Not because of their scarcity, or their monetary value, but simply because they changed the game in the world of comics.
Most consider The Killing Joke among the greatest Batman stories ever written, and although author, Alan Moore, one of the most brilliant, and saltiest comics writers who has ever lived, has made clear his disdain for his creation, there is no denying that it is a masterwork. Situated after Jason Todd's death during the events of the landmark "Death In the Family" storyline, Killing Joke, deepened the oppositional bond shared by Batman and the Joker, enlarging their battle, making it mirror the never-ending struggle between the universal forces of good and evil. Moore also delves deeper into the Joker's origin story, first revealed by Bill Finger, Lew Sayre Schwartz and Win Mortimer in "The Man Behind the Red Hood," a story first presented in Detective Comics #168 in 1951. Instead of the hardened criminal he is shown to be in "The Man Behind the Red Hood," Moore paints a picture of a good but desperate comedian, who is only trying to take care his family. When he falls in with the mob, he is forced to commit a robbery that would alter the course of his life (and end those of countless others in Gotham) forever.
Sympathy for the devil - Alan Moore-style.
In the end, Barbara Gordon (Batgirl) would be paralyzed, Batman would be mentally scarred, and the DCU's course would shift to accommodate this astounding one-shot as total canon.
With the upcoming announcement that Warner Bros. has signed off on an R-Rated animated film of Killing Joke, this classic has started to garner much well-deserved buzz. Now might be a great time to snag one, if you're so inclined, but be careful. There were several printings of the comic produced. For me, the first printing's always my best choice. Here's a great site that gives you the scoop on distinguishing the printings one from another: How To Tell If It's A First Printing Of Killing Joke.
For your viewing pleasure, I'd like to show off my little Killing Joke collection. I hope you enjoy it.
The Killing Joke, first printing from 1988, CGC graded 9.4.
Brian Bolland did an absolutely mind-blowing job on the cover and interiors. As a Bolland fan, I can tell you that it is truly some of the most brilliant work of his career.
From Kotobukiya comes The Killing Joke Joker ArtFX Statue. It is a masterfully crafted statue based on Brian Bolland's iconic cover. It stands 11 inches tall (1/6th scale) on a special display base that includes the broken crate of dynamite. I'm happy to own it. Here's a wonderful video from Pixel Dan showcasing the features of this amazing statue:
That's all for today. Thanks for visiting.
ENJOY!!
A brilliant ode to a book that's well deserving off it Tex! Nice work sir.
ReplyDeleteAh! there's that sweet action figure...Nice.
Thanks, Gil!! I can't believe how much disdain Alan Moore has for his own masterpiece. That guy is an enormous talent, and an enormous enigma.
ReplyDeleteLoving it. Dragonfire694
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, DF!!
DeleteI am so glad to hear from you! I hope you enjoy the site!
Killing joke hands down is one of my favorite ones.
ReplyDeleteNice cgc geade and toy. My grail is having this book with an alan moore signature, ill keep on dreaming :)
Moore's signature on this book would be AMAZING!! In fact, I have never seen a copy of this book signed by him, EVER. Moore doesn't sign much. I am lucky enough to have two books signed by him - but having his sig on Warrior Magazine (UK), Miracleman, Watchmen, or Killing Joke would just be the tops!! Definitely grail status!!
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