Batman: The Killing Joke

Far Cry from the Best Joker Story

How should one put it? 1. Boring 2. Yet ANOTHER retelling of Joker's Origin 3. Not much plot, character development, or concept development.

2 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

Huh?

I don't get all the praise. The art work is o.k. but nothing special. The plot is linear and predictable. And the 'joke' is barely there at all.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

A Classic - and for good reason

Creepy and thrilling, this is the ultimate in comic book stories. It explores the Joker's psyche in a truly fascinating way and, in his attempt to turn Commissioner Gordon as crazy as himself, unravels the timeless villain in a way never done before.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

easily one of the best joker books

great book, i recommend for any batman/joker fan

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

It was Better in my Memory

I enjoyed this story but not nearly as much as the more recent "Joker" graphic novel by Brian Azzarello. The Killing Joke is a good story and the subtle nuances made it enjoyable (like the black and white memories with the red objects, a la Sixth Sense) but it was just "ok" for me. I know many people consider this book a classic and for that reason alone I recommend reading it but there is much more fulfilling stuff out there. I actually read this story for the first time when I was in high school and I remember liking it much more back then in the early '90s.

1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

this was great

probably one of the best graphic novels i've ever read. the ending had me guessing and this is now in my permanent library. i recomend it for any Batman fan, or anyone looking for a good read.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Chilling

It stands out as one of the most amazing Joker stories in the DC Universe. Alan Moore has created one of the most phenomenal and chilling contributions to the legacy of Batman's archnemesis, creating what may be the most subscribable backstories for the villain. The horrific, mesmerizing sequence in the fun house, as Gordon's sanity is put to the excruciating test, is arguably one of The Clown Prince of Crime's greatest transgressions against humanity. Buy it.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

I am a huge batman fan, and by far my favorite villian is The Jo

I am a huge batman fan, and by far my favorite villian is The Joker. I really like this story of the jokers origin. My favorite part is the end where oracle is describing how he would kill The Batman. Not to mention the artwork is amazing and beautiful. Highly recomended!

Review

A short story about the origin story of both the Joker and Oracle. A must-read for any Batman fan and anyone who appreciates a tale about the clash between good and evil--and a sight into what they have in common.

A most excellent book. A must-read for Batman and Joker fans.

A truly great book.

Great for any batman fan

serves as a unique look into jokers madness

Essential reading for all comics fans!!

I finally got around to reading what I've heard was one of the best Batman stories ever told. Alan Moore, who I don't hero worship like many comics fans, pens such a complete look at how the Joker works and thinks and why. Brian Bolland gives the definitive Joker. Every panel is amazing. He conveys so much with just a look. Overall, this a fantastic book.

Alan Moore making another classic

This is one of the classic batman stories, along with Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, and Batman: The Long Halloween. The Joker tries to prove that one bad day can make someone go insane and kidnaps Commisioner Gordon, after crippilling Barabra in front of him, to prove it. The book is waist deep in philisophical undertones, like the jokers nietzsche-ian philosophies, which make it more enjoyable if you can spot them, but is still a good read if you cant.

Awesome book!

One of Alan Moore's best stories! I adore this story, the artwork, the prose, everything! It is a shame that other authors can't come up with origional story lines from classic characters. Joker at his worst, except for the Azzarello "Joker", but still awesome! I recommend getting it at the local library prior to ordering it, same goes with any comic/graphic novel. You dont want to spend money on something that you will regret later, however, this isn't one of those stories!

Excellent.

Once again, Alan Moore secures his position as #1 graphic novelist in my book. Beautifully written and illustrated.

A Classic

As an enthusiast, but not a true connoisseur, this graphic novel cements a true love for super heroes and the complex worlds that have been woven around them.

I'm Crazy for It.

This book was fantastic. The story is easy to understand and escape into and you're never looking for the dictionary over puzzling vocabulary. The portrayal of the Joker is refreshing and sheds new light upon the character through memories of his past. The flashbacks easily fit into the story and never seem forced or out of place. Though this book is an easier read, you may find yourself slowing down to savor all the information as well as take a few longer looks at the artwork. There is some violence and blood, but nothing too serious, as Batman/Joker fans are accustomed to this. I wouldn't consider this a children's book, as there are also some sexual scenes and frightening imagery. Overall this is a great book that I have read through multiple times. It's great to have in your collection.

Will the Joker suceed in tearing down Gotham City!!!!!!!!!!

One of the best comics I've read. It is so thrilling and exciting. it is such a good book.
I think it has really good pictures and disriptive words.
It is fun and adventures.In this book it is the begining of Jokers origin.
The book is about joker and he is trying to tear down ,and destroy Gotham City.Will he kill batman and destroy Gotham??? Two main words for this book THRILLING AND EXCITING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5 star book

absolutely good book!!! the ending ends with a joke,how great is that?! (even batman laughs!) this is just one of the jokers many origins and absolutely an awsome book.

p.s. read this before you read hush volume 1 or 2 also read death in the family after this is read because they all connect.

i give it 2 thumbs up!

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

the image we all know today

response to 'a better joker out there' alan moore's joker is the FIRST one to invent the image of the joker that we now know it..meaning...the joker image that we've seen on the big screen acted out by heath ledger in the dark knight is all due to alan moore. before alan moore, the joker, in this fashion has never existed.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.