I have no shame in stuff like this.
As many of you have hear, there is an animated version of The Killing Joke coming out this September. It’s about now a good time for me to talk about it. I remember reading this comic a few years ago and being underwhelmed by it. Yes, I did not like it when I read it a few years ago. With the movie announcement I, decided to give this comic a second chance. After reading it, I have a new found respect for it.
For those who don’t know, The Killing Joke is a Batman comic written by famed comic book writer Alan Moore. It’s about The Joker escaping Arkham Asylum and Batman is looking for him. Along the way, The Joker buys an abandoned amusement park, shoots Barbera Gordon and kidnaps Commissioner Gordon.
Only Alan Moore can make this plot work. You see, something like this needs that special kind of fucked up, and who better than a guy who looks like this to write it. That special kind of fucked up includes shooting, paralyzing and taking nude pictures of Barbera Gordon and an entire song about the joys of being crazy. The joy of reading this is is that it is not the typical Batman story. It’s more like a trip into someone’s messed up mind.
Ehn I first read it, I thought the ending was lame. Now that I have re-read it, it’s brilliant in a way. I can’t say what happens because it will be a spoiler, but if you pay attention you’ll understand why. It’s also open-ended, which sometimes sucks but this time, it’s pretty awesome. That is until DC fixed all that.
Speaking of DC fixing stuff, DC is now retconning Barbera being paralyzed. That is really, really stupid in my opinion. Also, one of the biggest reasons this comic had such an impact of Batman is because of Barbera getting paralyzed. That’s it. Not about The Joker finally having something resembling a background, not what happens in the ending. NO! Barbera getting paralyzed is a big deal.
The art is done by Brian Bolland. As with the story, the art is one of the reasons this comic has stood the test of time. The best parts are that whenever something is supposed to be demented, it looks demented. Just look at the most famous panel. That alone is iconic.
Will I be seeing the movie? Of course. The thing is, it is possible to mess this up because some of the imagery and scenes may be watered down. Also, Alan Moore REALLY hates every adaptation of his work.
With that, read The Killing Joke before the movie comes out. It has a great story, fucked up everything and great art. If the movie sucks, go to Alan Moore and tell him that you’re going to boycott any further adaptations of his works. He’ll probably thank you.
Categories: Comics, Let's Talk About...
Tags: Alan Moore, comics, Let's Talk About The Killing Joke, The Killing Joke
Sanrock Reviews 
