Batman: The Killing Joke

It somewhat reminded me of the dark knight returns movie that just came out, in a sense that the joker was trying to prove his point that he can make people snap. its short and entertaining.

You must buy it for the artwork. It the most beautiful artwork I ever seen in a Batman book. I read a review here saying the recoloring in this book is bad. This reviewer is so wrong. Recoloring this book is the best thing that ever happened! I literally compare the original with this book side by side before I made the purchase and it is night and day! In this book, Brian Bolland, joins among the great Batman artists such as Jim Lee and Neal Adams. Spectacular artwork, extremely clean and sharp with rich colors. The story on the other hand, I do not appreciate as much as other people may have, because while it gives the Joker some background as to how and why he became the Joker, I'm not sure that I would want to know since it is the mystery of the Joker that makes him creepy and scary. The Joker is also quite sinister in this book and no doubt, a book that really pays tribute to him compare to Loeb's books which depicts the Joker as a bumbling idiot. The story is pretty straight-forward and easy read which is quite uncharacteristic of Moore (I have to look twice at the cover to make sure he wrote this), and disappointingly, not witty at all which I would expect from this author.

Joker is my favorite villain of all time. I have wanted to get this comic for ages. The whole story line of how he came to be the Joker seemed rushed and the whole insanity saga with Commissioner Gordon played out like the boat scene in the Dark Knight...long, boring, and making no sense at all. Also, the Joker just needed to be in the comic more being crazy as a loon and doing what the Joker does...much like the Joker needed to be in the Dark Knight A LOT more. But the comic ends with a great joke and a pretty weird sililoquoy by a deranged 18 year old...didn't get that one. Overall a great graphic novel from a great artist, just needed more of the Joker in it.

Great story that add's to the Joker Mythos - not sure if it's a good "origin" tale, but love Brian Bolland's art - the redone colours do the art full justice. A great read

One of the best Batman stories ever by one of the greatest writters in the medium. Also, amazing drawings by Bolland. Simply sensational. And if you're a collector, llok for the special edition with collectible figurines.