Alan Moore’s ‘Batman: The Killing Joke’ to Be Adapted into a DC Animated Film

Officially announced at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con International, DC Entertainment will soon adapt Alan Moore’s beloved and controversial graphic novel, The Killing Joke, into an animated feature directed by Sam Liu (Batman: Year One). Bruce Timm, the man behind Batman: The Animated Series and the upcoming Justice League: Gods and Monsters, made the official announcement himself. While the film has yet to have a voice cast or director, Mark Hamill has always displayed interest in reprising his role as the Joker.

For those unfamiliar with The Killing Joke, the story sees the Joker escape from Arkham Asylum, shoot and paralyze Barbara Gordon, and attempt to drive her father, Commisioner Gordon, mad. Interspersed within the main story are glimpses into Joker’s possible past involving that fateful night where he became the clown prince of crime.

The story, while considered a definitive and acclaimed Batman/Joker story by many, has never been without its controversy as it features the gruesome shooting of Barbara Gordon/Batgirl. While the shooting eventually resulted in Barbara Gordon becoming the paraplegic hero known as Oracle, who many fans have admired, the initial shooting of Barbara is still considered a classic case of “fridging” in comics by some.

Many Batman enthusiasts regard The Killing Joke as one of the top 5 best Batman stories of all time. I can’t say I fully agree, but If Mark Hamill reprises his role as The Joker and being that Bruce Timm is involved in the upcoming animated project, The Killing Joke animated feature should prove to be a great addition to DC’s ongoing list of animated films.

What do you think? Would you like to see an animated adaptation of Alan Moore’s Batman: The Killing Joke? Feel free let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Source