Batman: The Killing Joke remains one of the most influential runs in the Dark Knight’s history. Written by Alan Moore and drawn by Brian Bolland, it is a twisty odyssey into a legendary rivalry. Testing Batman’s fortitude and unleashing an outright vicious vision for the once corny clown prince of crime. It’s still a high point for fans, with obvious influences on the broader Batman legacy. One boutique publisher wants to test how high a price they can get for it, as the new “Avant-Garde” edition will run collectors $17 grand.
Based out of Croatia, Argent Comics “re-engineers DC’s iconic narratives into fine art artefacts.” Their first outing with this pitch is Batman: The Killing Joke Avant-Garde Edition. Packaged in a replica of the camera the Joker used on Barbara Gordon’s violated body, this version of the comic is giclée-printed, bound between aluminum boards and lined with goatskin leather. There will only be 47 copies made, representing the atomic number of the silver-like Hahnemühle metallic paper (but not “Silver Age” comics, where the Joker was still busy escaping in hot-air balloons). Each copy will be signed by Bolland, but not by Moore. Good luck getting Moore to sign it.
Perhaps the funniest thing about the Avant-Garde edition is how it’s singling out the biggest grievance of the current Killing Joke prints. In 2008, DC Comics released the Deluxe Edition of The Killing Joke, featuring a new coloring job from Bolland. This treatment flushed out and desaturated the lush, textured work colorist John Higgins did for the ‘88 original. It’s been a point of constant contention for fans and a reference point whenever newer reprints treat pre-digitally composed comics in similar fashion. Argent Comics’ version proudly restores the Higgins colors, probably the most compelling argument for the box set.
Argent Comics is inviting steadfast collectors to come to their Zagreb offices to see their Killing Joke for themselves, booked by appointment. Such a premium price on a comic runs in stark contrast to the success of DC’s Compact Comics line, an incredibly popular run of classic stories, including Moore’s Watchmen, in space and budget friendly packages.