detail. Every frame is packed with nuance. From the cluttered desks of the police station to the white smear of paint on Batman’s glove, nothing is accidental. Moreover, Bolland’s use of light—or lack thereof—is genius. His version of the Joker is terrifyingly human. The manic expressions and detailed linework make this arguably the best the Clown Prince of Crime has ever looked. The Ending: Did Batman Kill The Joker? (Spoilers Ahead) The ending of The Killing Joke is the subject of endless debate. Batman rescues Jim Gordon. Despite the torture, Gordon remains sane. He demands Batman bring the Joker in “by the book,” proving the villain wrong. Nevertheless, the final panels are ambiguous. Batman and Joker share a joke in the rain. They laugh together. Then, the view shifts to their feet. The laughter stops abruptly. The lights go out. Did Batman finally snap? Grant Morrison famously theorized that Batman kills him. Hence the title: The Killing Joke. Whether you believe this theory or not, the ambiguity makes the ending perfect. Final Verdict Batman: The Killing Joke is an absolute masterpiece. It is short, sharp, and shocking. Therefore, it earns its place as one of the greatest graphic novels ever told. If you are looking to get into Batman comics, this is a great starting point. It requires no prior knowledge, yet it delivers a complete story. Score: 5/5 More Reviews from BGCP Review: Watchmen Review: Avengers Disassembled Check out our upcoming Comic Con Events