absoluteabsolem's review against another edition
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
this is so fucking gorgeous. the composition ! the shading !! the contrast between the black and the vivid colours !!!
i love batman and joker's dynamic (i only know them from the films though, this is my very first comic) and this is a great example of how they just *get* each other. however i will say the joker is at his strongest when we just don't know who he is, so that lowers my rating a bit. thank god the fucking awful barbara plotline of the adaptation doesn't exist here
i love batman and joker's dynamic (i only know them from the films though, this is my very first comic) and this is a great example of how they just *get* each other. however i will say the joker is at his strongest when we just don't know who he is, so that lowers my rating a bit. thank god the fucking awful barbara plotline of the adaptation doesn't exist here
jagussow's review against another edition
1.0
I don't understand the appeal of this book. The Joker's origin was an interesting take but otherwise this book was a let down.
dermco's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
roderickusher16's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
estrellasycafe's review against another edition
5.0
The coloring and details of this book are perfection. My favorite part are the flashbacks and the ending. Brilliant.
stealingyoursunbeams's review against another edition
3.0
This is called one of the greatest Batman graphic novels, so when I read it, I was incredulous as to why.
The plot is good. The plot is fine. But the adjectives "good" and "fine" do not make a great graphic novel, okay? I expected more from Alan Moore, having read V for Vendetta.
While the dialogue is certainly engaging and memorable, the story itself leaves much to be desired. Commissioner Gordon's trauma seemed like a trivial incident in the way he reacts so firmly on his belief "to do things by the book"—if he was portrayed to have even a moment of weakness and thirst for revenge for what the Joker did to his daughter, it would be a lot more realistic.
Speaking of the Joker, he plays a central role in all this, obviously. The comic tries to explore his psychology, attempting to rationalize his insanity, but fails. Laying out his sob story made it feel like a great villain was created out of a very random, incidental moment. It was maybe this meaninglessness that made him who he is, but for me, it felt contrived and cheapened his complexity.
The artwork, however, was flawless. I have absolutely no qualms about it. Every panel seemed to pop out at me.
I'm going to read more "greatest Batman comics" and see if I can find any better ones.
The plot is good. The plot is fine. But the adjectives "good" and "fine" do not make a great graphic novel, okay? I expected more from Alan Moore, having read V for Vendetta.
While the dialogue is certainly engaging and memorable, the story itself leaves much to be desired. Commissioner Gordon's trauma seemed like a trivial incident in the way he reacts so firmly on his belief "to do things by the book"—if he was portrayed to have even a moment of weakness and thirst for revenge for what the Joker did to his daughter, it would be a lot more realistic.
Speaking of the Joker, he plays a central role in all this, obviously. The comic tries to explore his psychology, attempting to rationalize his insanity, but fails. Laying out his sob story made it feel like a great villain was created out of a very random, incidental moment. It was maybe this meaninglessness that made him who he is, but for me, it felt contrived and cheapened his complexity.
The artwork, however, was flawless. I have absolutely no qualms about it. Every panel seemed to pop out at me.
I'm going to read more "greatest Batman comics" and see if I can find any better ones.
emfed's review against another edition
the list im using as my main source for my batman journey included this with the qualifier that they did not particularly enjoy it but it is essential batman. which on reading i agree with
sofiephox's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
sperks's review against another edition
5.0
Holy f*ck, this was amazing. At the beginning it wasn't really living up to the hype for me but man, did it deliver. The Joker was the star of the show -- as he rightfully should be -- but Batman was also such a compelling character in this despite his lack of page time. The art style wasn't my favourite but it really fitted the atmosphere and how the Joker was drawn was perfect. The Killing Joke definitely deserves its reputation.