Publishers / DC / Batman: The Killing Joke (1988) / #[nn]
[nn][July] 1988
$3.50; 4.75 CAD

Batman: The Killing Joke #[nn]

DC · [July] 1988 · on sale 1988-03-29

First appearance: Bette KaneFirst appearance: Kathy Webb KaneFirst appearance: Batwoman19 variantsAward on record
Buy it now on eBay ›Graded copies ›
How to read this file
  • Every claim on this page traces to a public bibliographic record; the sources are listed at the bottom of the file.
  • A first-appearance badge means this is the earliest non-flashback appearance on record in this database.
  • Buy links are eBay affiliate links. They never change what the record says.

Identification plate

Series
Batman: The Killing Joke (DC, 1988 series)
Issue
#[nn]
Publication date
[July] 1988
Key date
1988-07-00
On-sale date
1988-03-29
Indicia publisher
DC Comics Inc.
Price
$3.50; 4.75 CAD
Pages
52

Match the book in your hand against this plate before paying an edition-specific price.

Why this issue matters

First appearance of Bette Kane - the earliest non-flashback appearance on record for this character.

First appearance of Kathy Webb Kane - the earliest non-flashback appearance on record for this character.

First appearance of Batwoman - the earliest non-flashback appearance on record for this character.

First appearance of Bat-Girl - the earliest non-flashback appearance on record for this character.

On the record: Eisner Award - Best Graphic Album (1989).

On the record: Harvey Award - Best Story or Single Issue (1989).

On the record: Harvey Award - Best Graphic Album (1989).

On the record: Squiddy Award - Favorite Graphic Novel (1988).

The evidence

Claims here come from the story records for this issue, listed under Sources at the bottom of the file. Character hubs with full evidence tables are coming to this site.

Contents

SeqStoryTypePagesCreditsCharacters
0-cover1pencils: Brian Bolland; inks: Brian Bolland; colors: Brian Bolland; letters: Richard StarkingsJoker
1Batman: The Killing Jokecredits, title page1pencils: Brian Bolland; inks: Brian Bolland
2-illustration1pencils: Brian Bolland; inks: Brian Bolland; colors: John Higgins
3Batman: The Killing Jokecomic story46script: Alan Moore; pencils: Brian Bolland; inks: Brian Bolland; colors: John Higgins; letters: Richard StarkingsBarbara Gordon, Batman, Harvey Bullock, Commissioner James Gordon, Joker, Alfred Pennyworth, Ace the Bat-Hound, Bat-Girl First, Bat-Mite, Batwoman First, Oswald Cobblepot, Harvey Dent, Dick Grayson, Bette Kane First
4-illustration1pencils: Brian Bolland; inks: Brian Bolland; colors: John Higgins
5Editorial Creditscredits, title page1pencils: Brian Bolland; inks: Brian Bolland
6Back Coverillustration1pencils: Brian Bolland; inks: Brian Bolland; colors: Brian BollandBatman, Joker, Bruce Wayne

Printings and variants

EditionHow to tell
Ninth Printingprice 3.95 USD; 4.95 CAD; barcode 76194120212900119
Seventh Printingprice 3.50 USD; 4.50 CAD
Tenth Printing - Mass Market Editionprice 4.95 USD; 6.95 CAD; barcode 978093028945450495
Fourteenth Printingprice 5.99 USD; barcode 76194120212900125
Eleventh Printing - Direct Salesprice 4.95 USD; 6.95 CAD; barcode 76194120212900121
Fourth Printing - Book of the Month Club Editionprice [none]
Sixth Printing - Direct Salesprice 3.50 USD; 4.50 CAD
Third PrintingSee the GCD record for identification notes.
Eighth Printingprice 3.95 USD; 4.95 CAD; barcode 76194120212900118
Second PrintingSee the GCD record for identification notes.
Fourth Printingprice 3.50 USD; 4.50 CAD
Fifth Printingprice 3.50 USD; 4.50 CAD
Twelfth Printingprice 5.95 USD; 9.95 CAD; barcode 76194120212900122
Sixth Printing - Newsstandprice 3.50 USD; 4.50 CAD; barcode 07336164995995
Thirteenth Printing - Direct Salesprice 5.95 USD; 9.25 CAD; barcode 76194120212900124
Thirteenth Printing - Mass Market Editionprice 5.95 USD; 9.25 CAD; barcode 978093028945450595
Eleventh Printing - Mass Market Editionprice 4.95 USD; 7.50 CAD; barcode 978093028945450495
Fourth Printing - No Price, UPC or Age Guidelineprice [none]
Tenth Printing - Direct Salesprice 4.95 USD; 6.95 CAD; barcode 76194120212900119

Where to read it

CollectionYear
DC Universe: The Stories of Alan Moore #[nn]
ISBN 1-4012-0927-0		2006On eBay ›
Batman: The Killing Joke: The Deluxe Edition #[nn]
ISBN 978-1-4012-1667-2		2008On eBay ›

Reading the story costs a fraction of owning the issue. Both routes are on every file.

Before you buy

  • Confirm the UPC box: a publisher mark instead of a barcode means direct edition, a barcode means newsstand.
  • Glossy covers of this era show edge chipping easily. Check black edges closely in the photos.
  • Check the staples and centerfold; heavily read anniversary and key issues loosen there first.

Series context

1 of 1

Sources

Found an error in this file? corrections@comicrecord.com