Imagine this narrative of an upcoming R-rated movie: A homicidal maniac escapes captivity, kidnaps a high-ranking city official and subjects him to a litany of extreme degradation and torture. The story's protagonist races against the clock to rescue the victim — but not before someone close to both men suffers a grievous wound. It may come as a surprise that the hero and villain in question are none other than Batman and The Joker. The synopsis describes the latest superhero movie — this one a cartoon video, no less — called "The Killing Joke" that's expected to be released in July.

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