When Joker was first introduced to the world in the Golden Age of comics, he was a homicidal maniac who killed people with no apparent logic. After a faked death, he returned on the scene as a relatively harmless prankster. Though it was the work of Dennis O'Neil and Neal Adams in 1973 that returned Joker to his homicidal origins, it was Batman: The Killing Joke that ushered in, without doubt, the modern age of Batman comics.
Written by Alan Moore and drawn by Brian Bollard, Batman: The Killing Joke is a short story-line that explores the frail boundary between sanity and insanity. What is the smallest necessary amount of tragedy that it takes to drive someone over the edge? Reflecting upon the origin stories of both Batman and Joker, the answer appears to be that it only takes one bad day. Joker intends to prove this point by abducting Commissioner Gordon, the most upstanding citizen, and giving him the worst day of his life.
The reasons for reading Batman: The Killing Joke are many. I will list just a few. For fans of The Dark Knight, one will find that a great deal of the characterization of Heath Ledger's Joker comes from this particular volume. Furthermore, it is written by rock star Alan Moore, who has written such books as Watchmen and V for Vendetta along with personal favorites League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and Captain Britain. It is thoughtful and interesting as a stand-alone story. At the same time, it is incredibly important to Batman continuity, not to mention the evolution of the DC Universe and the art of comic books in general. It's also a short and accessible read, disturbing, but perfect for a reader who is not familiar with a great deal of comic books.
Quite simply the best and most important Joker story ever told.
ReplyDeletewhats the original comic book worth in new condition? I have one.
ReplyDeleteI'd give you about chree fitty.
ReplyDelete//but perfect for a reader who is not familiar with a great deal of comic books.//
ReplyDeleteI totally agree. I am new to comics and this is the FIRST Batman comic book I've read. I'me attracted to Joker's depiction as in The Dark Knight, so I find this story really really great. Also, I found the final 'joke' very silly, but after reading in the internet, I could get the deep psychological meaning in it. Excellent comic, extraordinary villain.