The Dark Knight is scheduled for release on July 18, 2008 in U.S. theaters. The film is based on the fictional DC Comics character Batman. Heath Ledger, who recently, tragically passed away played the role of the Joker. The role may, in fact, have led to his physical exhaustion. To prepare for the role, he was given Batman: The Killing Joke and Arkham Asylum to read. Our library currently has Batman: The Killing Joke in DC Universe: The Stories of Alan Moore, call number 741.5973 Moore. Bethpage and Wantagh Public Libraries have Arkham Aslyum. The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller is also a suggested read for Batman fans. It can be found at other Nassau libraries and is on order for Plainview.