In perfect contrast to the stoic and moral Batman, Joker’s constant laughing is usually spurred by his own manic crime sprees. The Joker was created as the arch nemesis to DC Comics' Batman by Bob Kane, Bill Finger and Jerry Robinson. Since appearing in Batman’s first issue in 1940, Joker has continuously tormented not only the caped crusader but a variety of DC comic heroes and villains alike.
Joker’s Origin
The Joker has had several origin stories, not only due to changing comic writers but also to fuel the idea that the Joker has perpetuated so many different stories about his background that not even he really knows who he is. While in the Batman movies he is dubbed Jack Napier, in the DC Universe the Joker's real name has never been revealed. His various pre-nemesis stories include an abused childhood, disgruntled employment as an engineer followed by a failed career as a stand-up comedian, and a failed career as a mobster. However, almost all of Joker’s origins include the same explanation for his ghastly looks. Falling into a vat of chemicals is known to have twisted the Joker’s outside appearance to almost as bad as his inner insanity, giving him a clownish look.
Joker versus Batman, Superman
Fans can count on the Joker to bring about a terrifyingly intense element to the Batman series. Always willing to kill on a whim, the Joker’s favorite weapons are quick to surprise and maim the victim and are always ironically toy-themed. Commonly the Joker uses an acid-squirting lapel flower and lethally charged hand buzzer. He once sent Superman a letter that popped and squirted Kryptonite when opened. A profoundly disturbed mind is the Joker’s only super power.
Notable Team-Ups: Scarecrow, Lex Luther
Though extremely capable at wreaking criminal havoc alone, the Joker has been known to team up with DC comics' other notable villains, including the Scarecrow and Lex Luthor. Proving his insanity, Joker usually double crosses his partners in the end, seemingly on a whim. He has been romantically linked on and off to the villain Harley Quinn after she helped him escape from a mental asylum.
The Killing Joke
While Joker can play on a team from time to time, his most heinous acts are always carried out alone. Joker is responsible for brutally paralyzing Batgirl, murdering the second Robin, and murdering Commissioner Gordon’s second wife. In The Joker: The Devil’s Advocate graphic novel, it is stated that the Joker has killed more than 2000 men, women, and children. He once attempted to explode an orphanage.
Joker not only torments Gotham, Batman’s fictional city, but he has also made appearances in at least 176 other DC Comic series, including Superman, Wonder Woman, Catwoman and the Justice League of America. The Joker’s antics have even landed him in a Marvel crossover with Spider-Man.
The Joker Onscreen: Jack Nicholson, Heath Ledger
The Joker’s complex persona, wild mood swings, and energetic passionate crime sprees make for intriguing on-screen portrayels. The Joker has been most notably played by Cesar Romero, Jack Nicholson, and Heath Ledger, who all masterfully bring to life the squealing, bipolar villain. Mark Hamill also skillfully voiced the Joker in the Batman animated series.
Rated the comic world’s number one villain by Wizard magazine, the Joker continues to terrify heroes and readers alike in his latest series, Joker’s Asylum. It seems that as long as Batman exists, there will be Joker to keep him on his toes.
Most Notable Reads for Joker's Antics
- Batman DC comics
- The Joker: Devil's Advocate by Chuck Nixon
- Batman: A Death in the Family DC Comics
- The Killing Joke by Alan Moore
- Dark Knight Strikes Again by Frank Miller
Further Reading
Read about Batman's appeal, and about other intense comic characters including the X-Men's Wolverine and the infamous super villain Magneto.
