Batman: The Killing Joke is one of the most controversial Batman story arcs in existence. In 1988 writer Alan Moore tackled the most mysterious aspect of the Batman mythos: The Joker’s origin, in a graphic novel. Moore alludes to The Joker’s origin through flashbacks without restricting the character to one concrete backstory. Sometimes The Joker recalls his past one way, other times, a completely different way. The focal point of the character’s backstory and the plot of The Killing Joke is “one bad day”. This story arc would go on to change the character forever.
Moore’s novel suggested that The Joker became The Clown Prince of Crime because of one day where everything in his life went wrong. His hopes of being a successful comedian were dashed by the reality of his poor material. He lived in a small apartment in the poor part of Gotham with his pregnant wife. The Joker was approached by men tied to the Red Hood Gang, a group of serial criminals because of his knowledge of the Ace Chemicals plant. The men wanted Joker to adopt the persona of Red Hood and lead them through the chemical plant. Joker reluctantly agreed hoping the money the men earned from the robbery they were attempting would create a new life for his family.
On the night of the robbery, The Joker is informed that his wife passed away because of a freak accident. He goes along with the robbery after being threatened by The Red Hood Gang members. When the men enter Ace Chemicals they are met by security. Security opens fire on the robbers killing them and scaring The Joker (dressed as the leader of the Red Hood Gang). After being spooked by Batman’s sudden arrival and imposing figure, Joker trips and falls into a vat of chemicals. The man that emerges from the vat is completely changed by his new ghastly appearance and misfortune due to the day’s events.
Killing Joke is Joker’s attempt to prove to Batman that everyone is just one bad day away from complete insanity. He takes Jim Gordon, the “average man” and puts him through extreme emotional and physical trauma. Both the graphic novel and animated movie adaptation are dark and psychological. Joker does everything he can to break Jim Gordon similarly to how he had been broken himself and it is brutal. The film adaptation has received backlash for its portrayal of Barbara Gordon. This arc is the closest explanation fans get as to why Joker is what he has become over time. Are we all just a bad day away from complete hedonism and psychosis? Watch The Killing Joke on Netflix now.