Anne's Reviews > Batman: The Killing Joke
Batman: The Killing Joke
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Anne's review
bookshelves: comics, graphic-novels, read-in-2010
Jan 25, 2010
bookshelves: comics, graphic-novels, read-in-2010
Read 2 times. Last read May 13, 2018 to May 20, 2018.
All it takes is one bad day.

This is one of the most iconic comics in the Batman/Joker mythos and arguably has a place as one of the most iconic comics out there period. I think most people will agree that Bolland's visuals are just unbelievable. The expressions on the faces, the body language, even the colors are as close to perfect as you can get.

And Moore is at the top of his game here. Wow. Just...wow!
The ripple effects of what happened here not only created Oracle but inspired a ton of other great storylines.

I would have thought that a Joker Origin story was maybe the stupidest idea ever before reading this, but I think Moore pulled it off beautifully. Mainly because this had such a wonderful hint of madness to it, that even with the Joker telling you about his past, it still leaves you wondering if that's really what happened.
And that ending.

Highly recommended.

This is one of the most iconic comics in the Batman/Joker mythos and arguably has a place as one of the most iconic comics out there period. I think most people will agree that Bolland's visuals are just unbelievable. The expressions on the faces, the body language, even the colors are as close to perfect as you can get.

And Moore is at the top of his game here. Wow. Just...wow!
The ripple effects of what happened here not only created Oracle but inspired a ton of other great storylines.

I would have thought that a Joker Origin story was maybe the stupidest idea ever before reading this, but I think Moore pulled it off beautifully. Mainly because this had such a wonderful hint of madness to it, that even with the Joker telling you about his past, it still leaves you wondering if that's really what happened.
And that ending.

Highly recommended.
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Reading Progress
Finished Reading
January 25, 2010
– Shelved
May 13, 2018
–
Started Reading
May 20, 2018
–
Finished Reading
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message 1:
by
Thurston
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rated it 5 stars
Feb 21, 2016 12:12PM

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But the coloring of the version I own is different, I'm pretty sure.

Not the first gif from the same horrible drawn movie ugh"
That movie was GARBAGE. They basically had the perfect story and decided to futz with and give it the same animation they used for the children's cartoons. Ugh. Am I remembering it wrong, or did they do the Batman/Babs romance in that one, too? Blech.

But the coloring of the version I own is different, I'm pretty sure."
I read the anniversary addition and the coloring is different. Good eyes, even if your memory is going the same way mine is. ;)

Ha! Thanks, Anne!
Courtesy of your review I at least remembered why I put off my own review.
You know, I'm a fan of Batman. But only because of the movies.
I know some important stuff happens here. But I have not much knowledge about Barbara Gordon.
And I suppose there are some more Joker Origin stories. But I only know about the one from the Burton movie. Though that one might have been influenced by this book anyway.
Also, I needed some time to process the joke at the end.
So, am I going to do some research now or immediately proceed with a nonsense review?
Long story short, this was probably not the best comic to start with. And I think even my rating would be different with some proper context.



No, I think it's fine to disagree! In fact, there are tons of comics that people love or call iconic that I just absolutely can't stand and no amount of arguing will change my mind. You keep your opinion and don't let anyone tell you it's wrong.
I liked it because he failed, I think. The Joker assumed that everyone who was pushed to the brink would ultimately turn to either madness or evil, and Jim and Barbara proved him wrong by rising above it. Death of the Family was a fantastic Joker story, but I loved that one for different reasons than this one.

Ha! Ok, I think (view spoiler)

Ha! Thanks, Anne!
Courtesy of your review I at least ..."
This is definitely NOT a cut your teeth story, Dennis. Wait a few years and come back to it. Seriously.

(view spoiler)
Anne wrote: "Bhavik wrote: "That Joker image still gives me the creeps
Not the first gif from the same horrible drawn movie ugh"
That movie was GARBAGE. They basically had the perfect story and decided to fut..."
IKR? If they'd keep the same animation as that of the old ones with a bit animesque style..people would still be amazed by this.
This was pure bland and I didn't even care about it. Hell the New Suicide squad movie was better.
I am not sure since its been so long but I think they did and then the crippling stuff..bleh Bat-Cat ftw!

I still need to read that one, Rodney. I'll grab it asap!

The movie is sorta crap and veers off into this wierd 'romance' that the book doesn't have. I'd definitley recommend the comic over the animated movie. <--DC animated is usually SO much better than that!

Ain't that the truth! My favourite colour is green ... do you think I should dye my hair? ;P


It's gooooood. Let me know how you like it!

Oh yeah. Between the way he's drawn and the psycho stuff he does, this could easily freak someone out.

The scene where the salesman tries to sell the circus property; We know that joker belittles the guy and takes the keys away from him exhibiting absolute dominance. The scene ends with Joker leaving the place and a shot of countenance of the salesman.Here we observe that salesman is depicted in a figure similar to the Joker.So, can it be inferred that it was that one bad day, of being absolutely helpless and being subdued by an crooked individual, changed the character of salesman or say drove him insane?
------------------------------------------------------
Regarding the ending; after the joke, as both Batman and Joker break into laughter we see Batman's extended arm before the scene ends with pools of water underfoot; is it possible that batman takes hold of the Joker and jumps off the rooftop?
(I have eliminated the case of Batman killing the joker given the principles Batman has laid down for himself)

I mean, I think the entire point to this one is that the Joker says all it takes is one bad day to change anyone. So, maybe it changed the salesman? But the flip side is that one bad day doesn't make everyone insane or evil. Barbara doesn't go crazy, Jim doesn't go crazy, etc.
As far as the ending goes? It's ambiguous for a reason. That way each reader can see it in their own way. Does Batman go crazy and kill him? Why not, you know? Everyone lays down rules for themselves and tries to abide by those rules. But then you throw in the one bad day theory and...?
There's no right answer, but it's fun to speculate. :)

Not the first gif from the same horrible drawn movie ugh"
Yess the Joker is creepy I agree
