1. The Killing Joke (1988)
Alan Moore and Brian Bolland’s The Killing Joke stands as one of the most hotly debated Batman stories ever published. Its unflinching depiction of violence against Barbara Gordon shocked readers and critics alike, igniting controversy about how women are treated in comics. The story’s ambiguous ending and psychologically dark tone have been the subject of analysis and argument for decades.
This one-shot not only changed the Joker’s legacy but also left a lasting impact on the portrayal of trauma in superhero comics. The craziest part? Comics like this usually aren’t canon, but this remained part of Barbara and Joker’s story to this very day!