Narrator/Advertiser (8:53)

Well, how'd it go?

Batman (8:56)

Do they like your act? Well, they, they said they might call me. I don't know. I, I, I, I got nervous and messed up a punchline.

Narrator/Advertiser (9:10)

Oh.

Batman (9:12)

What do you mean, oh?

Narrator/Advertiser (9:14)

I didn't mean anything.

Batman (9:16)

Yes, you did. The way you said it. Oh, like that. Jesus. All I said was. You said, oh, as in, oh, so you didn't get a job. As in, oh, so how are we going to feed the baby? You think I'm not worried about that? You, you think, you think I don't care? That is all a big joke to me or something. Jeez, I have to go. I have to go and stand up there and nobody laughs. And you think, you think I. Oh. Oh, God. Oh, God. I'm sorry.

Narrator/Advertiser (10:01)

Baby.

Batman (10:01)

I don't mean to take it out on you. You're suffering enough being married to a loser.

Narrator/Advertiser (10:07)

Honey, that is not true.

Batman (10:10)

It's true. I can't support you. Don't she. What are we going to do?

Narrator/Advertiser (10:21)

It'll be okay.

Batman (10:22)

Junior won't be here for another three months and I think Mrs. Burkus will let the rent go a little longer.

Narrator/Advertiser (10:28)

She feels sorry for me.

Batman (10:30)

She hates me. She comes out into the hallway to scowl at me every time I go upstairs. This house stinks of cat litter and old people. I've got to get you out of here before the baby comes. I just want enough money to get set up in a decent neighborhood. There are girls on the street who earn that in a weekend without having to tell a single joke. Honey, don't worry. Hey, not about any of it, okay?

Narrator/Advertiser (11:10)

I still love you, you know.

Batman (11:13)

Job or no job, you are good in the sack.

Narrator/Advertiser (11:19)

And you know how to make me laugh.

Batman (11:34)

Would you look at that? You got the old laughing clown machine working. That thing always creeped me out. You know, I'm positive you won't regret this purchase. The place isn't that dilapidated. Some of these rides are still pretty sturdy. Like this here spring rocker. Meant for kids, you know. But this elephant's taking my weight just fine. Really? This could be one hell of a carnival. Oh, you're so right. Thanks to your smooth salesmanship and your silver tongue, you've completely sold me on the place. Let's shake on it. Well, sure. It's my privilege. Indeed it is. Ow. What was that? Naturally, I won't be paying you anything. My colleagues persuaded your partner to sign the necessary documents just over an hour ago. The property's mine already. You're happy with it, I take it? I can see that you are. I'm so glad. You know, when you see the improvements I have planned for this place, I guarantee you'll be absolutely, absolutely speechless. And incidentally, that's a lifetime guarantee. Well, I must dash this equipment to hire, plus workers who'll suit the general tone of the establishment. And then, of course, I've yet to secure my main attraction. Do feel free to stick around. In the cave, I lay a joker card before a portrait of the bat family. My trusted confidants and closest allies. Computer, print file joker. Classification Delta 02. Enlarge all screens.

Narrator/Advertiser (14:01)

File joker. The name unknown, Age unknown, Relatives unknown.

Batman (14:12)

Your refreshments, sir. Master Bruce, is there anything further I can assist with, or will that be all? No, that's all. I've been trying to figure out what he intends to do. It's almost impossible. I don't know him, Alfred. All these years, and I don't know who he is any more than he knows who I am. How can two people hate so much without knowing each other? And Here. Another Vicki Vale exclusive for the Gotham Examiner. Asylum Security Uproar. Maniac escapes again. I hate this. Whenever we jail him, I think, please, God, keep him there. Then he escapes and we all sit around hoping he won't do anything too awful this time. I hate it.

Narrator/Advertiser (15:29)

Dad, just once, could you leave your work at the office and relax?

Batman (15:33)

I made you cocoa. Thank you, sweetheart, but I'll drink it when I've pasted this latest clipping in.

Narrator/Advertiser (15:41)

You know, I found that Catwoman scrapbook you said was missing. It was behind the wardrobe. Someday you ought to let me work out a proper filing system like we used at the library. Look, you use too much paste. It's all squidging under the edges of the clipping. You're gonna get it on your pants.

Batman (16:01)

Barbara, you're fussier than your mother was. Was that the door?

Narrator/Advertiser (16:05)

Yeah, yeah. It'll be Colleen from across the street. Tonight's our yoga class.

Batman (16:11)

Look at this one. Bat Garb's Vigilante Critically Injures Murderer. Come on, dad.

Narrator/Advertiser (16:16)

Company Put your scrapbooks away.

Batman (16:18)

Disfigured homicidal Maniac in Hospital. First time they met. Now, what. What year was that?

Narrator/Advertiser (16:24)

Well, I remember you describing the white face and the green hair to me when I was a kid. Scared the hell out of me.

Batman (16:30)

I thought you'd be interested.

Narrator/Advertiser (16:32)

Yeah, well, I had some interesting nightmares. Help.

Batman (17:05)

A drink? At this hour? Well, if you insist. Bar. Bar. Got any of those little umbrellas, Gordon? I'm going for a vacation vibe. Check the shirt.

Narrator/Advertiser (17:22)

Not a drop.

Batman (17:22)

For the boys, though. We'll need them nice and sharp. Eyes open. Eyes open. There'll be designated drivers on this little trip.

Narrator/Advertiser (17:31)

Barb.

Batman (17:33)

Don't close your eyes.

Narrator/Advertiser (17:34)

Barb.

Batman (17:34)

Stay with me. Barb. Hey, Barbara. Say cheese. Oh, please. Don't worry. It's a psychological complaint common amongst ex librarians. You see, she thinks she's a coffee table edition. Mind you, I can't say much for the volume condition. I mean, there's a hole in the jacket and the spine appears to be damaged. You scum. My daughter. Boys. Yeah, boss? Frankly, she will be walking off the shelves in that state of repair. In fact, the idea of her walking anywhere seems increasingly remote. But then, that's always a problem with soft backs. God, these literary discussions are so dry. When you're finished with the old boy, you know where to take him. And please do be careful. After all, he is topping the bill. You know, it's such a shame you'll miss your father's debut, Ms. Gordon. Sadly, our venue wasn't built with the disabled in mind. But don't worry, I'll take some snapshots to remind him of you. Why are you.

Narrator/Advertiser (19:14)

Doing this?

Batman (19:16)

To prove a point. Here's to crime. No.

Fred (Director of the Show) (19:39)

Hey D.C. high volume listeners, this is Fred here, director of the show. Do you ever feel like you need your own next level detective skills to understand where your money is going? Well, whether it's tracking down subscriptions you forgot about, flagging impulse buys or uncovering hidden fees, Rocket Money helps you track every dollar and take control of your finances. Their dashboard lays out your total financial picture, including bill due dates and paydays in a way that is easy to digest. For me, I was able to see at a glance all my subscriptions which in total came out to kind of an eye popping amount. And for those I no longer wanted, Rocket Money provided help for me to cancel them. I'm super excited to try out some of their more in depth features like aiming for monthly savings goals and managing a monthly payment budget. They have a feature that'll automatically create custom budgets based on past spending. They can also include recommendations on when to set money aside and offer support for negotiating lower bills. Rocket Money has saved users over 2.5 billion, including over 880 million in canceled subscriptions alone. Their 10 million members save up to $740 a year when they use all the app's premium features. Cancel your unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster with Rocket Money. Go to RocketMoney.com DCHV today. That's RocketMoney.com DCHV DCHV like DCH Volume RocketMoney.com DCHV.

Narrator/Advertiser (20:56)

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Batman (22:37)

So good, so good, so good.

Narrator/Advertiser (22:40)

New year New gear.

Batman (22:42)

Thousands of fresh active styles are at Nordstrom Rack stores now.

Narrator/Advertiser (22:46)

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Narrator/Advertiser (22:51)

How did I not know Rack has Adidas?

Batman (22:53)

There's always something new.

Narrator/Advertiser (22:54)

Plus, join the Nordy Club to shop new arrivals first. Unlock exclusive discounts and more.

Batman (22:59)

Great brands, great prices. That's why you wreck. You see. You see, I have to prove myself as a. As a husband and as a father. Well, I wouldn't be doing this sort of thing if it wasn't something important. It's like I began as a lab assistant, right? It was a good job, real good job. So what I did, I quit to become a comedian. I was so sure, so sure I had talent. But, well, look at me. I guess my talents didn't lie in that direction. So you see, like if I just do this one big crime. Hey, jeez man, be cool. Have another prod. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Don't usually drink lunch times. It's just if you're sure we can get away with this thing and that nobody will know I was involved. Hey, don't worry friend. We'll take care of you. We need your help getting through that chemical plant where you worked to the plane car company next door. We really appreciate your expertise. So like to absolutely guarantee nobody connects you with the robbery, you'll be wearing this. Wearing? Is that a. A helmet? But. But there are no eye slits. I won't be able to see. There's these lenses of red, two way mirror glass set into it. Pretty smart stuff, right? I don't know. That mask. Isn't it the one that Red Hood guy wears who raided the ice company last month? Smart enough. There ain't no Red Hood. There's just a bunch of guys and a mask, right? Doesn't matter who's under the hood. We just sorta let the most valued member of the mob wear it for additional anonymity. Sure, the most valued member. That's you, man. Look, really, I don't know. That chemical plant's so grim and ugly. It's partly why I quit. But you said there's minimal security, man. Listen, do you want to raise your kid in poverty? No, no, of course not. You're right. I mean, it's just this once that I can switch neighborhoods and start a proper life. That's the attitude. So next Friday night at 11? Sure, sure. Why not? Friday it is. And then starting from Saturday morning, I'll be rich. I can't imagine it. My life's going to be completely changed. Nothing's going to be the same. Not ever again. The bullet went through her spine. I'm afraid her legs are completely useless. Putting it bluntly, she may well be in a chair for the remainder of her life. Some woman in the same yoga class as Ms. Gordon found her, name of Colleen Reese. She found the victim in a state of undress, but otherwise the place was empty. Commissioner was undress. They didn't tell you he'd removed her clothing after shooting her. We. Well, we found a lens cap on the floor that didn't fit any camera in the place. We believe that. Well, that he took some pictures of her. Joker. She's. Look, really, I'm sorry. I thought you knew. It's pretty sick, ain't it? Yes. Pretty sick. Please leave us alone for a moment. Yeah, yeah, gotcha. Barbara? Barbara, can you hear me? It's me, Bruce. It's Bruce.

Narrator/Advertiser (27:41)

Bruce.

Batman (27:44)

Bruce.

Narrator/Advertiser (27:46)

It was him took dad.

Batman (27:49)

He. Oh, God. Oh, God. I remember what he did. Take it easy. It's okay. No. No, it's not okay. He's.

Narrator/Advertiser (28:00)

He's taking it to the limit this time.

Batman (28:03)

You didn't see. You didn't see his eyes? He said he wanted to prove a point.

Narrator/Advertiser (28:14)

Said dad was top of the bell.

Batman (28:17)

What's he doing to him? Bruce? What's he doing to my father? Barb. Wa. What are you doing? You can't do that. Stop. Oh, no. Don't. Let me keep my clothes on. I want. Don't do this. You have no. Stand. Stand. Understand? What is this? Where are you taking me? Oh, dear God. Am I dreaming? Am I dreaming this? What happened? Oh, it should have hit my. Somebody please tell me what I'm doing here? Doing? You're doing what any sane man in your appalling circumstances would do. You going mad? You. God, no. Like what I've Done with the place. It's not easy to build a throne of thousands of baby dolls. But this place has everything I. I remember. Remember. Why wouldn't do that? Remembering's dangerous. I find the past such a worrying, anxious place. The past tense, I suppose you'd call it. Memories. So treacherous. One moment you're lost in a carnival of delights with poignant childhood aromas. The flashing neon of puberty. Oh, that sentimental candy floss. The next, it leads you somewhere you don't want to go. Ghost train, Ghost train. We're going to go in a. Somewhere dark and cold, filled with the damp, ambiguous shapes of things you'd hope were forgotten. Memories can be filed. Repulsive little brutes. Like children, I suppose. Oh, no. Oh, no. But can we live without them? Memories are what a reason is based upon. If we can't face them, we deny reason itself. Although why not? We aren't contractually tied down to rationality. There is no sanity clause. So when you find yourself locked onto an unpleasant train of thought heading for the places in your past where the screaming is unbearable, remember, there's always madness. Madness is the emergency exit. You can just step outside and close the door at all those dreadful things that happened. Go, Go. You can lock them away. Forever. So, everything settled for tonight? You still going through with it? Well, of course. I'd be crazy to back out now. I mean, the worst part. Lying to Genie. That's over. She. She thinks I have a club engagement tonight. Ain't no reason why she shouldn't keep right on thinking that. Right, man. No reason at all. Hey, listen. Tonight, wear a suit and bow tie. It's. It's kind of the trademark with this Red Hood business. Of course, that's what Jeannie will expect me to wear for the nightclub.

Narrator/Advertiser (33:48)

It's perfect.

Batman (33:54)

Hey, Frank, you seen the man in this photo? Yeah, I think I've seen him over there. Joe. Excuse me, sir. We're police officers. Could we speak to you outside for a moment?

Fred (Director of the Show) (34:12)

Me?

Batman (34:14)

Why, I. I haven't. I mean, it'll only take a moment. Sir, Listen. What. What's the problem here? I. Sir, I'm sorry, but your wife had an accident this morning, apparently testing a baby bottle heater that was an electrical short and, well, she died. Sir, I'm sorry. What? Listen, I hate to break it to you like this. It was a million to one accident. They have full details waiting for you at the hospital. There's no hurry. If I was you, I'd have another drink. My wife. She's dead. My wife. Gee, that's terrible. We're really sorry. Yeah. Hey, listen, man, you probably want to be left alone right now, huh? So we'll see you here tonight, okay? Tonight? But I can't do anything tonight. There's. There's no reason anymore. Genie. Genie? Genie's dead. You don't understand. No, no, no, no. I'm sorry about your wife, but it's you that don't understand what's happening tonight. It's no little thing. Nobody backing out now remains healthy. No exceptions. But. No buts, man. Tomorrow you bury your old lady in luxury. Tonight, you're with us. Get the picture? Yes, yes, I get the picture. Let's get out of here. Let's go. Heads up, commissioner. No fair hiding your eyes on the ghost train, you old freaky cat. Oh, I know. You're confused. You're frightened. Who wouldn't be? You're in a hell of a situation. But you know, though life's a bowl of cherries and this is the pits, always remember this music, Sam. When the world is full of care and every headline screams despair. When all is rape, starvation, war and life is vile, Then there's a certain thing I do which I shall pass along to you. That's always guaranteed to make me smile. I go loony like a light bulb battered bump simply loony. Sometimes foam and chew the rug open. Mislight this swell in a padded cell. It will chase those blues away. You can trade the gloom for a rubber room and injections twice a day. Just a movie like an acid casualty or a movie or a free share on tv. When the human race wears an anxious face. When the bomb hangs overhead. When your kitten's gone, it won't worry you, you can smile and nod instead. When you're loony, then you just don't give. A big man so puny and the universe so big. If you hurt inside, it's certified. And if life should treat you bad. You're going to really love this next part. It's an exhibit of some new, how do you say, boudoir photography. Wait, wait, Wait a minute. Let's. Barbara. I call it blood on bear skin. Barbara. Barbara. Don't get even. Get. Mad.

Narrator/Advertiser (40:36)

To be continued. You've been listening to DC high volume. The Killing Joke Part 1 the Killing Joke Comic Written by Alan Moore with artwork by Brian Boland Directed by Fred Greenhalgh Audio adaptation by Fred Greenhalgh Roshan Singh Sambi and Scott Lee Chua Batman Created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger Starring Jason Spisak as Batman and Troy Baker as The Joker With Jay Paulson as Jim Gordon and Shelby Young as Barbara Gordon. Also starring Seth Austin, Zach, Paul Brown, Hayden Bishop, Jessie Burch, Richard Epkar, Adam o', Byrne, Charles Holford, Eric Lang, Cassidy Caston, Stephanie Koenig, Jamie Leidwinger, Leonard Moore, Michael McGlone, Danny Nucci, Matt Kaminski, Holland Rhoden, William Salyers, Edward Stonegaard, Kevin Smith, Keith Sarabaika, Casey Turner, Pilar Yoribe, Simon Vance and Mick Wingert. With crowd voices by Philip Hobby, Heather Irish, Tony Riley, William Walker and Ashanti Williams. Casting by Sunday Bowling Kennedy and Meg Moorman. C Produced by Fred Greenhalgh and Roshan Singh Sambhi. Executive producers for dc Mike Pallotta and Victor Diaz, executive producers for Realm, Molly Barton and Carly Milori, Production manager Jordan Acconcia. Music composed by Sam Ewing and Perrine Virgil. Music for the composition Looney by Marcus Thorne Bagala and Megan Bagala with lyrics by Alan Moore featuring Travis Vengrof on accordion, Rob Heath on drums, Greg Luce on violin and mixed by Will Malonez. Sound design and mix by Jonathan Roberts and Daniel Ramirez. Dialogue editing by Chia Yam Chong. Additional production support by Andas Productions Assistant editor Jamie Leidwinger Associate producer Andrew Kwan Production services provided by Realm Video Editor Tasha Carter. Recorded at Real Voice, La CityVox, the Orange Lounge and Acadia Recording Company. This podcast was recorded under a SAG AFTRA agreement based on characters from dc. The characters and events depicted in this podcast are fictional. Any similarity to any actual person, living or dead, or to any actual event, events, firms, places and institutions, or other entities is coincidental and unintentional. This podcast is protected under the laws of the United States and other countries and its unauthorized duplication, distribution or exhibition may result in civil liability and criminal prosecution. Copyright and trademark D.C. all rights reserved.

Narrator/Advertiser (43:52)

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