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Description
Batman: The Killing Joke
DC Comics – Prestige Format One-Shot – First Printing (1988)
The definitive Joker story. Written by Alan Moore, illustrated by Brian Bolland, colored by John Higgins.
This is the true first U.S. printing, instantly identifiable by the neon lime-green embossed title logo on the cover. Later printings used pink, yellow, orange, blue, or red logos. Cover price $3.50. Square-bound prestige format (cardstock covers, Baxter paper interiors).
Why this copy matters
• One of the most influential Batman stories ever published
• Defines the modern Joker origin (the “one bad day” theory)
• The infamous sequence that leaves Barbara Gordon paralyzed (she later becomes Oracle)
• Eisner Award winner (Best Graphic Album, 1989)
• Classic Brian Bolland cover featuring the Joker with the camera and the speech balloon “SMILE”
Condition
Please examine the photos carefully — this is the exact book you will receive.
Clean spine, easily NM - never read. Only flaw I see is a small finger nail tip imprint on the cover, no color break. It’s almost impossible to photo.
I am not a professional grader so if you need more pictures just ask.
Details
• Publisher: DC Comics
• On-sale: March 1988
• Pages: 48–52 (prestige format)
• Cover art: Brian Bolland
• Interior art: Brian Bolland
• Colors: John Higgins
• Letters: Richard Starkings
• Editor: Denny O’Neil
This is the original 1988 prestige edition collectors seek — not a later reprint, not the 2008 Deluxe recolored edition, and not a modern facsimile.
Shipping
• Carefully packaged in a comic bag and board, then placed in a rigid mailer or box with extra padding.
• Combined shipping available on multiple purchases.
• Tracking provided.
Payment
PayPal preferred. Item ships within 1–2 business days of payment.
Serious collectors — this is the first-print neon-green logo copy of one of the cornerstone Batman graphic novels of the modern era.
Questions? Message me anytime. Thanks for looking!
