(This is a review of both the original and the re-coloured version of The Killing Joke.)

Initially, I was against the recoloring/re-drawing of The Killing Joke that Brian Bolland did for the new hardcover edition. Bolland wasn’t happy with the original colour and wanted to make it a little more subtle and not as reflective of the time of its creation. “But the colour is PART of it,” I thought. “It’s an artifact of the 80s; the whole point of Joke is that it’s NOT timeless.” But I have to say that, upon reading BOTH versions, I’m torn. On the one hand, I am attached to the old colours, because that’s what I first read. And the garish quality of the original really helps for some of the more intense/insane parts. But the new colours add an important storytelling component, especially in the flashbacks, that I can’t dismiss out of hand. Sure, I may not like the alteration of the Batman symbol, or the tweaks, but in general…I don’t know. I’m keeping both versions, but I don’t know which one I’m going to re-read first.

As for the story? Well, it’s brilliant. Not in the same way as, say, Watchmen or Swamp Thing or even Son of The Demon. But I love the story of The Joker trying to prove that anyone could be as crazy as him, given one bad day. And I love the juxtaposition of Batman and The Joker and Commissioner Gordon. Alan Moore is, of course, the god of comics since the 80s. But Bolland…man. The Joker’s eyes. Batman’s jawline and perpetual frown. Gordon’s gamut of emotions. And some of those Joker reveals, the last panel reveals or the mid-page reveals, they just stop me cold and I have to pause, really take it in before I go on to the next bit. It’s iconic, and brilliant and striking. But maybe just because I know the icons. Anyhow. It’s not just Moore, that’s for sure.

I know Moore doesn’t really think it’s a very good story, and there are other fans who agree it’s just not up to snuff. But what can I say? I’ve been obsessed with those last two pages since I read excerpts of them when I was nine, and I still love them. Can’t deny the power of those last few pages. And the fight scene. And the funhouse ride. So many great moments, the whole is LESS than the sum of its parts. But it’s still really good.

Not bad. An interesting attempt to explore Batman and the Joker’s relationship, which explaining a little why the Joker is like he is and what the fundamental difference between him and most of us is.

The execution is okay, and the artwork is, well, from 1988.

umm.. i don’t want to spoil anything, but there are new characters in this story that should NOT have been introduced. the ending is not only out of character for both parties involved, but also out of character for the versions of these characters that this particular story attempted to build. not all bad, though. it’s a short read, and offers an interesting insight to the origin of the joker and why he is so damned maniacal. plus, he tortures someone in a sweet way (not batman). worth reading, but you probably won’t be floored.