See previous item #1855. 5-7/8x8.25" sheet of paper w/preliminary pencil art by noted comic book artist Brian Bolland for the critically-acclaimed Batman story "Batman: The Killing Joke," which was written by Alan Moore and published by DC Comics in 1988. This page features Bolland's preliminary layout and design showing Batman advancing through The Joker's booby-trapped funhouse to capture The Joker after rescuing the abducted and tortured Commissioner Gordon. Page features six panels. First panel shows tiny Batman running past large playing card Joker image on wall. Second panel shows a close-up of Batman's legs as he runs past funhouse mirrors showcasing distorted, grotesque faces. Third panel shows Batman falling though trap-door towards pit lined w/sharp spikes. Fourth panel shows a nearly full body image of Batman hanging onto edge of the pit by his fingertips. Fifth panel shows Batman swinging his leg up out of the pit as he crawls to safety. Last panel shows him running on his way, cape billowing behind him. Sheet has "38" page notation at upper right. Third panel also has "More Space - 3 Balloons" pencil notation, indicating desire to add more balloons to art for publication. Exc. As w/previous item #1855, Bolland's pencils are extremely well-done, almost presenting the appearance of finalized art. There are subtle differences to this art and how it appeared in its published form (primarily there are more grotesque funhouse mirror faces scattered throughout first and last two panels), but this preliminary art is amazing in its presentation and historical importance, as "Batman: The Killing Joke" is often ranked as one of the most important Batman stories of the 1980s, if not the modern era. From the collection of Chip Kidd, renowned author, graphic designer and pop culture enthusiast extraordinaire.