What Makes The Killing Joke Great

The Killing Joke

Writer: Alan Moore
Artist: Brian Bolland

Many comic enthusiasts will rate The Killing Joke as one of the must read Batman comics.  In the New 52 era we can see it's influence on Scott Snyder's run of Batman with Greg Capullo.  After a first read of this book I felt like I had missed something.  The quality of the work wasn't in question, Moore and Bolland told a good Batman/Joker story.  But I couldn't quite grasp what set this one apart from all the rest, save for the fact that Alan Moore's name was on the cover.  After reading it a couple more times, doing some research and spending some time thinking about it, I can tell you that, yes, this is indeed one of the greatest Batman stories.

If you havn't read it yet then you may not want to continue reading because I'm going to be getting into spoiler territory.  There are two unwritten rules when it comes to Batman that this story breaks, depending on how you want to read it.  The first, and most important, is that Batman does not kill.  The second is that the Joker does not have a fixed back story.  If you are confused at this point that is fine, and in fact, that is what makes this such a great story.  One could easily read this and write Joker's backstory, as it is given, off, because the Joker says that sometimes he doesn't even remember his past.  Batman breaking his golden rule is not spelled out and is actually quite ambiguous.  In the last page both Batman and Joker are laughing but after Batman seizes him the laughter abruptly stops while the police siren continues.  Grant Morrison suggested that Batman had broken his neck however Julian Darius offers up a theory that I find more convincing where Batman has stabbed Joker with his own toxic needle.

At first I thought it was cool that Moore had managed to kill Joker right in front of me without my noticing.  That being said, just because Batman breaks his rule to end the collision course that he shares with Joker doesn't make this a great book.  The beauty lies in how this is all presented.  Moore and Bolland have not broken any rules while doing so at the same time.  A reader can take it any way they wish.  That is what I believe elevates this from a good story to a great one.


NXS

United States of Murder Inc.

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis

Artist: Michael Avoe Oeming

I was able to pick up the first three issues of this creator owned book after I saw the reviews it was getting which was a great surprise.  United States of Murder Inc. lives up the hype.  Bendis and Oeming have created a world that I can’t wait to explore.  The more that’s revealed, the more I want to know.

The story opens with Valentine being initiated as a made man and being given a mission.  From that point forward everything that happens leads to a twist or reveal, deepening the readers understanding of this fictional world while also thickening the plot.  Everything about this story, from the foundation up, is engaging and entertaining.

Michael Oeming is a name I hadn’t heard before so I really didn’t know what to expect.  When I opened the book to see his cartoon styled art I know quite what to think.  It seemed at odds with the seriousness of the story being presented and the mature dialogue.  I quickly became quite comfortable with it and think it does a great deal of good in allowing the reader to get themselves into the world that has been masterfully orchestrated.  On a couple occasions I had trouble following the panel movement and I’m not sure if I am to blame or if there are some layout issues.

If you can’t get the back issues at your comic shop you can find them online at comixology or wait for the trade to come out in December.  Either way is ok as long as you read it.  I give this series a 5 out of 5 and I pity the fool who misses out.

NXS

Spread #1

Writer: Justin Jordan

Artist: Kyle Strahm

I contemplated picking up this book because I wasn’t familiar with either of the creators but the teaser page in Preview caught my attention and I’ve given plenty of books a shot based on much less.  I’m so glad I did because the issue has sold out with Diamond.  If you can’t find this book in your shop a digital copy is 50 cents cheaper and Image has announced a second printing so you can still get your hands on it.

While the plot appears to be the skeleton of a critter I’ve seen before, the creative touch makes Spread a blast to read.  It flows beautifully!  Before I knew it I had finished and needed was compelled the issue a second go around.  Can’t wait to see where Jordan takes this.

I was turned off by the art at first glance but after reading I can’t imagine it any other way.  Strahm’s stylized work allows the reader to really enjoy the world they have created because it plays so well with the concepts and action of the story.

I give Spread a 5 out of 5 and this it will definitely be added to my pull list.  This new Image title is my Pick of the Week.  So, if you are looking for a new series to follow, try and track down Spread #1.


NXS