KCode98 Posted January 21, 2022 Share Posted January 21, 2022 I don't know anything about DC but I like key books and I know this one keeps popping up as a must grab. Why is this book so popular? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MetalPSI Posted January 21, 2022 Share Posted January 21, 2022 I hardly know anything about DC but know this is the book where Batgirl is shot and is paralyzed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bird Posted January 21, 2022 Share Posted January 21, 2022 It is an odd book, two great creators but Bolland excels whereas Moore lays a bit of an egg. On 1/21/2022 at 4:46 PM, The Meta said: I hardly know anything about DC but know this is the book where Batgirl is shot and is paralyzed Spoiler it is also the book where Batman kills The Joker, but no one cares about that part (since it is off camera as it were and ambiguous). Larryw7 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MetalPSI Posted January 21, 2022 Share Posted January 21, 2022 On 1/21/2022 at 3:03 PM, Bird said: It is an odd book, two great creators but Bolland excels whereas Moore lays a bit of an egg. Hide contents it is also the book where Batman kills The Joker, but no one cares about that part (since it is off camera as it were and ambiguous). See, I didn’t even know that. I know the movies and video games better than the comics. So don't understand how the Joker could have been killed when he's still fighting Batman, but Oracle is paralyzed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bird Posted January 21, 2022 Share Posted January 21, 2022 On 1/21/2022 at 5:06 PM, The Meta said: See, I didn’t even know that. I know the movies and video games better than the comics. So don't understand how the Joker could have been killed when he's still fighting Batman, but Oracle is paralyzed well, is was written out of continuity and later stuck in. And what I said is ambiguous, the artist has stated it but until Alan Moore says it decisively it is moot. I think it is generally accepted (otherwise what does the title mean?) but not too many care. The book has GREAT art with a great cover written by probably the best modern comics writer (and perhaps the best ever comics writer). Spoiler It features Batman and Joker and Barbara gets sexually assaulted (maybe raped, but definitely more than just shot) by Joker. sends photos to dear old Dad I believe. so...it has that goin' for it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grendel72 Posted January 21, 2022 Share Posted January 21, 2022 Think the lasting legacy of the book is the fleshing out of the origin story of the Joker which serves as a counterpoint to Bruce Wayne's own journey to becoming the Batman. For me, the Killing Joke is all about the Joker, his motivations and psyche are all laid bare. One embraces the joke and wants everyone else to see the absurdity of it all, while the other is always fighting to.keep it at bay though deep down he probably knows the joke too. Im probably overeaching here but both of them sharing a laugh at the end before Joker dies is maybe Batman letting Joker know he understand the joke too. There is no turning back for either of them. In the end one has to die. And this is explicitly concluded in DKR with no ambiguity. KPR Comics 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rexinnih Posted January 22, 2022 Share Posted January 22, 2022 All of the above and a pretty cool cover. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KCode98 Posted January 22, 2022 Author Share Posted January 22, 2022 Sounds like this might be the first Batman book I read in my life. I'm intrigued by the ending where they share a laugh. Seems like this one might be a long lasting key too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAY1979 Posted January 22, 2022 Share Posted January 22, 2022 (edited) On 1/21/2022 at 7:38 PM, KCode98 said: Sounds like this might be the first Batman book I read in my life. I'm intrigued by the ending where they share a laugh. Seems like this one might be a long lasting key too. Key story most certainly. But a huge census population book in 9.8+, being DC that very much matters. Prices did pandemic spike but that was "normal". Due to the spike expect the population continue to increase by leaps 'n' bounds. Most collectors have multiple copies of this this book in 9.8. I know of at least 2 dealers sitting on long boxes (plural) full of untouched copies of the 1st print. Everyone back in the day purchased several copies, including me. I'd be very, very, very wary of buying it at even 60% of current prices if I was someone who was looking to make a profit on comics, which I'm not. As for me "Jungle Line" DC Comics Presents 85 is my favorite standalone Moore 1980's stand alone story. "Killing Joke" for me ranks 3rd after "For the Man Who Has Everything" in Superman Annual 11 Edited January 22, 2022 by MAR1979 JTLarsen and Point Five 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
awakeintheashes Posted January 22, 2022 Share Posted January 22, 2022 (edited) On 1/21/2022 at 7:38 PM, KCode98 said: Sounds like this might be the first Batman book I read in my life. I’ve never been a DC person and am not a Batman expert but Batman is one character I will always try to read. Even in the mess that was the New 52, Snyder’s Batman run was great. Edited January 22, 2022 by awakeintheashes chrisco37 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KCode98 Posted January 22, 2022 Author Share Posted January 22, 2022 On 1/21/2022 at 8:10 PM, MAR1979 said: Key story most certainly. But a huge census population book in 9.8+, being DC that very much matters. Prices did pandemic spike but that was "normal". Due to the spike expect the population continue to increase by leaps 'n' bounds. Most collectors have multiple copies of this this book in 9.8. I know of at least 2 dealers sitting on long boxes (plural) full of untouched copies of the 1st print. Everyone back in the day purchased several copies, including me. I'd be very, very, very wary of buying it at even 60% of current prices if I was someone who was looking to make a profit on comics, which I'm not. As for me "Jungle Line" DC Comics Presents 85 is my favorite standalone Moore 1980's stand alone story. "Killing Joke" for me ranks 3rd after "For the Man Who Has Everything" in Superman Annual 11 Thanks for that information, maybe I will pass on it as they are reaching $300 now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randall Dowling Posted January 22, 2022 Share Posted January 22, 2022 On 1/21/2022 at 7:10 PM, MAR1979 said: Key story most certainly. But a huge census population book in 9.8+, being DC that very much matters. Prices did pandemic spike but that was "normal". Due to the spike expect the population continue to increase by leaps 'n' bounds. Most collectors have multiple copies of this this book in 9.8. I know of at least 2 dealers sitting on long boxes (plural) full of untouched copies of the 1st print. Everyone back in the day purchased several copies, including me. I'd be very, very, very wary of buying it at even 60% of current prices if I was someone who was looking to make a profit on comics, which I'm not. As for me "Jungle Line" DC Comics Presents 85 is my favorite standalone Moore 1980's stand alone story. "Killing Joke" for me ranks 3rd after "For the Man Who Has Everything" in Superman Annual 11 On 1/21/2022 at 8:13 PM, KCode98 said: Thanks for that information, maybe I will pass on it as they are reaching $300 now. This came out shortly before I started managing an LCS. We had ordered heavily (like most shops) and despite the hype, after the initial buyers all got their copies, it sat there with no interest. Practically couldn't give it away. I think we had like 50 pristine copies in a box in back for the whole time I worked there and never sold one. A very common book. Joshua33 and MAY1979 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrisco37 Posted January 22, 2022 Share Posted January 22, 2022 On 1/21/2022 at 7:38 PM, KCode98 said: Sounds like this might be the first Batman book I read in my life. I'm intrigued by the ending where they share a laugh. Seems like this one might be a long lasting key too. It’s a good story (not Moore’s work by any stretch). The art is absolutely fantastic. Some of the best you’ll ever see. It’s worth a read, but not there are many other better Batman books: The Dark Knight Returns The classic Frank Miller tale of an aged Bruce Wayne coming out of retirement to defend a crumbling Gotham (and society). The Long Halloween Batman’s detective skills are put to the test as he tries to learn the identity of they mysterious and deadly Holiday killer. Is it one of his arch enemies (they’re all in here) or a new menace? Wonderful art by Tim Sale. Batman: Mad Love The origin of Harley Quinn is at the center of this Paul Dino/Bruce Timm story set in the Batman The Animated Series world. A classic Batman vs Joker. I liked it better than KJ. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grendel72 Posted January 22, 2022 Share Posted January 22, 2022 Can we add Arkham Asylum to that list Randall Dowling 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdandns Posted January 22, 2022 Share Posted January 22, 2022 (edited) The artwork is exquisite, but yeah, the story is not up there with the rest of Moore's DC heroes work, almost all of which is classic. Edited January 22, 2022 by jdandns djzombi 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoMan Posted January 22, 2022 Share Posted January 22, 2022 (edited) On 1/21/2022 at 5:10 PM, MAR1979 said: As for me "Jungle Line" DC Comics Presents 85 is my favorite standalone Moore 1980's stand alone story. "Killing Joke" for me ranks 3rd after "For the Man Who Has Everything" in Superman Annual 11 hey thanks for the heads up not only on this moore story but the Killing Joke warning. Makes sense. Looks like Dc comics present is collected in me Moore Superman stories Omnibus. Thanks. Never read it Edited January 22, 2022 by NoMan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bird Posted January 22, 2022 Share Posted January 22, 2022 On 1/22/2022 at 9:24 AM, NoMan said: favorite standalone Moore 1980's stand alone story. that is a lot of qualifiers! For The Man of Tomorrow isn't better than KJ? I love Wildstorm Spotlight Featuring Majestic. it is a wonderful wonderful story. 1997 and really one of the great single issue comics I have ever read. Swamp Thing 38 is a standalone story as well. Still gives me chills all these years later. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bronty Posted January 22, 2022 Share Posted January 22, 2022 I think it was a great story. Not Moore’s best but still miles ahead of most of the books from that time. JJ-4 and ADAMANTIUM 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KCode98 Posted January 22, 2022 Author Share Posted January 22, 2022 So is it only gaining in value because of Youtube hyping? ADAMANTIUM 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Bronty Posted January 22, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted January 22, 2022 It was a classic the second it came out. To me that’s really the best explanation. Larryw7, Hamlet, JJ-4 and 2 others 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...