One of the most controversial stories in DC Comics history, Batman: The Killing Joke is both divisive and inspiring in equal measure. Since its release in 1988, the infamous one-shot story from Alan Moore which gave Batman’s greatest nemesis an origin story has drawn critique for how grim and dark it is — especially in terms of the treatment of Barbara Gordon/Batgirl — but has also defined the Joker as well. The successful Joaquin Phoenix-starring 2019 film Joker was itself inspired, in part by The Killing Joke. Now, in a new interview Moore, who has notably disavowed The Killing Joke for years, is going a bit further expressing disdain that the work had inspired the film — and going on to note that the best version of Batman in his opinion is the brightest one, the one brought to life by the late Adam West.