10 Comics Fan Theories Rejected By The Creators

For decades, readers have debated the ending of Batman: The Killing Joke. When the Caped Crusader finally corners the Joker, the Clown Prince of Crime tells a joke, causing the pair to burst out laughing. As Batman places his hand on Joker, the supervillain's laughter suddenly stops.

Fans couldn't figure out what was the meaning behind Joker's laughter being abruptly cut off. Because the panel is in shadow, it's hard to tell if Batman placed his hand on the demented clown's shoulder or around his neck. Did the Dark Knight strangle the Joker to death?

In a way, it makes sense. In the opening scene, Batman acknowledges his rivalry with the Joker can only end with one killing the other.

However, Alan Moore's original script script contradicts this notion. The the final page reads, "They are now both helpless with laughter and have collapsed forward onto each other. Both ragged and bloody, each holding the other up as they stand there clinging together in the rain."

According to Richard Starkings, who lettered the story, the artist, Brian Bolland, told him that Batman was merely leaning on the Joker in the last panel. There is no reference to the Joker being murdered.