DC Comics novels - Batman: The Killing Joke

By Christa Faust and Gary Phillips

Adapting what may be the most popular of graphic novels, by the edgy Hard Case Crime author, adding layers and exploring the nature of morality.
A tragic, unnamed engineer-turned-criminal is immersed in chemicals that disfigure him bizarrely, driving him mad and thus giving birth to the Joker. While the insane criminal is imprisoned, Batman and Batgirl (Barbara Gordon) patrol Gotham City together, taking down perps such as the crime boss Maxie Zeus. Simultaneously Detective Harvey Bullock works with Commissioner James Gordon to take down a drug factory. Back in Arkham Asylum, Joker learns of a new technology he wants to acquire and escapes, setting out on a mission designed to break the Commissioner, forcing him to abandon his ideals as a police officer. In a violent home invasion he shoots and cripples Barbara, then takes Gordon hostage. Batman races to rescue Gordon, ultimately confronting his arch-foe in an amusement park fun house. This edgy adaptation by Hard Case Crime novelist Christa Faust expands upon the cast and adds intricate layers to the events of the graphic novel, further examining the nature of morality.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Titan Books
• Release date: Sep 25, 2018
• ISBN: 9781785658112

Christa Faust

Christa Faust grew up in the Bronx and Hell’s Kitchen, spending most of her teen years on endless subway rides, cutting school, and writing. She sold her first short story when she moved to Los Angeles in the early ‘90s, and still considers herself an expat rather than a native. She’s an avid reader of vintage paperbacks, a film noir enthusiast and a tattooed lady who writes hardboiled crime fiction.

Reviews for DC Comics novels - Batman

[bearlyr · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I’m old enough to have experienced both Batman comics and the Batman TV show. This isn’t that Batman! First, and foremost, the star of this novel is the Joker. Did I say novel? Yes, a novel, no illustrations just a full on well developed story. Keep them coming, comic book characters graduating to grown up book characters might just help youth rediscover libraries! This is a violent story, but the same can be said for comics, just no graphic illustrations. Nudity? Yes, some, but just in words and not graphic detail. This tale allowed the “Caped Crusader” to grow up and give us a complete story. I think this book is great for the youth audience, as well as those of us who still enjoy our comic book heroes and their nemesis.

[sboren-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I purchased this book from Amazon to read. All opinions are my own. ???? The Killing Joke by Christa Faust and Gary Phillips. This is typical Batman/Joker with female characters only being used as pawns in a game to help thugs gain ground. I only even mention that point because some readers feel objectifying women is a no read for them. Other than that it is filled with cool gadgets, awesome machine works, and muscle cars with writing that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Harley Quinn has a small part in this book, Catgirl is mentioned, along with TwoFace, Riddler, Penguin, and other villains. All in all the book was a great comic book read. Review also posted on Instagram @borenbooks, Library Thing, Goodreads/StacieBoren, Amazon, Twitter @jason_stacie and my blog at readsbystacie.com