Superheroes Reconsidered - Batman: The Killing Joke

1. What is your reaction to the text you just read?
I really enjoyed reading the killing joke. I'm a bit surprised how dark it got compared to other Batman medias like the animated show or even the live action DC movies. Usually the first image that pops into my head when I think Batman is the cartoon targeted toward a younger audience. I recognized elements of lore in this comic from another Batman media; the Batman: Arkham video game series. The video game borrowed a lot of elements from this comic in particular; Gordon being kidnapped by the Joker, Barbara being handicapped and shot, the Joker running through a chemical plant with the red hood. It was all reworked to fit a modern setting and the violence is toned down. 

2. What connections did you make with the story? Discuss what elements of the story with which you were able to connect?
I connected with Batman and Gordon's philosophy. They always aim toward bringing villains to justice, but not kill them. Gordon says he wants to show Joker the wrong of his ways, and Bruce even offers to help Joker with rehabilitation and therapy. I agree with this philosophy in connection to a big argument today over the death sentence. Although some criminals should never be released back into society, treating them should come first. Especially considering how many people on death row in the past have been innocent of the crime charged. This philosophy with Batman though is in all works about him, so I recognized that character right away. It also reminded me of The Dark Knight movie from 2008. Batman and Joker's whole fight is over what is Gotham's philosophy. 

3. What changes would you make to adapt this story into another medium? What medium would you choose; what changes would you make?
I would make it an CG animated film. The scene with the rollercoaster and mirrors would be especially cool with colorful lighting and effects. It's also be fun to explore the character designs. I'd do it in the style of Spiderman: Into the Spider-verse for it's fun textures and comic book style. I'd however change the level of cruelty the Joker imposes, like what was done for the Batman: Arkham series. There are other ways to show how cruel or mad the Joker is or how far he's willing to go than violate Gordon and Barbara the way he did. It just get's uncomfortable, and I would want anyone to be able to watch my animated adaptation and have fun with it. It would also serve to move away from the women in refrigerator trope. 

4. In what ways does this story differ from the typical expectations the reader might have for a superhero story?
This story differs from typical expectations the reader might have for a superhero story because it's significantly darker than one might expect. It also deals with psychological and physiological matters. Usually when I think of superheroes I think of the animated Batman cartoon or one of the old more kid-aimed movies. This Batman is very serious though and has less of a lesson for children and poses more of a question for adults about who is right between Batman and Jokers continuous war in philosophies. 

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