Posted on 3/21/2011

Whoa.

Posted on 3/21/2011

....................................................................

Posted on 3/21/2011

OH! MY! GOD!

Posted on 3/21/2011

I read this as either two possibilities.Either they both like crap jokes(this is afamous bad one which I heard years before this comic came out) or else they both are mad.Anway theres not much mental difference as they are both tormented.

Posted on 3/21/2011

Killer page---and I really like your take on the ending!

Posted on 3/21/2011

I never looked at it like he was choking him, but it is a viable interpretation. The second to last panel showing the dirt on the puddle could represent a grave plot also.

Posted on 3/21/2011

That's certainly how I always argued panel 4 and 5 for years but Brian himself seemed surprised by this interpretation.

Posted on 3/21/2011

MONUMENTAL.

Posted on 3/21/2011

While either ending satisfies, and "killing Joker" is the way I initially read the story back when, a change in Joker's feet in panel 7 would have cinched this interpretation (i.e., toes up, or gone altogether). Instead, both pairs are last seen standing together, then vanishing apart to continue their mutually mad dance of death (at least, as I now see it). An artistically ambiguous finale nonetheless, and a magnificent piece of art. Congrats!!

Posted on 3/21/2011

First, what an amazing page - stunning. Second, have never heard that interpretation - had only heard the one that describes the disappearing beam of light evidencing the lack of real difference between the two characters. Hmmm...I think I like your take better...

Posted on 3/21/2011

Best page from the book EVER! A nice ending for such a dark story (depends on how you read into the two panels). Congrats!

Posted on 3/21/2011

A typical afternoon at the DM household --- Whatcha got there Honey? Oh, just a few Bollands. What, bullocks? No Bollands, he's a funny book artist. Oh . . what are you going to do with them? I'll put them on CAF, it is just so much fun watching grown men (and it is 99.99 % men here folks) cry. But I'll tell them a joke while I'm at it, that should cheer them up. Okay, Honey, have fun with your little hobbies. Congrats and thanks for breaking up your day to bring us joy (seeing this unbelievable collection) and sorrow (knowing this is as close as most of us will ever get).

Posted on 3/21/2011

Just great. Nothing else to be said. And, I always liked that last joke...

Posted on 3/21/2011

Amazing! I also interpreted as he might be strangling the Joker, especially, since they go silent the last few panels. Its the 'killing' joke. ;)

Posted on 3/21/2011

My initial reaction for years was "no way, that's crazy talk." The older I get though, the more inclined I am to think that that was Moore's intent, even if he didn't let the DC editors (or Bolland) in on it.

Posted on 3/22/2011

Absolutely wonderful

Posted on 3/22/2011

Argh, you just did it to me again. This is always the page that comes to mind when mentioning the killing joke...congratulations

Posted on 3/22/2011

I disagree on the choking, but I love this page!!

Posted on 3/22/2011

I'd also never looked at that page that way, but I can see it. Not sure I agree, but makes for an interesting argument, and a good interpretation nonetheless. BTW, do you have children, or any other heirs? You have to leave this stuff to SOMEONE, eventually...just sayin'... :)

Posted on 3/23/2011

OMFG!!! Amazing!

Posted on 3/23/2011

Either way, it's a landmark page!!

Posted on 3/23/2011

Oh my one of my fav pages from the book! Beautiful sequential art. Actually it's news to me that everyone thinks that Batman is NOT choking the Joker, I always saw it he he was getting a good grip at the base of the throat, as the Jokers neck is so thin, and Batman's hands so big. And that the only thing that saves the Joker this time is the car arriving. Just look at the intent and body positions! Super congrats!!

Posted on 4/6/2011

The only person being "strangled" here is the previous owner who's probably strangling himself for letting this one go. Unfreakin' believable. You are a blessed man indeed.

Posted on 4/7/2011

Stunning stuff!!! Beautiful panels... a treasure.....

Posted on 4/22/2011

JUST A COUPLE OF GUYS GETTING TOGETHER FOR A FEW LAUGHS!!

Posted on 5/3/2011

You win ... again.

Posted on 5/11/2011

Wow, great piece. I'd like to hear how you come about it and how much you had to pay...

Posted on 1/27/2012

I'm surprised I haven't commented on this one before (have I missed seeing it ?), anyway - this is probably among the top 5 pages from the book and one of the all-time most iconic Batman and Joker moments. This story (and art !) still hold the bar way up there.

Posted on 1/27/2012

I'm surprised I haven't commented on this one before (have I missed seeing it ?), anyway - this is probably among the top 5 pages from the book and one of the all-time most iconic Batman and Joker moments. This story (and art !) still hold the bar way up there.

Posted on 4/1/2012

a grail ! thank's for sharing

Posted on 4/17/2012

EPIC!

Posted on 8/7/2012

The glorious excesses of the late 80's. Alan Moore may dismiss this as a throwaway story, but I think it's quite substantial. Whether he strangled the joker or laughed along with him until the paddy wagon arrived, Batman is doomed. A brilliant sequential Rorschach revealing more about us, than them. Wonder if it was intentional or just happy accident.

Posted on 8/10/2012

From the script: Panel 3 – Now just a half figure of head and shoulders shot of the Batman from the front. The absurdity of the situation comes home to him, and one corner of his mouth twitches upwards. He and the Joker are going to kill each other one day. It’s preordained. They may as well enjoy this one rare moment of contact while it lasts. The Batman: heh.

Posted on 8/10/2012

And: Panel 5 – Now we see them full figure. There is a large puddle at their feet. They are now both helpless with laughter and have collapsed forward onto each other, both ragged and bloody, each holding the other up as they stand there clinging together in the rain. The white and blue lights that approach them from the rainy darkness beyond are bigger now, and there is a small thin line of red sound effect lettering winding right across the panel from left to right as their sirens become audible. The Batman: Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha. Joker: Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha. F.X. (approaching sirens): vweeeeeEEEEEEeeeeeeEEEEEEEeeeeee Nothing sinister there.

Posted on 8/16/2013

Batman DID kill the Joker! (http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2013/08/batman-kills-the-joker-thats-why-its-called-the-killing-joke/)

Posted on 8/18/2013

"I agree!" Boy, this page just became a bit more timely, didn't it?

Posted on 5/9/2018

What a treasure! I'd personally rather own this page than the cover (not that the prospect of either piece entering my collection is likely...)

Posted on 12/26/2021

Fantastic

Posted on 1/22/2022

I always assumed the Joker gave Batman some laughing gas (thus Batmans laughing). My interpretation is they killed each other.

Posted on 3/22/2023

This page is absolutely Batty!!!