Joker Origin Movie: 7 Comic Storylines DC Could Adapt

7. The Killing Joke

You'd struggle to find a Joker story more controversial than The Killing Joke, and yet, there are few as influential as it. Moore, as with plenty of his other DC works, has since disowned the tale, but there's no denying how compelling his version of the Joker's origin is - even today.

Centred around Batman's efforts to track down the Clown Prince after his latest escape from Arkham Asylum, The Killing Joke is most famous (or rather infamous) for the Joker's horrendous assault on the first Batgirl, Barbara Gordon, and the subsequent torture of Jim Gordon. While that particular aspect of the story could probably remain sequestered away for the time being, the book's flashbacks to the Clown Prince's ostensible origin are worth developing - with the caveat being that the film doesn't treat it as the definitive origin tale.

With the film also said to be set in the 1980s, spotlighting a version of the clown who once worked as a failed comedian, it certainly looks to be paying homage to Moore's story. If Phillips and Phoenix can convey the tragedy of this particular origin, then it could end up being a massive success - just as long as they don't forget to sew seeds of doubt regarding its authenticity.