Batman: The Killing Joke Deluxe (New Edition) Hardcover – Illustrated, September 17, 2019

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.

Amazing price for one of the best Batman stories out there. Other stores charge up to $40 for the same book.

Deranged and disturbing, The Joker is the star of this graphic novel and I think is the first time we see his backstory in such detail - the story of how a petty criminal became an (insane) crime lord and Batman's most fearsome opponent. The art is magnificent and the joke at the end is killer.

i like this novel i like the illustrations and deluge and it shows the jokers origin story very well

Nicely put together. Anyone who likes Batman would want this as a keepsake.Kids will just like it period.

I've always been curious about this graphic novel, but never curious enough to go out of my way to get it until recently. I read the prose novel by Christa Faust and Gary Phillips first, then saw the movie voiced by Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill, and though neither of those were my favorite Batman adventures, they made me curious enough to check out their original source. The story itself is very good, definitely one of the better I've read, and the art is excellent. Apparently this version is recolored and it is very vibrant and enjoyable to follow along with. The extra content was interesting but nothing to write home about. Overall I thought this was more than worth checking out, especially if you're a big Batman or Joker fan. I will warn readers, however, there is at least one graphic scene that would definitely warrant limiting this one to older Batman fans. I've been a fan myself since elementary school, but this particular title is for the adults.

What a great story it is one for Batman fans to add to their collection. This is one story that is not to be missed. See how the joker takes it to the next level how Batman deals with the joker through this madness!

This is a must have for any batman or joker collector, the artwork and story is truly great. I would rank it in the top 3 with batman year one taking the #1 slot. This arrived in vacuum sealed plastic wrap also which was a pleasant surprise, and in excellent condition. I highly recommend it.