Batman: The Killing Joke Deluxe (New Edition)

I first was exposed to the story of the Killing Joke indirectly through the TV series Gotham that ran on Fox Network that ran from 2014 to 2019, bits of pieces of the Killing Joke's storyline were sprinkled throughout the final season. Later I experienced bits and pieces of the story through the Batman Arkham games. These references and easter eggs were very well done, but it wasn't until I took out the Killing Joke Graphic Novel from my local library that I realized just how well done those easter eggs were. This story, is perhaps one of the most important Batman, Batgirl, and Joker stories, it defined much of Barbara Gordon's more recent comic book history, as well as the more recent story "Three Jokers". Written by Alan Moore, this story was more grounded, gritty, and serious, in contrast to other Batman stories at the time it was written, while I was not yet born in the era that the Killing Joke was written, it defined almost everything that led me to fall in love with Batman's mythos and characters. The dark, gothic, brooding hero of Tim Burton's 1989 Batman film may never have existed were it not for Alan Moore's Masterpiece. While more recently Mr. Moore himself has, discredited much of his comic book work, due to his unpopular belief that titles such as the Killing Joke were a mistake to have written, I can say that, this is the definitive Batman Joker story. The atmosphere and artwork are extremely well done, and if I am being honest, I did not pay attention to the fact it is a hardcover, a hardcover graphic novel for this reasonable a price in today's economy, no less one of the most important Batman stories ever put to paper, is astounding to me. If you love more mature and serious Batman stories, especially ones along the lines of Matt Reeves' The Batman (2022) and both Tim Burton's Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992), then this story is for you. In times such as these in 2022 as I write this review, our safe spaces are incredibly important, and the mental guardian of my safe space, is, and always will be, the Dark Knight of Gotham. Even with a story as dark as this, I find comfort in Batman's light, and like Bruce Wayne, imagine a world, that is safer, and healthier, than the one we live in today, where people respect one another, and help each other through hard times, it is ultimately up to us all, to make that imagination, a reality, to help each other the way Bruce Wayne helps his ailing city, anyways, that is enough rambling, I just wanted to, ramble enough to ensure the spoilers aren't visible by someone just scrolling on through reviews. (SPOILERS AHEAD) The origins of Joker shown in this graphic novel is the generally accepted story, being the tragic downfall of a man who lost everything that mattered to him, except his sense of humor, the only shred of his former self he could clutch onto as he lost his mind. (My own personal interpretation of Joker) And as I noted before, this story defines the story of the Barbara Gordon Batgirl, her paralysis which would only make her stronger, alot of people at the time were understandably upset with the brutality of what happened to Barbara, but in 2022, I think it's safe to say the follow up stories show that Barbara overcame her trauma, her disability, in my personal opinion she always will be one of the best and most important members of the Bat-Family, second only to Alfred Pennyworth and Tim Drake, and equal to Dick Grayson and Jason Todd. As far as the ending goes, you can make the conclusion yourself, personally, I take it as the Killing Joker is apart of Batman canon, and Batman did not kill Joker at the end, but one could say that Batman did loose himself by the end of it and Joker won.

One of the best joker tales EVER told! Pick this up if you don’t have it in your collection!!! Trust me 👏🏽

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a brilliant writer and a master artist sit down and decide to break your brain — this book is your answer. From the very first page of Batman: The Killing Joke Deluxe (New Edition) you’re dragged into a dark carnival of madness, morality, and mayhem, with the Joker’s tragic-origin tale unspooling like a twisted joke you can’t help but read. The art? Crisp, moody, and painfully beautiful — every panel hits like a punchline you didn’t see coming. It’s grim. It’s brilliant. It’s the kind of story that sticks in your skull days later. If you like your comic-book experiences with a side of gut-punch and existential dread — this one’s a keeper.

Best joker comic

Good comic quality

Cool book. Original story, with commentary. Great for DC Comic fans!

After watching the TV version, I felt like that the comic book would be the same. However, this one has less scenes. Nevertheless, I still enjoy reading The Killing Joke. I look forward to continuing with the next comic.

Good

Batman: The Killing Joke Deluxe: DC Black Label Edition presents Alan Moore and Brian Bolland’s seminal 1988 graphic novel in a refined format, complete with recolored artwork, bonus content, and a haunting afterword from Bolland himself. The story explores the Joker’s origin—“one bad day” that turned a failed comedian into Gotham’s most terrifying villain—and his attempt to prove that anyone, even Commissioner Gordon, can be driven mad under the right circumstances. Moore’s writing is taut and philosophical, while Bolland’s crisp, expressive linework heightens the emotional and psychological tension throughout. This edition includes a recoloring that shifts away from the original’s surreal palette to a more subdued, realistic tone, which some fans find deepens the story’s psychological impact. The infamous scene involving Barbara Gordon remains a point of debate, raising questions about narrative agency and the use of trauma in storytelling. Despite its controversy, The Killing Joke is widely regarded as a defining moment in Batman lore—an intense meditation on madness, morality, and the blurred line between hero and villain. The deluxe format adds value for collectors and longtime fans, offering a polished presentation of a graphic novel that continues to provoke and resonate

Esta edición de Batman: The Killing Joke es sencillamente espectacular. El guion de Alan Moore y el arte de Brian Bolland siguen siendo una combinación perfecta, con una historia oscura, intensa y psicológicamente brillante que profundiza como pocas en la relación entre Batman y el Joker. La edición deluxe está muy bien cuidada: tapa dura, excelente calidad de impresión y colores que realzan cada viñeta. Leerla en inglés permite disfrutar del tono original de los diálogos, que es una delicia para los fans del cómic. Sin duda, una pieza imprescindible en cualquier colección de DC Black Label o del universo Batman.

What can I say that hasn't been said. Just read it l, it's the best graphic novel out there (For me at least). Love it! Just know it does get dark.

La persona a la que se lo regale termino muy contento y satisfecha, gran novela.

A tight gripping movie moment for Batman. Alan Moore is a master story teller!