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Narrator/Advertiser
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Batman
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Narrator/Advertiser
You're listening to DC High Volume Batman. This episode of DC High Volume Batman features mature themes and may not be suitable for all listeners. Listener discretion is advised. In the deepest corners of his ego, Batman stood resolute against killing the Joker. But in all the years since, the Clown Prince of crime has been in and out of custody more times than anyone can count. When will it ever end? And how? Batman's mind races almost as fast as the Batmobile as he nears the iron wrought gates of Arkham Asylum. And now, the Killing Joke, part one.
Batman
There were these two guys in a lunatic asylum. Arkham Asylum for the criminally insane. You sure he's coming, Commissioner? It. Coffee's yours, officer. Warm yourself up. Batman, with me.
Narrator/Advertiser
They're expecting you both down the hall to the.
Batman
We know the way. Appreciate it. Nice sign. Oh, huh. Right.
Narrator/Advertiser
Yeah.
Batman
You don't have to be crazy to work here. But it helps. Fitting. That's Jim getting the gang back together. Army Jim. Pick up the pace. Missioner. Batman. Five minutes. The cell door says name unknown. Hello, joker. I came to talk. I've been thinking lately about you and me. About what's going to happen to us in the end. We're going to kill each other, aren't we? Perhaps you will kill me. Perhaps I'll kill you. Perhaps sooner. Perhaps later. I just wanted to know that I'd made a genuine attempt to talk things over and avert that outcome just once. Are you listening to me? It's life and death that I'm discussing here. Maybe my death. Maybe yours. I don't fully understand why ours should Be such a fatal relationship. But I don't want your murder on my hands. White stains on my gloves from touching his wrists. What is this? Hey. Hey, wait a minute. Don't you touch me. I got rights. You're not allowed to face paint. It wipes right off. Touch me. Where is he? Oh, God. No. No. Do you realize? Do you realize what you've set free? Where is he? Get him off of me, please. Dear God. He's gone berserker. Open that door, man. Yeah. Yes, sir. That's enough. That's enough. You know the law regarding mistreatment of inmates as well as I do. If you harm one hair on his head. Commissioner, if you're concerned about his hair, it's yours. Take care of it. A wig and makeup. Now, you whimpering little smear of slime, I'm going to ask you politely just one more time. Where. See? Ah, there you are. Have you had a chance to inspect the fairgrounds and decide if it's what you were looking for in a property? Well, it's garish, ugly, and derelicts have used it for a toilet. The rides are dilapidated to the point of being lethal and could easily maim or kill innocent little children. Oh, so you don't like it? Don't like it? I'm crazy for it. You, you really want to buy it? And the price I mentioned it isn't too steep? Too steep? My dear sir, as I look at it, I'm making a killing. And anyway, money isn't really a problem. Not these days.
Narrator/Advertiser
Well, how'd it go?
Batman
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
Oh.
Batman
What do you mean, oh?
Narrator/Advertiser
I didn't mean anything.
Batman
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
Baby.
Batman
I don't mean to take it out on you. You're suffering enough being married to a loser.
Narrator/Advertiser
Honey, that is not true.
Batman
It's true. I can't support you. Don't she. What are we going to do?
Narrator/Advertiser
It'll be okay.
Batman
Junior won't be here for another three months and I think Mrs. Burkus will let the rent go a little longer.
Narrator/Advertiser
She feels sorry for me.
Batman
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
I still love you, you know.
Batman
Job or no job, you are good in the sack.
Narrator/Advertiser
And you know how to make me laugh.
Batman
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
File joker. The name unknown, Age unknown, Relatives unknown.
Batman
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
Dad, just once, could you leave your work at the office and relax?
Batman
I made you cocoa. Thank you, sweetheart, but I'll drink it when I've pasted this latest clipping in.
Narrator/Advertiser
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
Barbara, you're fussier than your mother was. Was that the door?
Narrator/Advertiser
Yeah, yeah. It'll be Colleen from across the street. Tonight's our yoga class.
Batman
Look at this one. Bat Garb's Vigilante Critically Injures Murderer. Come on, dad.
Narrator/Advertiser
Company Put your scrapbooks away.
Batman
Disfigured homicidal Maniac in Hospital. First time they met. Now, what. What year was that?
Narrator/Advertiser
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
I thought you'd be interested.
Narrator/Advertiser
Yeah, well, I had some interesting nightmares. Help.
Batman
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
Not a drop.
Batman
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
Barb.
Batman
Don't close your eyes.
Narrator/Advertiser
Barb.
Batman
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
Doing this?
Batman
To prove a point. Here's to crime. No.
Fred (Director of the Show)
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Batman
So good, so good, so good.
Narrator/Advertiser
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Batman
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Narrator/Advertiser
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Batman
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Narrator/Advertiser
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Batman
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
Bruce.
Batman
Bruce.
Narrator/Advertiser
It was him took dad.
Batman
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
He's taking it to the limit this time.
Batman
You didn't see. You didn't see his eyes? He said he wanted to prove a point.
Narrator/Advertiser
Said dad was top of the bell.
Batman
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
It's perfect.
Batman
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)
Me?
Batman
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
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.
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Podcast: DC High Volume: Batman | Host: DC | Realm
Episode Date: December 31, 2025
Summary By: Podcast Summarizer
This gripping audio adaptation of Alan Moore’s The Killing Joke delivers a dark, psychological chapter that plunges listeners deep into the fraught relationship between Batman and the Joker. Interwoven with crucial flashbacks to the Joker’s origin, the episode explores the mental collapse of both the villain and his victims, setting in motion a series of traumatic events for Jim Gordon and Barbara Gordon. In this first installment, the dialogue and soundscape echo the original comic’s themes of madness, despair, and the gray morality separating hero and villain.
The episode delivers dialogue that stays true to the gritty, psychological realism of the source material—sharp, sometimes grimly comedic, often harrowing. The Joker’s insanity is ever-present through both his words and actions, contrasted by Batman’s introspective weariness and desperate hope for resolution.
Batman: The Killing Joke - Chapter 1 immerses listeners in a relentless confrontation between sanity and madness, loss and obsession. The episode’s raw performances, careful sound design, and faithful adaptation of iconic lines make it an unmissable and haunting first act in this influential Batman story.
To be continued in Chapter 2…