Batman: The Killing Joke Deluxe (New Edition)

If you are aware of who Alan Moore is then you may have heard about this story, as well as his other works such as Watchmen and V for Vendetta. That being said, this is a short story (about 70 pages), but the plot is heavy and dark. It serves as an origin story for the Joker and it shows one of the most evil things he has ever done to somebody. I won't spoil what happens because I encourage Batman and comic readers to give this a read. However, I don't recommend it for kids or anyone under the age of 12 due to the mature themes. The deluxe edition is of great quality and includes other content, besides the story, such as art variants, sketches, and a foreword (I think). Give this a chance if you want a dark Batman story that has heavily influenced his mythos.

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.

The Deluxe Edition of Batman: The Killing Joke is nothing short of a masterpiece and easily one of the most beautiful editions of a comic ever put to print. From the moment you open the hardcover, you can feel the care and respect put into preserving this legendary story. Alan Moore’s writing is razor sharp, psychological, haunting, and unforgettable, delivering one of the most intense confrontations between Batman and the Joker ever created. Every line feels meaningful, and the story still hits just as hard decades later. Brian Bolland’s artwork is absolutely stunning throughout the entire book. His attention to detail is unreal — every panel feels meticulously crafted, from the grimy Gotham alleyways to the terrifying expressions on the Joker’s face. The visual storytelling alone is enough to keep your eyes glued to every page. Bolland’s art gives the story an eerie realism that makes the darker moments land with even more impact. The recoloring in the Deluxe Edition deserves major praise as well. The updated colors bring an entirely new atmosphere to the story without losing the soul of the original artwork. The lighting, shadows, and neon tones make Gotham feel cold, dangerous, and alive. Some scenes genuinely look cinematic. The colors amplify the emotional weight of the story and make certain panels feel iconic all over again. The oversized hardcover format is the definitive way to experience this comic. The pages are crisp, the binding is high quality, and the larger presentation allows the artwork to truly shine. This edition feels premium in every possible way and absolutely belongs on the shelf of any Batman fan or comic collector. The Killing Joke Deluxe Edition is more than just a comic — it’s a landmark graphic novel that showcases what the medium can achieve at its absolute peak. Dark, emotional, beautifully illustrated, and unforgettable from beginning to end.

Amazing story and art definitely recommend to any DC fan. Only complaint is it’s a bit shorter than i would like but that’s just an opinion.

Great story and art work highly recommended

Cool book. Original story, with commentary. Great for DC Comic fans!

Wow! This is such a cool book! Absolutely love this purchase. Great seller as well! I'm very impressed!

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a brilliant writer and a master artist sit down and decide to break your brain — this book is your answer. From the very first page of Batman: The Killing Joke Deluxe (New Edition) you’re dragged into a dark carnival of madness, morality, and mayhem, with the Joker’s tragic-origin tale unspooling like a twisted joke you can’t help but read. The art? Crisp, moody, and painfully beautiful — every panel hits like a punchline you didn’t see coming. It’s grim. It’s brilliant. It’s the kind of story that sticks in your skull days later. If you like your comic-book experiences with a side of gut-punch and existential dread — this one’s a keeper.

Esta edición de Batman: The Killing Joke es sencillamente espectacular. El guion de Alan Moore y el arte de Brian Bolland siguen siendo una combinación perfecta, con una historia oscura, intensa y psicológicamente brillante que profundiza como pocas en la relación entre Batman y el Joker. La edición deluxe está muy bien cuidada: tapa dura, excelente calidad de impresión y colores que realzan cada viñeta. Leerla en inglés permite disfrutar del tono original de los diálogos, que es una delicia para los fans del cómic. Sin duda, una pieza imprescindible en cualquier colección de DC Black Label o del universo Batman.

Pasta dura y resistente

I'm new to comic books and so far only have three which are Joker, The Three Jokers and Killing Joke. And out of the three this is def my favourite and honestly I reckon he's going to be my fav joker and joker story when I go read more in the future!! Next I'm planning on getting The man who Laughs, A death in the family, Under the red hood and Batman: Year One and honestly I reckon even after reading all of those this is still going to be my favourite book!

A tight gripping movie moment for Batman. Alan Moore is a master story teller!

Lovely H/B graphic novel. Batman and the Joker at their best. Very pleased.