Comic book fans will finally be able to experience the iconic graphic novel Batman: The Killing Joke in a special, one-evening-only movie event on Monday July 25th before owning it on Blu-ray & DVD August 3rd. Check out the trailer below:

Based on one of the best-selling graphic novels of all time, the film is the first ever DC animation to receive an R Rating (smart move also competes to what Marvel does with Netflix). The film brings together some of the creative team behind Batman: The Animated Series with executive producer Bruce Timm at the helm and Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill returning to their seminal roles as Batman and The Joker, respectively. Any 90s kid remembers Batman: The Animated Series, I would rush to get home at 4:00 just to make sure I didn’t miss the opening credits. It was one of the shows that got me into reading comic books :) The show was way ahead of it’s time….Frankly, no CGI superhero show at the moment can f*ck with the storytelling of Batman: The Animated Series. So many great episodes: Robin’s Reckoning, Harley & Ivy, and Christmas with The Joker are some of my favs check them out in these clips:

For those not familiar with Batman: The Killing Joke, it is a graphic novel takes a journey into the dark psyche of The Joker, from his beginnings as a struggling comedian to his fateful encounter with Batman. Years later, and now escaped from Arkham Asylum, The Joker devises a plan to prove that one bad day can make anyone as insane as he is – setting his sights on Commissioner Gordon. I own the novel myself, it’s a fantastic read and does bring some insight to why The Joker is so damn cray! All he wanted was a break we can all relate to that!

Batman The Killing Joke, was published by DC Comics in 1988. Along with being NY Times best seller, the graphic novel has maintained an unparalleled popularity throughout its 28 years.

“Batman: The Killing Joke” will hit theaters on July 25. Tickets are available here. I strongly recommend reading the novel, it’s a great read for all!

Kos