When Watchmen’s final issue published in 1987, Alan Moore (my favorite comic book writer) collaborated with artist, Brian Bolland on a one-shot DC Comics storyline, “Batman: The Killing Joke.” The pair do their own take of Joker’s origin story in the Post-Crisis era of the DC Universe. Meanwhile, in Present Day Gotham City, Joker attempts to psychologically lose Jim Gordon’s grip on reality by crossing a huge line. Batman factors in to rescue his ally.
Batman: The Killing Joke was officially published in 1988 (same year Akira came out) earning widespread acclaim from critics, fans and readers alike. Consider as one of the best (if not the best) Batman storylines, it’s one of the most talked about graphic novels in comic book history. DC Finest republished it along with other previous material as “Batman: The Killing Joke and Other Stories.” The one-off storyline was adapted into an animated film in 2016. Like “Suicide Squad,” it sucked.
Anyway, I have four legit reasons why I wanna share my opinion on my all-time favorite Batman storyline.
- “The Batman Part II” will be released on February 18, 2028. Has zero ties to James Gunn’s DC Universe.
- “Clayface” is out in theaters. Definitely worth your spare time.
- NetherRealm Studios is currently developing “Injustice 3.” As of late 2026, no release date confirmed.
- Deathstroke & Bane will have a team-up film in “Savage Hunters.” We’ve yet to see who’s playing the bad guys.
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS. Keep in mind, I’m only covering the one-off storyline, not DC Finest’s republished material.
Good & Evil Aspects
Good: Alan Moore did an excellent job writing this one-shot storyline.
Brian Bolland’s artwork has a gritty aesthetic. Viewing every panel has a cinematic atmosphere. Whenever a flashback ends, it match cuts to Present Day.
Joker’s origin story is told in flashbacks. Given he’s an unreliable narrator, they may or may not be true.
Shocking Moments will make your jaw drop.I can’t give away the juicy details. If you know, you know. Alan had the guts to affect the status quo of a certain individual within Batman canon.
Pacing felt normal for a one-off.
Character Development involving Joker. Flashbacks fully detail his descent to madness becoming The Clown Prince of Crime.
Primary Themes are Ambiguity, Madness and the Polar Opposites of Batman & Joker. Each one’s handled maturely.
Joker delivers his “One Bad Day” monologue.
The Deluxe Edition features an introduction/foreword by “Batman: The Long Halloween” writer, Tim Sale. Brian Bolland’s sketches, recoloring several panels as a desaturated filter reflecting a film noir tone, sketch galleries and an afterword by Mr. Bolland.
Fun Facts
- The Killing Joke influenced directors including Tim Burton, Christopher Nolan & Todd Philips. You can tell each director understood the assignment of adapting Joker on the big screen.
- Speaking of assignment, Heath Ledger read the graphic novel immersing himself as Joker. Remembering his “Wanna know how I got these scars monologue?” In the comic, Joker prefers his origin story as multiple choice. After Mr. Ledger’s tragic death, he posthumously won an Oscar for “Best Supporting Actor.”
- The one-shot also influenced the ambiguity of the 2019 film. Leaving the viewer to interpret certain outcomes.
Random Thoughts
- I bought a hardcover deluxe edition of The Killing Joke in 2019. At the time, I was prepping up for Joker’s solo film.
- Every time I read Joker’s dialogue, I hear Joaquin Phoenix. Perfectly fits the origin story.
- I’m giving Alan Moore credit for influencing iterations of Joker. A foundational blueprint for Jack Nicholson, Mark Hamill, Heath Ledger & Joaquin Phoenix. Jared Leto doesn’t count. His portrayal was embarrassingly bad.
- As a fan of Alan Moore, my number one graphic novel is Watchmen.
Evil: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving Mr. Moore & Mr. Bolland an Extra Point for making a flawless one-shot graphic novel as possible.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
Batman: The Killing Joke still holds up as a groundbreaking one-shot storyline inspiring directors on what makes Joker a great villain. I consider this my all-time favorite Batman storyline. If you wanna add a physical copy on your bookshelf, it’s a must-buy. If you’re sticking to DC Finest, order on Amazon. The choice is yours. Which Batman storylines should I review next? Please leave a comment.
