Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Suicide Squad might have gotten the majority of the headlines from this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, but those weren’t the only Warner Bros./DC comics films to get the spotlight. Over on the animated side, Warner Bros. premiered their new Justice League: Gods and Monsters, and also announced their slate of animated films coming in 2016. The big announcement is an animated film based on Alan Moore’s amazing “Batman: The Killing Joke“.
[amz asin=”1401216676″ size=”small”]According to Indiewire, the film will not only adapt the original story, but also add a prologue that is intended to help inform those who haven’t read the comic. “Batman: The Killing Joke” is regarded by many as one of the very best stories about the Joker. In the story, you learn a possible origin for the villain as a failed comedian and husband that is equal parts terrifying and tragic. The story has been hugely influential since its release.
However, “The Killing Joke” is perhaps best known for its controversial handling of Barbara Gordon. In the book, Commissioner Gordon’s daughter (who is also Batgirl) is shot by the Joker, paralyzing her from the waist down. After she is shot, she is abused, and, in photographs taken by the Joker, her abuse is used to torture the Commissioner. How much of this will be used in the animated version is still unknown. DC animated films have never shied away from adult themes, but these films also find their way into the hands of younger children, so it’ll be interesting to see if they censor the story for that audience.
Along with Batman: The Killing Joke, 2016 will also see WB release Batman: Bad Blood and Justice League vs. Titans straight to VOD/DVD.
