The Joker has long been one of the greatest villains in comic-book history. Wacky, homicidal, humorous, sadistic and a totally unique threat. He also has never had a definitive origin tale. Chistopher Nolan played with this notion in The Dark Knight. “You want to know how I got these scars…” The story was always different and related to who ever he happened to be speaking to. There are only theories about exactly how the Joker came to be.

In 1988, Alan Moore released the closest things comic book fans have to a definitive Joker origin story, The Killing Joke. The graphic novel sent shock-waves throughout the industry due to its hard-hitting and graphic nature. The Joker had taken his villainy to a new level…

There are a lot of extremely mature themes and allusions throughout the story. Many of the more questionable moments happen directly outside of the the comic panels, so there have long been debates about how far did the Joker go with Barbara and what really happened at the end? Many have theorized that this is the story where Batman finally breaks his “one rule.” It is all pertinent and open for debate.

In their 16th episode TC and Karina Michelle, better known as Epic Comicast, dig deep into the The Killing Joke. They give their entertaining perspectives on the story and what they really think the tale means to the Batman mythos. Any fan of the psychological battle between Batman and the Joker in The Dark Knight will appreciate the source material where much of the conflict originated. Hope you enjoy!

“The Killing Comicast is here! Say that three times fast. Karina Michelle and I review the critically acclaimed graphic novel “The Killing Joke” by Alan Moore and Brian Bolland. We also discuss the latest news regarding Chronicle 2 *cough**cough* I mean The Fantastic Four as well as some CW Arrow and Flash news! To quote a famous clown… When it comes to the ending… we preferred it multiple choice.”

Press PLAY or hop over to Epic Comicast