Batman / Batman Joker

What Episode of the Batman Does Joker Become Batman?

The Batman-Joker dynamic is one of the most iconic and complex relationships in comic book history. One question that often arises about this duo is “what episode of Batman does Joker become Batman?” The answer to this question can be found in the pages of a classic comic book series known as “Batman: The Killing Joke.”

The Plot of Batman: The Killing Joke

Batman: The Killing Joke is a one-shot graphic novel written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Brian Bolland. It was first published in 1988 and tells the origin story of the Joker. In this story, the Joker attempts to prove that anyone can be driven insane after one bad day, and he chooses Commissioner Gordon as his Target.

In the graphic novel, the Joker shoots Barbara Gordon (aka Batgirl), paralyzing her from the waist down. He then kidnaps Commissioner Gordon and exposes him to various forms of torture and psychological torment in an attempt to break his spirit. However, despite everything that happens to him, Gordon remains resolute and ultimately survives.

The Controversial Ending

The ending of “The Killing Joke” is what makes it so controversial among fans. In the final pages, Batman confronts Joker at Arkham Asylum, where they have a conversation about their relationship with each other and their roles in society.

During this conversation, Joker states that he realizes that he is not a tragic figure like Batman but rather just “one bad day” away from becoming him. He then tells Batman a joke, which causes them both to laugh uncontrollably. The final panel shows Batman’s hand on Joker’s shoulder as they continue to laugh.

This ending has been interpreted by some fans as implying that Joker became Batman after realizing how close he was to becoming him. However, it’s important to note that this interpretation is not explicitly stated in the text.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the answer to the question “what episode of Batman does Joker become Batman?” can be found in “Batman: The Killing Joke.” However, the ending of this story is open to interpretation and is not explicitly stated in the text.

Regardless of how one interprets the ending, “The Killing Joke” remains a classic and controversial graphic novel that explores the complex relationship between Batman and Joker. Its impact on the Batman mythos cannot be understated, and it continues to be a must-read for fans of the Dark Knight.