Graphic novels · Crime
Batman: The Killing Joke
The Joker escapes Arkham and tries to prove that one bad day can break anyone, targeting Commissioner Gordon, while flashbacks hint at his past.
Facts last checked 2026-10-17
- First published
- 1988
- Pace
- Fast
- Length
- Short
- Pages
- 50
- Format
- Book 45 of 203 in Batman Post-Crisis
Read this if you want a short, dark and influential Batman and Joker story.
Skip this if you dislike its violence or its treatment of Barbara Gordon.
The feel
Content warnings
Quick answers about Batman: The Killing Joke
- What is Batman: The Killing Joke about?
- The Joker escapes Arkham and tries to prove that one bad day can break anyone, targeting Commissioner Gordon, while flashbacks hint at his past.
- Who should read Batman: The Killing Joke?
- Read it if you want a short, dark and influential Batman and Joker story. Skip it if you dislike its violence or its treatment of Barbara Gordon.
- How long and how fast is Batman: The Killing Joke?
- It is a fast-paced, short read of about 50 pages, first published in 1988.
- Does Batman: The Killing Joke have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Violence, Sexual assault, Kidnapping, Torture.
- Can I borrow Batman: The Killing Joke for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Batman: The Killing Joke; the borrow button above searches it for you.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Bookshop.org | Check price | Buy new from Bookshop.org |
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| Ebook | ||
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| Audiobook | ||
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