Warner Bros. held the world premiere of their DC Comics animated movie Justice League: Gods and Monsters at Comic-Con tonight, but superhero fans were in for yet another treat. Bruce W. Timm announced at the panel that the next DC Universe Original Movie will be an adaptation of Batman: The Killing Joke. Bruce W. Timm will executive produce the animated superhero movie, which, according to DC Comics, will feature, "an original 15-minute prologue that helps set up the story, giving even longtime fans of the story something new to look forward to." No voice cast members were announced, but the movie will debut sometime in 2016.

Batman: The Killing Joke is the seminal graphic novel written by Alan Moore and drawn by Brian Bolland that offers up a potential (but not exactly trustworthy) origin for the Joker, and that led to a paralyzed Barbara Gordon to retire as Batgirl...temporarily. For years, it's been one of the most regularly requested animated films by fans.

In addition, two other animated movies were announced at tonight's panel, Batman: Bad Blood and Justice League vs. Titans. Batman: Bad Blood is an original Batman story that features the introduction of Batwoman to the new line of animated films. Justice League vs. Titans-Another original story and the first of the DC Universe Original Movies to feature the Teen Titans. Batman: The Killing Joke's announcement comes at just the right time, since The Joker celebrates his 75th Anniversary this year. What do you think about this new trio of animated movies?