Batman: The Killing Joke by Alan Moore, Brian Bolland Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Batman: The Killing Joke
Book Review: One of the greatest Batman stories
Summary: 5 Stars
The Killing Joke, written by the great Alan Moore is considered by some to be one of the best Batman stories ever put to paper and although I cannot comment on that, having not read many Batman stories as yet, I would have to agree that this story is brilliant. This story sees the Joker, having escaped from Arkham Asylum, attempting to prove his theory that the only thing that separates the sane from the insane is one bad day and to this end the Joker sets his sights on breaking Commissioner Gordon. The action is also interspersed with flashbacks to the Joker's own bad day that mad him the villain he is today.
This story is an excellent read with Alan Moore creating a brilliantly sinister plot. The art is fantastic and this Deluxe Edition of the story has been re-coloured by the artist Brian Bolland himself. This story does give a good incite into the Jokers fractured psyche and the back-story presented here, does make the Joker seem slightly more sympathetic. If there is a problem with this story it is that the ending is rather ambiguous but despite this is does seem somewhat apt. Overall Batman: The Killing Joke is definitely a must read for any Batman fan.
Book Review: A Masterpiece, no joke!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is another item I bought purely because of the cover art. It's frightening, it's detailed and it captures the Joker's unmeasurable insanity perfectly.
This story explores the parallels, the similarities between Batman and his most dangerous nemesis, The Joker, who is out of Arkham and out to prove a point.
The scary thing about this comic for me is not so much in the violent imagery (of which there's not all that much) or in the Joker's insane plans, but rather in the fact that the point which the Joker makes is completely understandable. I don't want to spoil it for you, but if you read the story you'll know what I mean.
Apart from the wonderful story, the artwork in this volume is particularly awe-inspiring. A lot of care has gone into making the Joker an expressively manic villain, and it shows. The flashback scenes in this edition are interesting; the colours washed out except for one pinkish red thing in each scene...
Not recommended for younger readers, a chilling adventure for fans of The Joker.
Book Review: Good but nothing special
Summary: 2 Stars
I have to say, as someone trying to get into comics for a while , I was let down by this graphic novel. The dialogue was well written, it was just that the story's arc was so sharp. Everything happened at double speed, which may be comic style, so it was hard to be taken in by or invest any emotion in the characters. When certain things happen in the story that should be shocking, I was not that moved or bothered what the outcome on the next page would be. For a story like this to be told with real success it must be at least double the length.
The Joker's origin story is also very poor in my opinion. The execution is too fast and leaves you scoffing and the final few panels. The only thing that saves this particular problem is he beautiful illustration that accompanies the final reveal., even then it feels rushed at best.
All in all I would say it is a good graphic novel but nothing more. If like me you are looking for an interesting first step the comic world, I would look elsewhere.
Book Review: Not as good as its cracked up to be
Summary: 2 Stars
Not bad but not all that good either. Art excellent but story weak. Batman's characterisation is non-existent, he's not a character, just someone chasing The Joker. Joker's story is OK-ish but there isn't anything you could call a plot here.
Commissioner Gordon looks like he's going to go mad and then doesn't. Big deal.
Also incredibly short. Could have done with being twice as long and letting us in on Batman's mind more. Not enough time to develop affinity with the people The Joker is threatening, so we don't really care if they live or die.
And can't we have something better than the 'covered in chemicals' origin?
Book Review: The best Joker story for the last 20 years
Summary: 5 Stars
This story has to be the best insight to the Joker mainly because its the only one that has a worthy and acceptable back story for Joker. He's not as psychotic as I usually like him to be in this but he's still got the regular charm. Seeing as the story's quite short its hard to mention anything without spoiling anything. but I assure you, this is an excellent read.
The artwork is excellent too like all of Bolland's work. My only problem is the design of the Batmobile. You'll understand when you see it.