The Killing Joke (2 points )

 1. What is your reaction to the text you just read?

I have never read the killing joke before, but I knew it is a classic comic book that many suggest reading. When reading the Killing Joke, I was very intrigued, but I honestly wanted more to conclude the story. Not that the ending was not good, but I wanted to continue reading the story. I love the imagery and how each transition Panels from past to present work very well for the storytelling.  I could learn a lot from the drawings and story choices.

2. What connections did you make with the story? Discuss what elements of the story with which you were able to connect?

The transition in pannels from the past to the present was what helped guide the story, in my opinion. Even though every image goes pannel by the panel, the artist connects what is happening using the same body poses between panels in different scenes to show the passage of time or flashbacks.   I felt like a camera in a movie or Storyboards. Same as a transition or uses the connection between colors and characters. The see where the criminals first show the joker the red hood. The transitions between patterns and color between them since it is set up so well it creates a montage. The only two red items are the hood mask and the prawn Half-eaten, symbolizing him and his future. 

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 adapt this into a short animate episode. However, I would keep most of the story choices and many of the art transitions and colors because those are what make most of the story's connections.  I would add more to the story with the joker's flashbacks, especially the scene with him in the red hood running from Batman for the first time. Since it is such an essential part of the character, it should be extended to feel more of what she was thinking and feeling in those moments. I was also surprised that Batman was ok with rehabilitating the joker after what he had done to Barbra. I know it was to make Gorden and Batman go insane; however, it is a very famous scene because it is a step too far. So I would say probably try to make Batman's conclusions to get to rehabilitation more clear to an audience who doesn't read comics often.  

4. In what ways does this story differ from the typical expectations the reader might have for a superhero story?

It is very narrative-driven, especially because it follows the villain's narrative. It follows the Villan through his past, and in the end, he doesn't get beat or thrown in jail. The Phycological moment between the joker and the Batman who have been enemies for such a long time are laughing together the hero listens to him and may not agree. Still, it gives the sense that these characters have had a very long history together, and you don't even have to know there are other comics about them to know they have a history.