Batman: The Killing Joke

This is one of the most intriguing origins that have been created for the Clown Prince of Crime. This, along with the Jack Napier origin, is definitely a strong one. The artwork is nicely done, and the dialogue is smart and witty. The dark nature of this graphic novel is not for kids, but it is for every one who is a Batfan/Jokerfan. And the killer joke at the end is priceless, typical material from Batman's most notorious enemy.

Batman makes yet another visit to Arkham Asylum, this time he simply wants to talk with the Joker, and see if they cannot somehow come to an understanding. But, the joke's on Batman when he finds that the Joker has escaped again. It seems that while Batman would like to end their long-running feud, Joker wants to take it to a whole new level. Grabbing Commissioner Gordon, he sets out to teach him, and Batman, a lesson in madness.

I am a huge comic book/graphic novel fan, but this one really did nothing for me. The author set out to give the story a "morally ambiguous theme," but that is not all he left ambiguous. Batman acts strangely out of character, less a dark knight, and more...well, nothing really, he's just less Batman. The Joker is well done, truly the crown prince of evil, but why add yet another Joker origin story? It seems to have nothing to do with the rest of the story. The ending is totally non-existent - I suppose that the author wanted an ambiguous ending, so he just left his board and went out for a Whopper and Coca-Cola. "Move along please, there's nothing to see here."

I thought that this was a terribly weak addition to the genre - filled with potential, but none of it totally realized. I highly recommend AGAINST this book. [If you want to read a good Batman story, with a similar theme, then read Batman: Jekyll & Hyde by Paul Jenkins.]

Beautifully colored and inked. The story is short, but a great insight into the Joker. It can be disturbing, but that is the very charm that makes this story a great read again and again.

You don't need a review. Everyone says this is the greatest Joker story of all, so if you like Batman or Alan Moore then you will probably like this.

Not as long as other Alan Moore works but still great.

this was recommended to me after seeing the dark knight. the story is somewhat exciting, but not incredibly compelling. The artwork is great however.