Critically acclaimed author Alan Moore redefined graphic novel story-telling with Watchmen and V for Vendetta. In Batman: The Killing Joke, he takes on the origin of comics' greatest super-villain, The Joker, and changes Batman's world forever.

Critically acclaimed author Alan Moore redefined graphic novel story-telling with Watchmen and V for Vendetta. In Batman: The Killing Joke, he takes on the origin of comics' greatest super-villain, The Joker, and changes Batman's world forever.

• ONE BAD DAY.*According to the grinning engine of madness and mayhem known as the Joker, that's all that separates the sane from the psychotic. Freed once again from the confines of Arkham Asylum, he's out to prove his deranged point. And he's going to use Gotham City's top cop, Commissioner Jim Gordon, and his brilliant and beautiful daughter Barbara to do it.

Now Batman must race to stop his archnemesis before his reign of terror claims two of the Dark Knight's closest friends. Can he finally put an end to the cycle of bloodlust and lunacy that links these two iconic foes before it leads to its fatal conclusion? And as the horrifying origin of the Clown Prince of Crime is finally revealed, will the thin line that separates Batman's nobility and the Joker's insanity snap once and for all?

Legendary writerAlan Mooreredefined the superhero with* Watchmen and V For Vendetta *. In *Batman: The Killing Joke *, he takes on the origin of comics' greatest super-villain, the Joker--and changes Batman's world forever.

Stunningly illustrated, Batman: The Killing Joke The Deluxe Edition *has been lushly recolored by artistBrian Bolland*, presenting his original vision of this modern classic.

This new edition includes* Batman: The Killing Joke and stories from Batman: Black and White #4 and Countdown #31 *, along with numerous Batman and Joker covers and sketches by Brian Bolland, including artwork only previously published in the Absolute edition!