Shipping Estimate
USA
- USA
- CAN
- USA
- CAN
Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 14 - Jul 19
Promo Codes Available:
For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15
Description
LA Choppers - Grips - Cable - AnodizedFeatures Sold in pairs Specs Product Name Grips Style Flange Closed End Cable Full Waffle Color Finish Black Base Color Black Finish Anodized Graphic LA Choppers Material Aluminum Rubber Mount Type Standard Texture Medium for Handlebar Diameter 1" Units Pair Riding Style Street 2018 2021 Harley Davidson XL1200NS Iron 1200 2018 2019 Harley Davidson XL1200XS Forty Eight Special 2016 2020 Harley Davidson XL1200CX Roadster 2014 2017 Harley Davidson
Features
- Sold in pairs
Specs
| Product Name | Grips |
| Style | Flange / Closed End / Cable / Full Waffle |
| Color/Finish | Black |
| Base Color | Black |
| Finish | Anodized |
| Graphic | LA Choppers |
| Material | Aluminum / Rubber |
| Mount Type | Standard |
| Texture | Medium |
| for Handlebar Diameter | 1" |
| Units | Pair |
| Riding Style | Street |
| 2018-2021 | Harley-Davidson | XL1200NS Iron 1200 | - | - |
| 2018-2019 | Harley-Davidson | XL1200XS Forty-Eight Special | - | - |
| 2016-2020 | Harley-Davidson | XL1200CX Roadster | - | - |
| 2014-2017 | Harley-Davidson | XL1200T SuperLow 1200T | - | - |
| 2013-2015 | Harley-Davidson | FXSB Breakout | - | - |
| 2012-2016 | Harley-Davidson | XL1200V Seventy-Two | - | - |
| 2012-2016 | Harley-Davidson | FLD Switchback | - | - |
| 2012-2015 | Harley-Davidson | FLS Softail Slim | - | - |
| 2011-2019 | Harley-Davidson | XL883L SuperLow | - | - |
| 2011-2013 | Harley-Davidson | FXS Blackline | - | - |
| 2010-2022 | Harley-Davidson | XL1200X Forty-Eight | - | - |
| 2010-2015 | Harley-Davidson | FLSTFB Fat Boy Lo | - | - |
| 2010-2012 | Harley-Davidson | Softail Standard EFI FXSTI | - | - |
| 2010 | Harley-Davidson | FLSTSE CVO Softail Convertible | - | - |
| 2010 | Harley-Davidson | FXDFSE2 CVO Dyna Fat Bob | - | - |
| 2009-2022 | Harley-Davidson | XL883N Iron 883 | - | - |
| 2009 | Harley-Davidson | FXDFSE CVO Dyna Fat Bob | - | - |
| 2009 | Harley-Davidson | FXSTSSE3 CVO Softail Springer | - | - |
| 2009 | Harley-Davidson | 883 EFI XL | - | - |
| 2009 | Harley-Davidson | Fat Boy Lo FLSTFB | - | - |
| 2008-2017 | Harley-Davidson | FXDF Fat Bob | - | - |
| 2008-2011 | Harley-Davidson | FLSTSB Cross Bones | - | - |
| 2008-2011 | Harley-Davidson | FXCWC Rocker C | - | - |
| 2008-2009 | Harley-Davidson | FXCW Rocker | - | - |
| 2008 | Harley-Davidson | FXSTSSE2 Screamin Eagle Softail Springer | - | - |
| 2008 | Harley-Davidson | FXDSE2 Screamin Eagle Dyna | - | - |
| 2007-2012 | Harley-Davidson | XL1200N Sportster 1200 Nightster | - | - |
| 2007, 2010 | Harley-Davidson | Softail Rocker FXCW | - | - |
| 2007 | Harley-Davidson | FXSTSSE Screamin Eagle Softail Springer | - | - |
| 2007 | Harley-Davidson | FLHRSE3 Screamin Eagle Road King | - | - |
| 2007 | Harley-Davidson | FLHTCUSE2 Screamin Eagle Ultra Classic Electra Glide | - | - |
| 2007 | Harley-Davidson | FLHRC Road King Classic | - | - |
| 2007 | Harley-Davidson | 883 Roadster XLR | - | - |
| 2007 | Harley-Davidson | FXDSE Screamin Eagle Dyna | - | - |
| 2007 | Harley-Davidson | XL50 50th Anniversary Sportster | - | - |
| 2007 | Harley-Davidson | Softail Rocker C FXCWC | - | - |
| 2006-2017 | Harley-Davidson | FXDB Street Bob | - | - |
| 2006-2011 | Harley-Davidson | XL1200L Sportster 1200 Low | - | - |
| 2006-2007 | Harley-Davidson | FLHX Street Glide | - | - |
| 2006 | Harley-Davidson | FXDI35 Dyna 35th Anniversary Super Glide | - | - |
| 2006 | Harley-Davidson | FLHTCUSE Screamin Eagle Ultra Classic Electra Glide | - | - |
| 2006 | Harley-Davidson | FLHXI Street Glide | - | - |
| 2006 | Harley-Davidson | 1200 Low EFI XLL | - | - |
| 2006 | Harley-Davidson | FLSTI Heritage Softail | - | - |
| 2006 | Harley-Davidson | 883 Low EFI XLL | - | - |
| 2006 | Harley-Davidson | 1200 Roadster EFI XLR | - | - |
| 2006 | Harley-Davidson | Electra Glide Classic FLHTC | - | - |
| 2006 | Harley-Davidson | Low Rider FXDL | - | - |
| 2005-2015 | Harley-Davidson | FLSTN Softail Deluxe | - | - |
| 2005-2010 | Harley-Davidson | XL883L Sportster 883 Low | - | - |
| 2005-2007 | Harley-Davidson | FLSTSC Softail Springer Classic | - | - |
| 2005-2006 | Harley-Davidson | FLSTSCI Softail Springer Classic | - | - |
| 2005-2006 | Harley-Davidson | FXDCI Super Glide Custom | - | - |
| 2005-2006 | Harley-Davidson | FLSTFSE Screamin Eagle Fat Boy | - | - |
| 2005-2006 | Harley-Davidson | FLSTNI Softail Deluxe | - | - |
| 2005 | Harley-Davidson | FLHTCSE2 Screamin Eagle Electra Glide 2 | - | - |
| 2005 | Harley-Davidson | 15th Anniversary Fat Boy FLSTF | - | - |
| 2004-2008 | Harley-Davidson | XL883 Sportster | - | - |
| 2004-2008 | Harley-Davidson | XL1200R Sportster 1200 Roadster | - | - |
| 2004-2007 | Harley-Davidson | FLHRS Road King Custom | - | - |
| 2004-2006 | Harley-Davidson | FLHRSI Road King Custom | - | - |
| 2004-2006 | Harley-Davidson | FXDI Dyna Super Glide | - | - |
| 2004-2006 | Harley-Davidson | FXDWGI Dyna Wide Glide | - | - |
| 2004-2006 | Harley-Davidson | FXDLI Dyna Low Rider | - | - |
| 2004-2005 | Harley-Davidson | FXDXI Dyna Super Glide Sport | - | - |
| 2004 | Harley-Davidson | FLHTCSE Screamin Eagle Electra Glide | - | - |
| 2003-2006 | Harley-Davidson | FLHTI Electra Glide Standard | - | - |
| 2003-2004 | Harley-Davidson | FXSTDSE Screamin Eagle Softail Deuce | - | - |
| 2003 | Harley-Davidson | FLHRSEI2 Screamin Eagle Road King 2 | - | - |
| 2002-2006 | Harley-Davidson | 1200 Custom EFI XLC | - | - |
| 2002-2003, 2011-2017 | Harley-Davidson | 1200 XLCP | - | - |
| 2002-2003, 2005-2007 | Harley-Davidson | XL883R Sportster 883 Roadster | - | - |
| 2002-2003, 2005-2006 | Harley-Davidson | 883 Roadster EFI XLR | - | - |
| 2002 | Harley-Davidson | FXDWG3 CVO Dyna Wide Glide | - | - |
| 2002 | Harley-Davidson | FLHRSEI Screamin Eagle Road King | - | - |
| 2001-2006 | Harley-Davidson | FLSTFI Fat Boy | - | - |
| 2001-2006 | Harley-Davidson | FXSTBI Night Train | - | - |
| 2001-2006 | Harley-Davidson | FXSTDI Softail Deuce | - | - |
| 2001-2006 | Harley-Davidson | FXSTSI Springer Softail | - | - |
| 2001-2006 | Harley-Davidson | FLSTCI Heritage Softail Classic | - | - |
| 2001-2006 | Harley-Davidson | FXSTI Softail Standard | - | - |
| 2001-2003 | Harley-Davidson | FLSTSI Heritage Springer | - | - |
| 2001-2003 | Harley-Davidson | FXDXT Dyna Super Glide T-Sport | - | - |
| 2001 | Harley-Davidson | FXDWG2 CVO Dyna Wide Glide | - | - |
| 2001 | Harley-Davidson | FLTRSEI2 Screamin Eagle Road Glide 2 | - | - |
| 2000-2007 | Harley-Davidson | FXSTD Softail Deuce | - | - |
| 2000-2003 | Harley-Davidson | Wide Glide EFI FXDWGI | - | - |
| 2000-2002 | Harley-Davidson | Electra Glide Standard EFI FLHTI | - | - |
| 2000 | Harley-Davidson | FLTRSEI Screamin Eagle Road Glide | - | - |
| 2000 | Harley-Davidson | FXR4 | - | - |
| 1999-2009 | Harley-Davidson | XL883C Sportster 883 Custom | - | - |
| 1999-2009 | Harley-Davidson | FXSTB Night Train | - | - |
| 1999-2007 | Harley-Davidson | Electra Glide Police FLHTPI | - | - |
| 1999-2006 | Harley-Davidson | FLHTCUI Electra Glide Ultra Classic | - | - |
| 1999-2006 | Harley-Davidson | 883 Custom EFI XLC | - | - |
| 1999-2006 | Harley-Davidson | Electra Glide Police FLHTP | - | - |
| 1999-2005 | Harley-Davidson | FXDX Dyna Super Glide Sport | - | - |
| 1999-2003 | Harley-Davidson | Sportster 1200 XLH | - | - |
| 1999 | Harley-Davidson | FXR2 | - | - |
| 1999 | Harley-Davidson | FXR3 | - | - |
| 1998-2007 | Harley-Davidson | FLTR Road Glide | - | - |
| 1998-2006 | Harley-Davidson | FLHRCI Road King Classic | - | - |
| 1998-2006 | Harley-Davidson | FLTRI Road Glide | - | - |
| 1998-2006 | Harley-Davidson | Electra Glide Ultra Classic FLHTCU | - | - |
| 1998-1999 | Harley-Davidson | Road King EFI FLHR | - | - |
| 1998 | Harley-Davidson | 883 Custom XLC | - | - |
| 1997-2003 | Harley-Davidson | FLSTS Heritage Springer | - | - |
| 1996-2019 | Harley-Davidson | XL1200C Sportster 1200 Custom | - | - |
| 1996-2006 | Harley-Davidson | FLHTCI Electra Glide Classic | - | - |
| 1996-2003 | Harley-Davidson | XL1200S Sportster 1200 Sport | - | - |
| 1996-1997, 2007 | Harley-Davidson | FLHTCU Electra Glide Ultra Classic | - | - |
| 1996-1997, 2000-2006 | Harley-Davidson | FLHRI Road King | - | - |
| 1996 | Harley-Davidson | FLTCUI Tour Glide Ultra Classic | - | - |
| 1996 | Harley-Davidson | Tour Glide Ultra Classic FLTCU | - | - |
| 1995-2010 | Harley-Davidson | FXD Dyna Super Glide | - | - |
| 1995-2000 | Harley-Davidson | FXDS-Conv Dyna Convertible | - | - |
| 1995-1997 | Harley-Davidson | FXSTSB Bad Boy | - | - |
| 1994-2007 | Harley-Davidson | FLHR Road King | - | - |
| 1994-1996 | Harley-Davidson | FLSTN Heritage Softail Special | - | - |
| 1993-2008, 2010-2017 | Harley-Davidson | FXDWG Dyna Wide Glide | - | - |
| 1993-2005, 2007-2009, 2014-2017 | Harley-Davidson | FXDL Dyna Low Rider | - | - |
| 1993 | Harley-Davidson | FLSTN Heritage Softail Nostalgia | - | - |
| 1993 | Harley-Davidson | Sport Glide FXRT | - | - |
| 1992, 2005, 2007-2014 | Harley-Davidson | FXDC Super Glide Custom | - | - |
| 1992 | Harley-Davidson | FXDB-D Dyna Glide Daytona | - | - |
| 1990-2015 | Harley-Davidson | FLSTF Fat Boy | - | - |
| 1990-1993 | Harley-Davidson | FXRS-Conv Low Rider Sport Convertible | - | - |
| 1989-1990, 1993 | Harley-Davidson | Low Rider FXRS | - | - |
| 1988-2015 | Harley-Davidson | FLSTC Heritage Softail Classic | - | - |
| 1988-2006 | Harley-Davidson | FXSTS Springer Softail | - | - |
| 1988-1998 | Harley-Davidson | XLH1200 | - | - |
| 1988-1993 | Harley-Davidson | FXRS-SP Low Rider Sport | - | - |
| 1988 | Harley-Davidson | Sportster 1100 XLH | - | - |
| 1987-1998, 2002-2003 | Harley-Davidson | XLH883HUG Sportster 883 Hugger | - | - |
| 1987-1994 | Harley-Davidson | FXLR Low Rider Custom | - | - |
| 1987, 1989-2003 | Harley-Davidson | Sportster 883 XLH | - | - |
| 1987 | Harley-Davidson | Softail Heritage Classic FLSTC | - | - |
| 1986-1999, 2007-2010 | Harley-Davidson | FXSTC Softail Custom | - | - |
| 1986-1995 | Harley-Davidson | XLH883DLX Sportster 883 Deluxe | - | - |
| 1986-1994 | Harley-Davidson | FXR Super Glide II | - | - |
| 1986-1990, 2006 | Harley-Davidson | FLST Heritage Softail | - | - |
| 1986-1987, 1996-2007 | Harley-Davidson | FLHT Electra Glide Standard | - | - |
| 1986-1987 | Harley-Davidson | XLH1100 | - | - |
| 1986, 1988, 1999-2001 | Harley-Davidson | XLH883 | - | - |
| 1986 | Harley-Davidson | FXRD Sport Glide Grand Touring | - | - |
| 1985-1993, 1999-2009 | Harley-Davidson | FXST Softail Standard | - | - |
| 1985-1988, 1991-1992 | Harley-Davidson | FXRS Low Glide | - | - |
| 1985, 1987 | Harley-Davidson | FXRC Low Rider Chrome | - | - |
| 1985 | Harley-Davidson | FXEF Fat Bob | - | - |
| 1984 | Harley-Davidson | FLHX Electra Glide Special | - | - |
| 1983-1992 | Harley-Davidson | FXRT Sport Glide | - | - |
| 1983-1988, 1996-2005, 2007 | Harley-Davidson | FLHTC Electra Glide Classic | - | - |
| 1983-1985 | Harley-Davidson | XLX 1000 | - | - |
| 1983-1985 | Harley-Davidson | FXSB Low Rider - Belt | - | - |
| 1983-1984 | Harley-Davidson | XR1000 | - | - |
| 1983, 1985 | Harley-Davidson | Electra Glide Standard FLHT | - | - |
| 1983 | Harley-Davidson | FXDG Disc Glide | - | - |
| 1982-1986 | Harley-Davidson | FXWG Wide Glide | - | - |
| 1982-1985 | Harley-Davidson | XLH1000 | - | - |
| 1982-1985 | Harley-Davidson | XLS Roadster | - | - |
| 1982-1984 | Harley-Davidson | FLH Electra Glide | - | - |
| 1982-1984 | Harley-Davidson | FXE Super Glide | - | - |
| 1982-1983 | Harley-Davidson | Super Glide II FXRS | - | - |
| 1982, 1987-1988 | Harley-Davidson | FLHS Electra Glide Sport | - | - |
| 1982 | Harley-Davidson | Electra Glide Classic FLH | - | - |
| 1982 | Harley-Davidson | FXS Low Rider | - | - |
| 1981-1988 | Harley-Davidson | FLTC Tour Glide Classic | - | - |
| 1980-1983 | Harley-Davidson | FLT Tour Glide | - | - |
| 1980 | Harley-Davidson | Tour Glide Classic FLTC |
Shipping Notes
- Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
- Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
- Delivery to the USA:
- Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
- If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
- We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
- Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
- To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
- Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
4.6 ★★★★★
Based on 1096 reviews
Sort
Product Reviews
★★★★★ 5
One REALLY bad day.
Format: Hardcover
"The Killing Joke" is widely considered to be the be-all-end-all of Joker stories, so what better way to pay homage to the greatest comic book villain of all time near the eve of his re-unveiling in
than by reviewing his definitive story? This is the comic that (sort of) revealed the origin of The Clown Prince of Crime, humanizing him to an extent never before, and truly examined -with pictures rather than words- the antagonistic symbiosis that exists between Joker and his arch nemesis, The Batman. A beloved Gotham regular will never be the same and another will be put through hell before this story is done. Oh, and there are creepy little henchmidgets as well. Gotta love the henchmidgets.
The art is outstanding, the storytelling superb, and the character examinations are vital to understanding both combatants. The "one bad day" premise highlights the "two sides of the same coin" argument that Batman and Joker are in fact more alike than dissimilar. As if Bruce Wayne took a right when his arch-nemesis took a left. The controversial ending leaves little doubt as to Alan Moore's take on the debate, and I like it like that. While many critics have strongly resisted both the comparison and the somewhat sympathetic look at The Joker's past, the truth is that every great character -villain or hero- needs that sort of intricacy to their story to remain relevant in the world of modern fiction. Comics are no longer for children and adults realize that the world is seldom black and white, that all monsters were once men, and that unspeakable darkness and insanity resides deep inside each human mind. It can take years of suffering to bring them out or it can take one bad day. One bad day could ruin your very existence and everything you were; it's a frightening reality that cannot be overlooked while reading this comic. The more the reader is willing to ponder the ideas put forth by this story, the more you are likely to appreciate "The Killing Joke". An outstanding achievement in storytelling any way you look at it.
I was tempted to knock this down to four stars because with this book you are buying a single issue of a comic for what you could easily pay for a full trade paperback or graphic novel of equal quality like, say, Frank Miller's
, which is so good it may very well cure cancer (can you prove it doesn't?). But the fact is no Batman fan should be without "The Killing Joke" and I would rather stick to reviewing based on quality rather than haggling over price. The bonus story at the end (written and illustrated by TKJ artist Brian Bolland) is a killer little mini-comic that serves as a perfect companion piece to the main story and definitely sweetens the pot for those wondering if they should get this hardcover edition. "The Killing Joke" is an absolute mindless must-have for fans of the comic book medium and even more so if you claim to be a follower of The Caped Crusader or his twisted nemesis. End of story.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on July 14, 2008
★★★★★ 5
Alan Moore does it again
Format: Hardcover
Batman: The Killing Joke is by far one of the greatest one-shot graphic novels ever written, Moore is fortunate that it was of such caliber as to deserve inclusion in the mainstream Batman canon.
The Joker is the single most evil non-superpowered being in the DC universe, and almost nothing is known about who he was before becoming the arch-nemesis of Batman. While curiosity abounds for fans, even more prefer that he maintain this aura of mystery since it is believed that his pre-villain life was not one that would have been considered anything worth writing about; it is because of he IS the Joker that he means anything in the DCU at all.
All that aside, Alan Moore - the creative genius behind such works as
,
,
,
,
and many others - took a chance and in 1988 presented the comic community with what DC has accepted as the official Joker origin story.
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD
The Killing Joke is about madness. The Joker has escaped from Arkham Asylum and is setting about a new and truly evil scheme; unrivaled since he murdered Jason Todd/Robin #2 in
. While Batman is frantically trying to track him down, the Joker has purchased a dilapidated carnival (like something you'd expect to find in a 21st century teen slasher flick, but in his hands is decidedly worse) and is now off to secure his "main attraction". Later at the home of Commissioner Gordon, Barbara answers the door to find a sick fixed smile shooting her through her spine, crippling her; after several off-color disabled jokes, Gordon is kidnapped and spirited away to the the Joker's carnival of horrors. (Moore and DC received a hailstorm of praise and criticism for rendering Batgirl a parapellegic, but the decision stuck and arguably many good, if not great, stories came from it.) Gordon regains consciousness to find himself being stripped down by a host of sideshow freaks and lead at the Joker's behest to a House of Horrors ride filled with the Joker's own snap-shots of Barbara fully undressed and in pain and filled with the Joker and his cronies singing a sardonic song about lunacy (GOD I WISH I KNEW THE TUNE!!!); all of this intended to drive Gordon insane.
Batman uncovers the Joker's plot and rushes to the carnival to stop him; a chase ensues through a booby-trap-laden house of mirrors in which the Joker states that he's proven his point with Gordon's unquestionable descent into madness: "All it takes is one bad day to reduce the sanest man alive to lunacy!" The joker goes on in his analysis with Batman, stating that he too is crazy, but won't admit it and tries to get him to accept it. The final confrontation between them is left a mystery, but it is clear that the Joker - after decades of campy portrayals - has most definitely re-earned the title of most evil comic book villain.
Throughout the story, the Joker offers flashbacks to his life before becoming the monster he is today. He was once a technician at the ACE Chemical Plant who quit his job to become a stand-up comedian. Unfortunately he fails miserably and worries about how he's going to support his very pregnant-in-the-late-trimester wife and soon-to-arrive baby. He decides to make fast, easy money by throwing in his lot with criminals looking to rip off a playing card company next door to the chemical plant and he offers his services to get through unnoticed. So as to protect his own identity, the gangsters present him with his disguise: The Red Hood. While in discussion for the crime, a couple of cops show up to tell him that his wife has died while operating a defunct bottle heater. In his shock, he tries to back out of the crime since he no longer has a reason to go through with it; but the gangsters hold him to it. Later on, they break into the plant, but everything goes wrong as the cops show up and take down the gangsters and that Batman appears to apprehend who he believes to be the Red Hood. Whether he jumped, fell or was pushed is unclear, but the man landed in a vat of chemicals that washed him out of the factory. When he reaches shore and removes his disguise and sees his reflection in a puddle of rainwater, he begins to laugh, turns and reveals himself as the Joker.
At the end of this story follows another one from the mini-series
called here "An Innocent Guy" about a man - clearly disturbed, making the judgment that if anyone is to truly live a life devoted to good, then they must commit an act of evil to know that that is what they really want. After laying out his basic concept, he arrives at the conclusion that he must kill Batman. He lays out his plan in disturbing detail and closes with the a that after this one act of evil, he can go on to live a thoroughly good life and go to heaven when he dies.
Masterfully written by Alan Moore and beautifully illustrated by Brian Bolland, Batman: The Killing Joke is a must have for all comic collectors.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2009
★★★★★ 4
Care and crime
Format: Kindle
I dislike the hype, for a good story. It didn't sweep me away but it made me think. I'll never be certain if I would like it not knowing the source. Still it has soul
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2026
★★★★★ 5
"There were these two guys in a lunatic asylum..."
Format: Hardcover
...and there names were Tim Burton and Christopher Nolan. These two directors used this classic comic as part of the inspiration for there respective representations of Batman on the silver screen. I fell Nolan's film is not only a over-all better movie but also the one which better captures what is so remarkable about "The Killing Joke"!
Let me make one thing perfectly clear: I am by no means an avid fan of comics. I respect the art form but it's very rarely appealed to me. Of the few comics that I've read the only ones I truly enjoyed were all written by Alan Moore: "The Killing Joke", "Watchmen", and "Miracleman #15: Nemesis" (thanks to someone posting all the pages for this rare and AMAZING issue on-line). I have read a bit of Frank Miller's "The Dark Knight Returns" and Moore's "V for Vendetta". Despite some awesome moments I still think about ("A reflection" from TDKR and "This Vicious Cabaret" from VFV), I couldn't keep up with either of them. I own Art Spiegelman's "Maus" but I haven't had a chance to read it yet, though it sounds right up my alley. The reason for this background is that as a guy who's not a huge comic book fan, THIS COMIC RULES!!!
With less than 100 pages, Alan Moore does so many things: create a "definitive" (well, as much as can be done for a character who's past is "multiple choice") backstory for the Joker, suggest that Batman and Joker have far more in common than either character realizes, and create a mood of moral decay and uncertainly while not fully giving into that mood (though not enough to cancel it out). But the icing on the cake is how Moore is able to portray the Joker as an unredeemable monster, tormented philosopher, and a tragic human being all at the same time! A lot of Health Ledger's Joker is foreshadowed by Moore's Joker.
Of countless standout moments, there are two which deserve praise. The first is the Joker explain his world view to Batman, how life is a "monstrous demented gag". The words are so well-written and powerful, both because of there fundamental bleakness and the fact that the Joker is truly trying to explain his worldview to Batman. Perhaps hoping for some understanding or at least for proof that he's not alone in the madness. If you want to hear the brilliance of these words and the emotion, I recommend going to Youtube and listening to "Mark Hamill- The Killing Joke" by the Youtube user "Pgirts". A nearly spot-on mimicking of Mark Hamill's voice (the voice of the Joker from "Batman: the Animated Series"), music from the movie "Batman Returns" (a second movie made by the first of the "two guys in a lunatic asylum"), and the text combine to create something shocking weight.
The second is as fitting as it is shocking. In keeping with the title, this tale of insanity and despair ends on a joke. I won't dare spoil it because it is awesome on so many levels! But what I will do is end this review with the words of Moore's Rorschach from "Watchmen" about his Pagliacci joke: "Good joke. Everybody laugh. Roll on snare drum. Curtains."
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2012
★★★★★ 5
greatest Batman stories
Format: Hardcover
The Killing Joke is an exceptional piece of literature. Just looking at the cover tells you almost immediately what you're in for (something something, don't judge book by it's cover), but even then it gives so much more. I knew going in that this was highly regarded by many as one of, if not the, greatest Batman stories. This graphic novel is rich with atmosphere and saturated in beautiful imagery.
What really sets it apart is how mature and well told the story is. The very first dialogue sets the scene for the whole book: what's going to happen between Batman and the Joker? They've been playing the same game for years and years, but when will it end, and how? Before now, we never had any reason to sympathize with the Joker. The Joker has always been an incredibly interesting and fun character, but the audience didn’t know what drove him, or even what drove him mad. Revealing his backstory is one-shot deal; you either please fans universally or lose all of their faith depending on how the story is told. But The Killing Joke nails it with flying colors.
Speaking of colors, The Killing Joke is rife with fantastic images and finely-crafted spectacles. Open it to any page, and you’ll find something iconic or stylistic. Every panel is given such a painstaking attention to detail, and that kind of dedication and consistency is one of the major selling points. These are the images that’ll stick with you well after you put the book down because of how they pop out of the page. When you see that first image of the Joker truly going mad, you feel it. It’s not “oh look the joker is laughing and totally losing his mind, sucks to be him golly gee,” it’s “That’s it! That’s the point of no return! He’s gone and I feel like I was right there next to him!” (Okay that was a little corny, I won’t do that again, promise). And that’s not the only one that sticks out: Joker in a hawaiian t-shirt holding a cocktail, Joker on a throne of baby dolls, Joker looking solemnly at an old broken carnival machine.
Now, you might’ve noticed a pattern there. “But where’s Batman?” Y’see, Batman has had thousands of comics, movies, books, and video games dedicated to his story and his experiences. We know his backstory as though it’s mythology. But until now, we didn’t know Joker. Batman even says so in the graphic novel. And now that the Joker’s finally gotten his spotlight, a true telling of his story, there’s no need to go any further. Sure, we could ask for more novels about Joker’s experiences, but this is the only one that needed to be about the Joker. This is the story about how his life got flip-turned upside down (sorry). All the ones after this one, he’s already insane and we don’t learn anything really new. But here we see it all through his eyes. It doesn’t need a sequel. In fact I hope it never gets a sequel. There’s nothing more to tell with this story, especially with how it ends. The Killing Joke is an exceptional piece of literature.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2017