One of the most iconic and controversial Batman comics of all time is finally getting a big screen adaptation. Warner Bros has recently announced that it is releasing an animated film next year based on "The Killing Joke". Considering the controversial storyline that centers Barabara Gordon, it is uncertain whether the studio is going to stick with the comics or deviate into a friendlier path.
For those who are unfamiliar with the graphic novel "The Killing Joke", it was written by Alan Moore and drawn by Brian Bolland back in 1988. It is considered one of the most beloved yet intriguing Batman story in the history of DC Comics. Not only did it tackle the origin story of the Dark Knight's nemesis, the Joker; it has also featured the controversial savaging of Barbara Gordon, a.k.a Batgirl.
In the comics, the Joker's goons stormed to Commissioner Gordon's apartment, shot Batgirl through the spine, stripped her naked, raped, and took photos of her to terrorize her father. While there was no one concerned about the maltreatment of the character during the time of its publication, depicting this in a much bigger medium with a modern audience appears to be questionable. Even the writer himself admitted that someone should have pumped the brakes earlier according to a Hit Fix report.
Despite Barbara's harsh handling, there came a silver lining in this incident. According to "Suicide Squad" creator John Ostrander, her character was re-created as Oracle. She was Barabara's alter ego which was introduced after she has come to accept the fact that she could not do any more superhero work. The helmers gave her computers and made her the tech whiz of the DC Universe. This resurrection has made her character a hero once again who is still strong in her own little way.
Sure, Barbara is still alive and well in the universe but there are still shades of gray with regards to the representation of her gruesome history. If the studio frankly follows the comics, the project might receive negative parental response and a more restricted rating-a risk in the sales of the movie. Since it is a cartoon, there is also a possibility that DC will modify Barbara's tale with a more "kid friendly" interpretation. However, altering her story will lose the essence of "The Killing Joke".
The animated movie is slated to be released next year.
What do you think DC fans? What representation would you prefer seeing in Warner Bros' upcoming film adaptation? Leave your comments below.
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