Episode 255: Revisiting ‘Batman: The Killing Joke’ Comic & Adaptation

  In 1988, Alan Moore, Brian Bolland, and John Higgins would release a one-shot graphic novel that would change the Batman landscape forever. Batman: The Killing Joke was the superstar team-up that solidified Batman’s relationship with the Joker, and it changed the dynamic between Joker and the rest of the Rogues Gallery going forward. Not a book or movie has released since that features the Joker and doesn’t take a cue or two from The Killing Joke. Since its release, it has never gone out of print — a rare feat for a comic book.  In today’s episode of The Batman Universe Podcast, hosts Scott and BJ revisit one of the most talked-about (and debated) Batman graphic novels of all time. Listen  as the two discuss the book, its enduring legacy, the 2016 animated adaptation with Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill, and influences in other media. Have an opinion? Tell us about it.  Join our Discord, and share your feelings about Batman: The Killing Joke or any other Batman story in our TBU Bat-fans channel. Prefer email? No problem. Drop us a line at [email protected]. We’ll be happy to read your comment or question on air. Just mark your comment with “OK to Read,” and we’ll respond on an upcoming episode. As always, if you like this episode, please rate, share, and subscribe.   Batman: The Killing Joke Supplementary Reading Check out these related reviews: * Editorial: Why do we love the Killing Joke? (Or do we?) by Staff Writer D.M. Grant * Editorial: The Very Real Problems of Batgirl in The Killing Joke Film by Staff Writer D.M. Grant * Read our reviews of each issue of Batman: Three Jokers by Managing Editor Scott Waldyn * Batman: Three Jokers #1 * Batman: Three Jokers #2 * Batman: Three Jokers #3 Like our revisiting of this classic graphic novel? Listen to our episode on Batman: Year One next!