In Regards To "The Killing Joke"

[Before we begin: Keep in mind, this story has been officially considered as DC Comics "canon", but also remember that a fan's interpretation and a company's decision are entirely seperate. With that in mind, we will be looking not to prove the theory, but to understand why it's brilliant, and absolutely valid should you choose to believe it.]

Batman: The Killing Joke is considered one of the best comic stories ever told, and perhaps one of the best Batman tales over all, and rightfully so. With it's extremely dark subject matter and masterfully written story, there's no wonder that this story will be remembered for ages.

One of the best things about Killing Joke is the fact that so much of it is left up to interpretation. So many "what-if" situations, and just about everything can symbolize something. Of course, this kind of thing gets fans abuzz and very, very speculative. 

Having come out in 1988, there has been plenty of time and mountains of fan theories about it's ambiguous nature. Some smart, some stupid, and everything in between. Now that some time has passed, and with an animated adaptation of the classic tale set to drop this summer, I'd like to go back and look at which theory I think makes the best sense, despite it being untrue.

Keep in mind, this theory IS NOT original, nor am I trying to prove it. Its been disproven, actually. What I am trying to do is show why its such a brilliant idea, regardless of intent. With that, let's get right to the point and say the action that this whole theory hinges on:

At the end of the story, Batman kills the Joker.

This statement alone might be enough to send fanboys into a massive frenzy and ready to complain, but we're here to look at evidence as to why it is interesting, rather than trying to prove it. With that in mind, I'll be seperating it into four categories, in chronological order:

The Symbolism of Hands:

Hands are undoubtedly a major focus in the panels of the Killing Joke. There are many panels where there are only hands, and sure, we have context as to who's hands they are, but they are shown pretty excessively throughout the comic. Take a look at these:

As you can see, there are whole panels dedicated to showing hands. The ones I'm most interested in looking into is Batman's hands in the very top image, in the lower right hand corner, and then his hands again in the middle panel of the bottom image. I won't discuss it at the moment, but keep these two images in mind as we move on: Batman's hands are very important. 

Batman's Continuous Thoughts on Morbidity 

Anyone who's paid close attention to the Killing Joke know that most of Batman's thoughts and dialogue with other's revolve around the idea that he and the Joker will eventually kill each other. With the Joker impostor, Alfred, and even Joker himself, it seems to be all Batman talk about. Take a look:

This is disconcerting, even for him, as we never him really talk out loud about his or Joker's deaths. Not to say he doesn't have those thoughts, but his intention in this story is to clearly reach out to Joker one last time in the slim hope of rehabilitation. True enough, but he could've just as easily made his point of death once. Why mention it so many times? Because in my opinion, Batman is finally, and seriously, considering the idea of ending the Joker's life, even if he's only doing so subconsciously.

A Means To An End 

Early in the comic, we see the Joker show off a needle he attached to his hand, able to poison and give someone his trademark smile. He does this by using it on the man from whom he purchases the amusement park from. Should this have been the only time we see this weapon, it's purpose and introduction would have been pointless, wouldn't it? But, we do in fact see it again. It occurs during Batman's confrontation with the Clown Prince late in the comic, when Batman kicks it off of Joker's hand.

Little strange that Brian Bolland, the wonderful artist, would go out of his way to show this. Sure, they have to tie up loose ends, but to what effect? To show that Batman has once again disarmed the Joker of his advantage? Maybe, were it not for something that happens very soon afterward: The Joker pulls down Batman's cowl, causing the Dark Knight to take a moment to readjust it. As he does so, watch closely what he does.

You see that? He catches the Joker's knife attack, and....

...looks at his other hand? Sure, interpretation may tell you many things, but thaaaaat looks an awful lot like Batman has just found something. What did he find? The Joker's needle. Why would Batman pick this up, and keep it? It's at this point that he has made a decision. Once their fight is over, he will reach out to Joker one last time, plead for his rehabilitation, and if he should refuse....well, we'll get to that.

What would push Batman to this decision? Think about what has happened up until now: Batman has been dealing with Joker and his despicable crimes for years, each and every one inching him a little closer. On top of that, consider what the Joker has done in this story alone: he's shot and paralyzed Barbara Gordon in front of her father, then did...god only knows what vile things to her.

He then kidnaps and tortures Jim Gordon, dressing him up in bondage gear and taking him on a hellish ride, showing him photos of the horrible, evil things he did to his daughter. Jim and Barbara are two of the closest people to Batman, and he's been there and confided in them for years. 

For the Joker to rip that apart, destroy both of their lives, and for Barbara to break down crying in front of Batman in the hospital, the Dark Knight silently made the decision to himself to either fix this, or end it all. Which brings me to....

That Infamous Ending

After the fight dissapated, Batman reached out yet again. He swore to the Joker that he would be there for him every step of the way, that he would truly, and honestly be there for him on his road to recovery. In a rare moment of total calm and seriousness, The Joker kindly refuses Batman's offer, claiming it's far too late for redemption. He proceeds to tell an absolutely awful joke...at which Batman actually laughs.

The two men stand there, laughing hysterically with each other, as if nothing will ever be funnier. From there, Batman reaches up, and.....? The laughing trails of, then abruptly stops. There is no fading, it's just cut short. So, if you assume Batman finally killed his foe, what did he use?

The needle. The multiple panels of hands, the focus on the needle itself, Batman's even darker thoughts...it was all leading up to this. He reaches up during Joker's moment of weakness, and with a smile, plunges the needle into his foes neck. After years of this, it's finally and truly over.

 Despite DC itself rewriting it's continuity, it's pretty easy to see HOW it could be interpreted as the final chapter in the everlasting struggle between the hero and villain. Someone should do a whole, in-depth report on this!!!

As always, thanks for reading!!