Batman/Catwoman #9 - "O Little Town of Bethlehem"

[laughing_tree]

This is not something that takes place in the everyday mainstream continuity. To me, it's one of those things that defines continuity in where it's sort of like The Killing Joke [...] Even though back then it wasn't part of continuity and fit in, it defined continuity but didn't conform to it. -- Tom King

The past:







The present:





The future:

Comments

[numeronone]

"The Killing Joke" was meant to be the alternate-reality final Joker story just as "Whatever Happened To The Man Of Tomorrow?" was for Superman.

The only reason it made an impact on continuity was because editorial decided it should. They decided that Barbara being brutally injured could be exploited.

It wasn't some magical effect. It was deliberate, because it could make money.

[lucean]

That quote is really weird, although it does fit with the sense of self-belief King seems to have in his work.

The Killing Joke became a part of continuity because it was popular, well-received and the editor liked it.

[cyberghostface]

The Killing Joke was always intended to be canon.

https://www.cbr.com/comic-book-legends-revealed-585/

[donnblake]

Hmm. A multiple choice history of the impact of The Killing Joke. Seems appropriate, somehow.

[tinygaylaura]

"She's a criminal!"

I mean I don't get the issue here. That's one of the things I love most about Selina

That and the black leather. And the whip

ME-OW

[blues32]

Yes, Selina, you killed him. After he was old and retired and living in Florida. Congratulations. Oswald doesn't owe you anything, waiting that long to do it.

I too miss the old days where it was props, clues, and fun. I didn't mind a touch of murder now and then, but it's all Joker seems to do any more.

[lordultimus]

I don't know, I know Selina doesn't and doesn't really need a code against killing like Bruce, but something about her going "come on let me kill him" feels off. She's not the Punisher looking to kill anyone, but it feels like if she's decided someone needs to die she'll actually take it seriously.

[chalicother]

I will say this without a shadow of a doubt. Tom King is good when he's really good. When's he bad....he's really bad.
I still don't know why this series is called Batman and Catwoman.
Catwoman can sell books on her own. The book doesn't seem to be looking at Batman and Catwomans relationship. I mean it does, but it could still be called Catwoman. Then again, the focus of Catwoman and Batman for a book called Catwoman could have really bad indications.

I will say this, I like the subtle idea of making Penguin and Riddler super close similar to the Gotham series, I like adding that to canon.

[shakalooloo]

Mature, 17+ Black Label book.

Still censors out the swearing.

[lbd_nytetrayn]

Regardless of any quotes or context (it's for the weak, you know) or other stuff surrounding it... I enjoyed this.