Lot Details
| Edition | First Print · Direct Edition |
|---|---|
| On sale | Mar 29, 1988 |
| Cover price | 3.50 USD · 4.75 CAD |
| Pages | 52 |
| Genre / era | Superhero · Copper Age |
| Characters |
Alfred Pennyworth, Barbara Gordon, Batman, Harvey Bullock, James Gordon, Joker
and 1 moreTwo-Face |
Issue details: Grand Comics Database, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Batman: The Killing Joke (First Print) 2 - Copies
Credits
Lot Details
| Edition | First Print · Direct Edition |
|---|---|
| On sale | Mar 29, 1988 |
| Cover price | 3.50 USD · 4.75 CAD |
| Pages | 52 |
| Genre / era | Superhero · Copper Age |
| Characters |
Alfred Pennyworth, Barbara Gordon, Batman, Harvey Bullock, James Gordon, Joker
and 1 moreTwo-Face |
Issue details: Grand Comics Database, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Batman: The Killing Joke
Published by DC Comics in March 1988, Batman: The Killing Joke is a prestige format one-shot graphic novel written by Alan Moore, illustrated by Brian Bolland, and colored by John Higgins. The publication originated as a standalone project intended to present a definitive origin story for the Joker while exploring the psychological duality between the hero and his antagonist. Produced with higher-quality paper and square-bound spine packaging, the book represented DC Comics' push toward premium standalone releases aimed at comic specialty shops during the late 1980s.
The issue contains pivotal narrative developments that permanently altered DC Comics continuity for several decades. Most notably, the story depicts the violent attack on Barbara Gordon that resulted in her paralysis, leading to her retirement as Batgirl and her subsequent transformation into Oracle. Additionally, the issue presents the tragic backstory of the Joker as a failed comedian, establishing a sympathetic yet ambiguous origin framework that became a foundational element of the character's modern lore.
Batman: The Killing Joke remains a landmark work in mainstream American superhero comics, celebrated for its dark psychological depth and Brian Bolland's precise line work. The graphic novel helped shift industry standards toward darker, mature-readers content and earned the 1989 Eisner Award for Best Graphic Album. Collector interest in first printings focuses primarily on condition due to the fragile nature of the square-bound spine and dark cover art, as well as distinguishing first print attributes such as title text color from subsequent printings.
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October 27 - November 3, 2026
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Bidding Range
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Increment
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|---|---|
| $0.00 - $50.00 | $1.00 |
| $50.00 - $100.00 | $5.00 |
| $100.00 - $500.00 | $10.00 |
| $500.00 - $1,000.00 | $25.00 |
| $1,000.00 - $5,000.00 | $50.00 |
| $5,000.00 - $10,000.00 | $100.00 |
| $10,000.00 - $20,000.00 | $200.00 |
| $20,000.00 - $50,000.00 | $500.00 |
| $50,000.00 - $100,000.00 | $1,000.00 |
| $100,000.00+ | $5,000.00 |
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