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llymrie77's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
sailorgold_'s review against another edition
3.0
I was somehow disapointed in this comic. I had been told it was the best Batman story, and was expecting a lot out of Alan Moore for I hold him in such high esteem. I quite liked the way the story was told though, the leading plot being sort of mirrored in the Joker's flashback (even though I did not particularly like the Joker's origin story or even the fact that they gave him one. The greatest thing about this character -to me- is how little we actually know about him). But the plot itself felt weak.
I did love the artwork in each panel though. Bolland clearly is a master in is medium and the colorisation was just perfect.
I would recommend this book, if not for its story for the gorgeous panels and the interesting take on Batman and the Jokers dynamic.
I did love the artwork in each panel though. Bolland clearly is a master in is medium and the colorisation was just perfect.
I would recommend this book, if not for its story for the gorgeous panels and the interesting take on Batman and the Jokers dynamic.
alice_digest's review against another edition
5.0
This is often cited as being one of the best comic books (or graphic novels, whatever you want to to call it). I can understand why! It’s only 46 odd pages long and it really packs a punch. If the Joker gets much more disturbing than this I don’t want to know! You get an origin story for The Joker cut between his present day endeavour to drive Gordon insane, as Batman ponders that all this can only end one way... one of them will have to kill the other.
It is disturbing. This is Joker at his most psychotic. This book features that life and career defining tragedy for Barbara Gordon (Batgirl)… it’s very dark, and brutal. I didn’t appreciate all his book/librarian puns! The Joker is out to try and prove that anybody can become him under the right circumstances (life gave him a pretty bad deal), and I thought it was a nice touch to try to humanise him. His plan is to drive the sanest man in Gotham (Gordon) insane.
Batman for his part is taking more steps to trying to understand his enemy than we usually see him do. He also from giving The Joker a beating in the end, rather doing things the right way as Gordon urges him to. At the end of the day the story questions the brokenness of humanity, do we give in to it or do we cling to the hope of building something better.
It looks awesome, the edition I had was coloured by the original illustrator I believe. It’s bright, almost lurid in places and the Joker looks really scary in some frames. The sleeve cover is gorgeous, but underneath I loved the shiny purple embossing on the hardcover even more! I love the whole book.
Five stars! I can total see why people rave about this one!
Obviously this is Alan Moore, and of what I’ve read of Alan Moore so far I’m obsessed. The Watchmen is one of my favourite things ever. This has reminded me I need to read more. I’m going to try to get hold of [b:From Hell|23529|From Hell|Alan Moore|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327894621s/23529.jpg|191464] I think!
It is disturbing. This is Joker at his most psychotic. This book features that life and career defining tragedy for Barbara Gordon (Batgirl)… it’s very dark, and brutal. I didn’t appreciate all his book/librarian puns! The Joker is out to try and prove that anybody can become him under the right circumstances (life gave him a pretty bad deal), and I thought it was a nice touch to try to humanise him. His plan is to drive the sanest man in Gotham (Gordon) insane.
Batman for his part is taking more steps to trying to understand his enemy than we usually see him do. He also from giving The Joker a beating in the end, rather doing things the right way as Gordon urges him to. At the end of the day the story questions the brokenness of humanity, do we give in to it or do we cling to the hope of building something better.
It looks awesome, the edition I had was coloured by the original illustrator I believe. It’s bright, almost lurid in places and the Joker looks really scary in some frames. The sleeve cover is gorgeous, but underneath I loved the shiny purple embossing on the hardcover even more! I love the whole book.
Five stars! I can total see why people rave about this one!
Obviously this is Alan Moore, and of what I’ve read of Alan Moore so far I’m obsessed. The Watchmen is one of my favourite things ever. This has reminded me I need to read more. I’m going to try to get hold of [b:From Hell|23529|From Hell|Alan Moore|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327894621s/23529.jpg|191464] I think!
ktuco1's review against another edition
5.0
I thought this was an awesome comic book! I think it summed up Batman and the Joker's relationship pretty well and the art was amazing! I wish it had been longer but I know it couldn't have been since it was meant to be a short one. It has some pretty iconic moments and it deserves to be called one of the greatest graphic novels around today.
saraubs's review against another edition
3.0
Probably going to catch some flak for this, but I was a little underwhelmed.
The artwork is atmospheric, sombre, and definitely fit the tone of the story, so that's great. Moore's writing, is, as always, top notch. Excellent one-liners and the dialogue feels authentic.
Re: The Joker's origin - first, should he have one? The artist himself seems to think not, and I tend to agree. That's part of his appeal: never knowing what really happened. This story is definitely heartbreaking, as is the Joker's attempt to recreate his own mental break in someone else. That's the reason this gets three stars: the emotional resonance and subconscious plea for help that's so perfectly integrated into such a chilling story.
Major complaint - and I know I'll be labeled one of "those feminists" for this - but Is there really nothing else that can be done to break a man's sanity than to repeatedly abuse and violate his daughter? There are two women in this comic, and they are both used purely as vehicles for a male main character's suffering. I understand that this comic is nearly 30 years old and things have started to change, but I'd be lying if I said this didn't colour my enjoyment of the whole thing.
tldr; it was creepy and interesting - two things I always expect from The Joker. (less)
The artwork is atmospheric, sombre, and definitely fit the tone of the story, so that's great. Moore's writing, is, as always, top notch. Excellent one-liners and the dialogue feels authentic.
Re: The Joker's origin - first, should he have one? The artist himself seems to think not, and I tend to agree. That's part of his appeal: never knowing what really happened. This story is definitely heartbreaking, as is the Joker's attempt to recreate his own mental break in someone else. That's the reason this gets three stars: the emotional resonance and subconscious plea for help that's so perfectly integrated into such a chilling story.
Major complaint - and I know I'll be labeled one of "those feminists" for this - but Is there really nothing else that can be done to break a man's sanity than to repeatedly abuse and violate his daughter? There are two women in this comic, and they are both used purely as vehicles for a male main character's suffering. I understand that this comic is nearly 30 years old and things have started to change, but I'd be lying if I said this didn't colour my enjoyment of the whole thing.
tldr; it was creepy and interesting - two things I always expect from The Joker. (less)
filmbusterspaul's review against another edition
5.0
Utter perfection.
Short and sweet, but packs an absolute psychological punch. It’s gritty, dark and dirty, just how I love my Batman stories and is a crucial plot that has shaped the Gotham narrative going forward.
Brian Bolland is one of my favourite comic artists too.
Short and sweet, but packs an absolute psychological punch. It’s gritty, dark and dirty, just how I love my Batman stories and is a crucial plot that has shaped the Gotham narrative going forward.
Brian Bolland is one of my favourite comic artists too.
frysauce01's review against another edition
4.0
Widely considered one of the best (if not the ABSOLUTE best) joker story in all of Batman, "The Killing Joke" is a story that dives into the philosophy of nihilism and human morality. I loved the story even before I found all of that out! It's definitely not a child's batman story, but it is one of those comics that makes you think, and also make conjecture of the ending. The book's art is beautiful, and the author does a fantastic job of telling more by writing less.
Parental Guide
Violence: It's a Batman story, so there are obviously many punches thrown. Blood coming from eyes as characters react to different chemicals and Joker poison. Blood exists, but isn't exaggerated, though one scene shows a character being shot and has a good amount of blood. 2+ people die, but their deaths are not graphic. One character is tortured with punches and is bound.
Profanity: 12 "God", 2 "Jesus", 4 "Hell", 1 "Asshole", 1 "Bitch", 1 "Damn"
Nudity/Sex: A character is tortured and stripped naked (only buttocks are shown). A woman is shot, and then a panel shows the Joker unbuttoning the top button of her shirt. It is later revealed that she was stripped naked, and photos are shown (they're not graphic, the worst thing we see are buttocks).
Parental Guide
Violence: It's a Batman story, so there are obviously many punches thrown. Blood coming from eyes as characters react to different chemicals and Joker poison. Blood exists, but isn't exaggerated, though one scene shows a character being shot and has a good amount of blood. 2+ people die, but their deaths are not graphic. One character is tortured with punches and is bound.
Profanity: 12 "God", 2 "Jesus", 4 "Hell", 1 "Asshole", 1 "Bitch", 1 "Damn"
Nudity/Sex: A character is tortured and stripped naked (only buttocks are shown). A woman is shot, and then a panel shows the Joker unbuttoning the top button of her shirt. It is later revealed that she was stripped naked, and photos are shown (they're not graphic, the worst thing we see are buttocks).
jennifermreads's review against another edition
3.0
I think I'd like graphic novels better if I had a better appreciation for the art (or more patience to examine it?!).
All-in-all: a must for Batman fans ... even if the only Batman you know is from the movies.
Added Note 2/10/2022: When I added this to my GR (from initial entry in a print journal I kept), my first thought was "My how far I've come" in reading & appreciating graphic novels. My second thought was "I should probably re-read this because I bet I'd give it five stars now." So ... book on hold at library!
All-in-all: a must for Batman fans ... even if the only Batman you know is from the movies.
Added Note 2/10/2022: When I added this to my GR (from initial entry in a print journal I kept), my first thought was "My how far I've come" in reading & appreciating graphic novels. My second thought was "I should probably re-read this because I bet I'd give it five stars now." So ... book on hold at library!