Killing Joke(2 points)

1.) I thought the Killing Joke was pretty interesting. I thought it must have been quite a change of pace when it was released for Batman comics as it is a very dark and edgy story. Though now, at least from my own limited knowledge and opinion, it didn't have as much impact for me as I feel a lot of stuff related to Batman nowadays is dark and gritty with the psychology of the character’s explored (like the Joker and Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy, which were probably inspired by this comic). Though it is important to recognize it as innovative in starting this shift in tone and view of Batman. I thought the main point of the comic was interesting as well, which was that Batman and the Joker are two sides of the same coin. Both are crazy in a way. Both have tragic backstories, but deal with it in different ways. Joker gives into the random uncertainty in the world, while Batman applies strict order and justice to the world.

2.) I think what I connected with is the idea that your view and perception of the world has a big effect on how you act and what you do. As mentioned before, I think both Batman and Joker experience and are exposed to similar tragedies, but they differ on what they chose to do with such experiences and views. Both experienced loss, though it is unclear what exactly Joker has experienced as Joker is an unreliable narrator and would prefer his past be “multiple choice.”Batman decides to clean up the world and take justice in his own hands, while Joker decides to add and indulge in the misery of life. 

3.) I think it would be cool to adapt this into a surreal animated film focused on more of a character study. I think I would change it so it develops the Joker’s backstory more, and really shows how miserable his life was as I thought the comic just grazed it since it’s only 60 pages. I think this is what the Joker attempted to do, while taking elements from Taxi Driver and the King of Comedy. I’d also add more surreal imagery as Joker’s mental state diminishes, as the viewer identifies more with Joker's warped view on the world. I think it would be cool to attempt to delve into more surreal elements like a Jodorowsky, Lynch, or Kon films because I don’t think a lot of Batman related films or animated films deal with that sort of surreal and dreamlike aesthetic. I think it would also fit with the Joker’s character too, as well as animation as a medium. I would also probably develop Barbara’s character more, and change the rape scene somehow as it felt like her character was just there solely to be raped and tortured for the plot to move forward and motivate Batman, rather than be an actual character. Maybe by making the scene more abstract and surreal like in Perfect Blue.

4.) I think it probably differed back then because there is death, mutilation, torture, and it explores the psychology of the villain. I think as previously stated, nowadays it’s a lot more common to see this tone in comics. So it does not have the same impact as it probably did back them, at least for me.