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The Joker

The Joker is a psychopathic criminal mastermind with a warped sense of humor. Initially introduced as a remorseless serial killer, the character evolved over time, often oscillating between a prankster and a homicidal maniac. His relationship with Batman is one of the most complex in comic book history, defined by their mutual obsession. Over the decades, the Joker has become an enduring icon of chaos and madness, embodying the antithesis of Batman's order and justice.

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The Joker in Batman: The Animated Series (1992)
The Joker
Created By
Bill Finger, Bob Kane, Jerry Robinson
Cast
Cesar Romero, Barry Keoghan
First Appearance
Batman (1940)
Alias
Red Hood, Clown Prince of Crime, Ace of Knaves
RELATIONSHIPS
Batman (archenemy), Harley Quinn (former psychiatrist, on-and-off girlfriend), Penguin (frequent collaborator), Two-Face (frequent collaborator)
Alliance
Injustice League, Legion of Doom, Injustice Gang

TV Shows
Batwoman
Video Games
Batman: Return of the Joker, The Adventures of Batman & Robin (SNES), Gotham Knights
Franchise
D.C.
POWERS
Criminal Mastermind, Expert Chemist, Weaponized Props, Psychological Manipulation, Combat Skills, Unpredictability, High Pain Tolerance, Charisma, Escape Artist
HISTORY
The Joker's history has been depicted with various origin stories, the most common being his transformation into the Joker after falling into a vat of chemical waste that bleaches his skin white, turns his hair green, and lips bright red. This disfigurement drives him insane, leading him to become Batman's greatest nemesis.
NAME
Arthur Fleck
Age
Varies by portrayal; generally depicted as being in his 30s to 40s.
Height
Typically depicted around 6 feet (1.83 meters).
Comic Books
Joker #1, The Joker #5, Joker: Killer Smile #1, Batman: Three Jokers #1, Batman: The Joker War Zone #1, DC's Year of the Villain: Joker #1, Batman & The Joker: The Deadly Duo #1, The Joker: The Man Who Stopped Laughing #1, Joker/Harley: Criminal Sanity Secret Files #1, The Joker 80th Anniversary 100-Page Super Spectacular #1

latest

Comic book art: Joker smiling to the right with a bloody bat-smile in the darkness to the left
I’m Sorry, But DC’s New Joker Completely Overlooks What Makes Him Batman's Best Villain

The DC Universe has a new Joker to reckon with, but this new take on the Clown Prince of Crime is going in a wild and unexpected direction.

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I’m Convinced These Are The 10 Most Underrated Joker Movie & Show Appearances In His Entire 58-Year-Long History

The Joker has appeared in countless movies and shows over the years, but these are easily the most underrated interpretations of the DC villain.

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Comic book art: A pensive-looking Joker with other Jokers laughing behind him.
It's Not All on Superman: The Joker's Debut Will Be the Ultimate Test For the DCU and Here's Why

The DCU is only getting started, but how will James Gunn’s new cinematic franchise introduce the Joker and make him feel fresh after all these years?

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Joker’s Most Underrated Superpower Needs to Make Its DCU Debut

With James Gunn’s DCU reboot on the horizon, there’s no better time to finally give fans a truly comic-accurate take on the Clown Prince of Crime.

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I Never Thought I’d Like Marvel’s Joker, But He Somehow Just Won Me Over

Joker's blend of violence and whimsy isn't something just any villain can pull off, but Marvel's answer to the Clown Prince of Crime has my attention.

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Comic book art: a close up of the Batman Who Laughs.
Forget the Batman Who Laughs, DC’s New Villain-Hero Hybrid Is Utterly Catastrophic

The Batman Who Laughs is one of the most terrifying villains DC has ever produced. However, this Batman-Joker hybrid may now have competition.

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Sorry, Joker! Even DC Knows Its Villains Aren’t Cutting It Anymore
DC Comics

DC may have some of the most iconic villains in pop culture, but that doesn’t mean they’ve aged well, and now, the publisher is finally itting it.

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Joker Is Dying, Settling Once and for All If His Existence Is Batman's Fault
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The Joker has been critically wounded in the DC Universe, putting Batman in what is likely one of the most difficult positions of his entire life.

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Let's Be Honest, There Are Only 3 Marvel Villains Who Can Match DC's Joker

Although the Marvel universe has plenty of villains, only three truly meet the high standards set by Gotham's infamous Clown Prince of Crime!

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It's No Joke: 10 Worst Crimes Committed By the Joker to Date

The Joker is known as the Clown Prince of Crime for a reason, as he's committed just about every single crime that someone could think of.

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Joaquin Phoenix, Jared Leto and Heath Ledger as different versions of the Joker
Sci-Fi Writer Brandon Sanderson Names the Best Version of DC's Joker - Do You Agree?

The Joker’s had countless interpretations across the media landscape, but Brandon Sanderson claims that only one Harlequin of Hate is the best.

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Comic book art: A pensive-looking Joker with other Jokers laughing behind him.
10 Greatest Joker Costumes in DC Lore, Ranked

While the Joker's iconic purple suit costume is a favorite, that has not stopped the evil Clown Prince of Crime from taking on some sartorial changes.

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Batman Becomes Gotham's Next Big Villain With This Twisted Live-Action Joker Redesign
Batman

Batman and Joker are diametrically opposed characters who have a long history between them, with new cosplay turning Batman into a Jokerized villain!

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Joker's 10 Most Disturbing Redesigns in DC History
Comics

The Joker is terrifying, but over the years the Clown Prince of Crime has gotten updates that have made him even more disturbing than he already is.

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Joker's Twisted New Form is Doubling Down on DC's Most Controversial Origin Change

The Absolute Universe has been shaking up character histories in a major way, and the change to the Joker calls back to a controversial origin.

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Comic book art: A pensive-looking Joker with other Jokers laughing behind him.
10 Times The Joker Almost Had the Last Laugh

Out of all of Batman's villains, the Joker has always come closest to victory, and there's been several times he nearly had the last laugh.

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Batman: HUSH 2 Begins With A Character Death So Big I Can't Believe It (Seriously, I Won't)
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DC Comics' Hush 2 is here, kicking off with a character death so big, I adamantly refuse to believe it's real or permanent (nor should you).

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Sorry, Joker: DC's Coolest New Villains Just Landed, And You're Not Invited
Flash

DC's new Absolute Flash series has debuted an exciting look at a revamped team of villains who could end up rivaling even Batman's foes (sorry Joker).

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Joker’s New Form Is His Most Sickening Yet, It Isn't Even a Competition

He’s been teased since the beginning but fans are getting another glimpse at Absolute Joker and his new form is sicker than anyone ever imagined.

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This Heath Ledger Joker Cosplay Proves the Design Deserves a Comic Debut

Heath Ledger's Joker has an iconic design that fans love, with his nurse makeover getting a cosplay look that proves it needs a comic book adaptation.

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