Hey, fellow superhero lovers. After so much time away, I'm here to give you my thoughts on the story BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE, one of the most influential Batman stories to have ever been written and released way back in the 1980s.
Written by Alan Moore, and released the same year as V for Vendetta, the comic sees The Joker escape Arkham Asylum and set out to hurt the Gordon family to prove that one bad day can make anyone be like him. The story is dark and looks at the origins of the clown prince of crime while examining the dynamic between Batman and The Joker, and doesn't pull any punches with what happens. The Joker is sadistic, and his actions impact Barbara Gordon for most of DC history going forward, and the ending sees another battle between hero and villain, with Joker delivering two iconic lines. I got my hands on the graphic novel, and I had a good time reading it, twice.
The comic is not the only version of the story, especially as DC and Warner released an animated movie adaptation in 2016, which starts off with Batman and Batgirl teaming up to fight crime, having a little... affair, and Batgirl giving up on, well, being Batgirl... all before we get to the main story. The love story between Bruce and Barbara stirred up a ton of controversy, which does make TKJ a controversial film... but it wasn't THAT bad IMO. So, what is my opinion on BATMAN: THE KILLING JOKE?
Reading the story years after its release, especially in the deluxe version, KILLING JOKE offers an entertaining read that older fans will enjoy. It is not for kids, especially with how brutal it can get. After all, it was made in a time when superhero comics were starting to become more than just for younger readers. As for the movie, it isn't too bad, it has its moments and is an engaging watch... if you can handle an R-rated superhero action animation. I saw it on MAX, on a Tuesday morning, may I add. If anyone wants to read the comic for yourself, be warned, it will be very scary... which makes it fun. 9/10. With the movie, the writers did their best with the material and I did enjoy the opening action scenes.
See you all later, people.
-James M
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