Batman: The Killing Joke - 10 Disturbing Moments We Can't Wait To See

2. The Transformation

The Killing Joke Joker
DC Comics

For anyone who’s ever taken even the slightest interest in Batman comics, the above image is one that will instantly strike a chord. Yes, it’s the moment that The Joker became The Joker.

Following the planned chemical plan attack going awry, the Joker-to-be, donned in the famed Red Hood getup, scarpers in a state of panic, realizing he’s in over his head and shocked to see the Batman on his tail.

Jumping into a batch of chemicals, it’s here that we see the famed reveal. With an itchy, burning face, off comes the Red Hood helmet. Cue growing chuckles and laughter. And then there we have it: the cackling, demented visage of the greatest villain in comic book history, The Joker.

Seeing the transformation from failed comedian to Clown Prince of Crime promises to be a great one where the animated Killing Joke is concerned, and to this day it still remains one of the most iconic images in the history of the funny books. To many, just the mere mention of The Killing Joke instantly brings memories of the disturbed, demented image that you see at the top of this entry.

Senior Writer
Senior Writer

Once described as the Swiss Army Knife of WhatCulture, Andrew can usually be found writing, editing, or presenting on a wide range of topics. As a lifelong wrestling fan, horror obsessive, and comic book nerd, he's been covering those topics professionally as far back as 2010. In addition to his current WhatCulture role of Senior Content Producer, Andrew previously spent nearly a decade as Online Editor and Lead Writer for the world's longest-running genre publication, Starburst Magazine, and his work has also been featured on BBC, TechRadar, Tom's Guide, WhatToWatch, Sportkskeeda, and various other outlets, in addition to being a Rotten Tomatoes-approved film critic. Between his main dayjob, his role as the lead panel host of Wales Comic Con, and his gig as a pre-match host for Wrexham AFC games, Andrew has also carried out a hugely varied amount of interviews, from the likes of Robert Englund, Kane Hodder, Adrienne Barbeau, Rob Zombie, Katharine Isabelle, Leigh Whannell, Bruce Campbell, and Tony Todd, to Kevin Smith, Ron Perlman, Elijah Wood, Giancarlo Esposito, Simon Pegg, Charlie Cox, the Russo Brothers, and Brian Blessed, to Kevin Conroy, Paul Dini, Tara Strong, Will Friedle, Burt Ward, Andrea Romano, Frank Miller, and Rob Liefeld, to Bret Hart, Sting, Mick Foley, Ricky Starks, Jamie Hayer, Britt Baker, Eric Bischoff, and William Regal, to Mickey Thomas, Joey Jones, Phil Parkinson, Brian Flynn, Denis Smith, Gary Bennett, Karl Connolly, and Bryan Robson - and that's just the tip of an ever-expanding iceberg.