I've only just started reading batman and all I have read is year one. I'm itching to read The Killing Joke as it looks amzing and I have a very high opinion of Alan Moore after reading Watchmen. On the starter guide page the killing joke is quite far down the list and I wondered If there would be crucial things I'd miss because of my lack of batman knowledge. Or can I just read it now? Help please!!!

@frangipan: Lemme think... I don't think so. You actually don't need to know anything. You should recognize that Barbara Gordon (Jim Gordon's daughter) is Batgirl, but it's not really important.

The Killing Joke is one of the first comic books I've ever read. Enjoy! It's amazing

@batmannflash

Okay I was worried about barbara gordon being batgirl because in year one she isn't even born yet! But I will definatelly buy it now!

Nothing. As long as you have an idea of who's who, you'll be fine

@frangipan: I think it was quite far down the starter guide page because it is out of the main continuity (although certain things that happened in Killing Joke transferred to canon) and therefore the story isn't necessary to read in order to read other Bat-stories. You can pretty much read it anytime.

Barbara Gordon being Batgirl has no impact on the story whatsoever. I just thought that I should mention that

@frangipan: I say read the man who laughs first if you can get the edition with some older comics in it. Also read death in the family next to see its impact

I don't think you need to read anything before it, and since you started on Year One... you're off to a great start anyways. Check out Killing Joke. And when you get the chance... Peep Batman: The Wrath, Man Who Laughs, The Last Arkham, Venom, Knightfall, Tower of Babel (That's a JLA story but very damn good though involving Batman) Court of Owls, Night of the Owls, and City of the Owls.

I'll second this.

If reading Death In The family though be sure to get the newer edition with A Lonely Place of Dying as it shows how the death of Jason Todd affects him

@azrael_online: do they sell the lonely place of dying on its own as I just got death in the family

You don't need to know anything.You just need to know who the Joker is,who Batman is,Barbara and Jim Gordon and you probably do know them so then you are absolutely ready to read it.

I think it's out of print, but you can get it used on amazon for under 20.00. If you don't want to spend that much it may be possible to get the individual issues for a little less. I got the newer TPB of them together for that reason, plus it really is a great story.

@azrael_online: cool thanks

That Joker is an adorable killer.

Absolutely nothing.