Book Review #57: Batman: The Killing Joke

Batman: The Killing Joke (1995)

Batman: The Killing Joke has the definitive origin story of the one and only Joker. Everything you have read about this book is all true. From Alan Moore's writing to the amazing, and I mean AMAZING artwork of Brian Bolland, this is definitely a book to have in your personal Library. This Deluxe Edition also sees Brian recoloring every page to his specification in how he originally saw it in his minds eye. Along with the stunning artwork, Brian nails the storytelling and pacing to a T. It's just a great piece of work all around. I will refrain from revealing any spoilers to readers that have yet to actually read this. But I will say this, The Joker leaves his mark, destroying the lives of not one, but two prominent characters within Batman mythology.

The only downside to this book is that it's short. Really short. Forty-eight pages in all. That's it. But, to make it worth buying for those that have the original edition, they have added a bonus story centering around a derange fan of Batman, who fantasizes about killing Batman. Think along the lines of Mark David Chapman if you will and you will get what it's about.

Highly recommend this to any and all fans of Batman...or Joker fans.

Rating: 5 Stars out of 5

Book Review #26: V For Vendetta

V For Vendetta (1982 / 1989)

Words by Alan Moore

Art by David Lloyd

Additional Art by Tony Weare

Letters by Steve Craddock

Colors by Steve Whitaker / Siobhan Dodds / David Lloyd

I come from a school of wanting my art to look a certain way. Growing up following the likes of Jim Lee, Marc Silvestri and others, I shouldn't like this. But a strange thing happened while reading V For Vendetta. I absolutely love David Lloyds art. The guy knows how to draw a picture that pulls you in. It's never going to get the accolades that today's artist get from fans, but that should absolutely have no bearing on picking this book up.

But lets be clear about one thing, you are picking this up for one reason and one reason only: Alan Moore. This book is one of his all time best and should be required reading for everyone. The story of Vendetta takes place in a dystopian future (well at the time it was written it was in the future) where Britain's society is under the rule of a totalitarian government. Enter the man known only as V, who is on a revenge mission against those that wronged him in his past, while also giving the people of England...hope, to rise up against the government.

V also has one of the coolest looking costumes accentuated with a Guy Fawkes mask. If you don't know what I'm talking about, just look at the book cover. Cool shit indeed. 

I highly recommend getting this book. Just don't get the Trade Paperback as it's printed on cheap paper that doesn't do the art or the colors any justice. Go with the Hardcover Edition. There are a lot of reprints out there so make sure you're getting a copy of the highest quality before laying down you cash.

Rating: 5 Stars out of 5

Review by Chiprocks1