Batman: The Killing Joke

The Killing Joke is possibly the most famous Joker story ever printed, and was an influence on both Heath Ledger's performance and the recent video game. It was published over twenty years ago, but still works today as an interesting look at a truly deranged character, especially after artist Brian Bolland went back and recolored it to match the right mood for the story (i.e., not bright reds and oranges). The deluxe edition features bonuses like an introduction by Tim Sale and glimpses of test drawings, but the focus is obviously on the comic itself. It's a pretty short story, only the length of about two normal issues. Still, it manages to do quite a lot.

It explores the strange relationship between Batman and his greatest nemesis, a possible origin story for him (while still making it clear this is only one of many possible reasons why the most insane man ever is the way he is), and changes the character of Barbara Gordon forever. It's impressive how Alan Moore can craft such a disturbing tale without really going beyond what's acceptable in a comic that kids might be allowed to read, as the psychological torture he places his enemies in is as brutal as any normal violent act he could want to perform. It didn't totally amaze me or anything, but it was part of the late 80s transition for Batman into something more serious and interesting than the campy old TV show or even Tim Burton's film adaptation, which was partway there but still too Burtony to really work for me. It's thanks to books like this that we have the great stuff we've seen from the franchise in recent years, and for that I'm glad it was made.