Title Batman: The Killing Joke Format graphic novel Binding prestige Date 1988 Writer(s) Alan Moore Artist(s) Brian Bolland, John Higgins Collects n/a Storyline After escaping Arkham, the Joker looked for a place to set up shop. He thought back of his former wife and when he was a struggling stand-up comic. He settled on a run-down carnival and headed to the Gordon's. He shot Barbara, stripped her down, and took pictures of her naked while his men captured the Commissioner. Batman visited Barbara in the hospital and learned she'd lost use of her legs. The Joker thought of the night his wife and unborn child died as he tried to bring Commissioner Gordon to the brink of insanity. Batman received an invitation to the Joker's carnival; the maniac reflected on his first night of crime as the "Red Hood," and his first meeting with Batman. Batman saved Gordon and captured his adversary.