A True Classic

I remember the first time I read "The Killing Joke" and having a jaw that was so sore from hitting the floor way to many times. From the violent assault on Barbara Gordon which left her crippled for life. The further violation of her via the Joker removing her clothing and taking pictures of the injured Barbara to use in an attempt to drive her father insane or that at the end it seems he actually made Batman laugh. It is from cover to cover one of those Batman stories that is timeless and classic. It provides the moment that will forever set Barbara on the path to becoming Oracle. It is another stab at Bruce’s heart as a member of the Bat family is maimed at the hands of the Joker. The man who Bruce keeps putting behind bars only to have escape again and bring havoc to the citizens of Gotham. More importantly “The Killing Joke” provided a look at a possible origin for the Joker. Here in the pages of this classic for the first time I almost felt sorry for the Joker. Something that I thought I would never do and I am sure other readers felt as dirty as I did for finding a moment of sympathy for the clown prince of crime. Beautifully illustrated this Joker story is a classic and a must read that any fan of Batman should sit down and take the time to read.