The Killing Joke

A 1988 DC graphic novel by Alan Moore and Brian Bolland. The Joker escapes Arkham Asylum and targets Commissioner Gordon, attempting to drive him to madness. The story weaves an origin flashback with the Joker's assault on the Gordon family.

Status

Ended

Type

Mini-Series Arc

Universe

Prime Earth (Earth-0)

Start Issue

Batman: The Killing Joke

Issues

7

About Prime Earth (Earth-0)

The main DC Comics universe following the Flashpoint event and New 52 relaunch in 2011. Prime Earth (Earth-0) serves as home to the primary versions of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and the Justice League. The continuity has evolved through DC Rebirth (2016) and subsequent publishing eras while maintaining its core designation.

Lists

Definitive Villain Origin Stories

Ranked

versedb Staff

The specific story arcs that pulled back the curtain to reveal how the greatest antagonists came to be. The best villain backstories in comics.

5

Items

More arcs in Prime Earth (Earth-0)

Infinite Crisis

Crossover Event

Crisis on Infinite Earths

Crossover Event

Final Crisis

Crossover Event

One Year Later

Crossover Event

Batman Incorporated

Main Story

Our Worlds at War

Crossover Event

Dark Crisis

Crossover Event

War of the Gods (Wonder Woman)

Crossover Event

The OMAC Project

Crossover Event

The End of the Justice League

Main Story