Batman The Killing Joke
:// INTRO
As I mentioned before, back in the day, I used to be somewhat of an avid comic book reader and collector. I would say I have been [somewhat] back in the game since 2015. I started researching the best Batman stories which I had previously missed.
The Killing Joke was always either number one or two on any given top 10 online, I had read the graphic novel before jumping into the animated feature.
At first, I was really surprised when I discovered the feature would be rated R, plus, having Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill providing voices again was really exciting.
I would strongly suggest reading the novel first since this is the story in its original form.
:// PRODUCTION QUALITY
There is one thing that is usually disappointing about DC and Marvel animated films: the animation quality.
I’m assuming the key frames are done in the ‘States while the in-betweens are probably produced overseas. Comparing them to something like Anime, Anime [in my opinion] is always above and beyond in terms of craftsmanship.
Check out Avengers Confidential: Black Widow/Punisher for example, which was produced by the talented folks over at Madhouse.
The voice acting is beyond incredible, it’s always good to hear actors from Batman The Animated Series continuing to provide personalities for these characters.
:// STORY
The story is very faithful to the source material, they did, however, insert a 20-minute intro which featured Batgirl trying to prove herself to Batman. Hell, they even included some sexy time between them which was a bit weird.
I do understand why they did that though, this way you are invested more in Barbara Gordon, especially once the Joker shows up at her door step.
This story is very dark, and I would say probably the darkest story in the Batverse.
:// CHARACTERS
The characters in The Killing Joke are somewhat standard for a Batman story, however, the main focus this time is the Gordon family, especially Jim.
Reading the novel you do get the sense of dread as you see how people can break no matter how many times they’ve been through the ringer, especially when you hit the right buttons. This is also one of those stories where you see just how disturbed the Joker really is, in causing all this harm just to prove a point.
Remember, the subject matter is dark. Very dark.
:// DC UNIVERSE CONTINUATION
It’s always great seeing comic book studios releasing films and animated features showcasing their “greatest hits”, thus bringing their classics to newer audiences who probably don’t follow the comics as much. It’s also great as a fan of the books to see new interpretations of stories we are already familiar with.
DC Comics has a great wealth of characters and stories, it is a shame that at this point in time they are playing catch up with Marvel when it comes to features. DC has played it somewhat safe by having their properties appear [mostly] on TV and as direct to video animated features.
It would be great to see them expand the DC Universe with their flagship characters and also bring more Vertigo stories to many unsuspecting fans.