Read All the Comics!: Batman: Killing Joke, Legends of the Dark Knight

Batman: The Killing Joke

I used to love this. Then I watched the animated movie, which completely ruined it for me. (So many horrible problems with it.) I was worried that the comic would never be as good for me again.

Thank goodness for Alan Moore, this is still as well written as it used to be. Hearing his words spoken aloud (as with Frank Miller, some authors are best read and not said) doesn’t diminish their power on the page. This is apex Brian Bolland art, his is on the top tier of Joker renditions.

The rare serious Joker. Almost feel sorry for him.

And of course there’s Joker shooting Barbara Gordon. A truly disturbing event that somehow changes the DCU for the better - Oracle is one of the coolest characters ever, and as much as I like Batgirl, I wish she had stayed the information hub of the heroes. It’s a far more interesting, powerful, and unique role.

One of the most pivotal moments in DC history.

Nice to know that the classics can’t be ruined.

Regret buying: No

Would buy again: Yes

Would read again: Yes

Rating: Really good

Batman: The Man Who Laughs

Ed Brubaker and Doug Mahnke tell the story of Batman’s first encounter with the Joker (after the accident at the chemical plant). It’s perfectly acceptable, nothing standout.

Regret buying: No

Would buy again: No

Would read again: Yes

Rating: Nice

Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight 16-20

Venom. This is a really well told story by Denny O’Neil and Trevor Von Eeden. It’s completely plausible that a perfectionist like Batman, who tolerates no failure on his part, would break down and start taking steroids in response to a kidnapped girl’s death on his watch. His descent into addiction is gripping to watch, as is his cold turkey recovery. Things get a little less interesting once he goes to Santa Prisca (is Bane there as we speak?) but Batman’s escape from the deathtrap is vintage brains over brawn. An excellent arc even without considering the bigger picture of how this eventually leads to Bane.

Regret buying: No

Would buy again: Yes

Would read again: Yes

Rating: Good

Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight 28-30

Faces by Matt Wagner. This reads a lot like Batman/Grendel, with blackmailed victims, turncoat civilians, villains stealing from museums, and amazing Wagner art. Not quite as good as I remember, but still a lot of fun.

"Holding it." It paints such a vivid picture.

Wagner's so good at these creative layouts.

Love how a few splotches of ink can do so much.

The word balloons!

Regret buying: No

Would buy again: Yes

Would read again: Yes

Rating: Pretty good

Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight 32-34

Blades by James Robinson and Tim Sale. A wonderful mixing of genres, as this all-star team takes Errol Flynn and drops him right into the middle of a film noir. Toss in the comic book heroics of Batman and there are so many ways this could have gone wrong. Instead, this is practically perfect with an ending that’s still emotionally affecting after all these years.