The publishers of playing cards trademark their Jokers, which have unique artwork that often reflect contemporary culture. Superman #32: The First Appearance Of Superboy And The Superman/Batman Team-Up. His disfigurement, combined with the trauma of his wife's earlier accidental death, drives him insane, and results in the birth of the Joker. "[123], The Joker's main characteristic is his apparent insanity, although he is not described as having any particular psychological disorder. Send us a tip using our anonymous form. 11/7/2020 12:10 AM PT. 1) and functions as an unofficial sequel of sorts to Frank Miller/David Mazzuchelli's "Batman: Year One" storyline (which ends with police detective Jim Gordon mentioning some new villain named the Joker threatening to poisin Gotham's water supply). The shift was criticized for moving away from tamer superheroes (and villains), but comic audiences were no longer primarily children. The term "Joker's wild" originates from this practice. [19], The character's regular appearances quickly defined him as the archenemy of the Dynamic Duo, Batman and Robin; he killed dozens of people, and even derailed a train. WorldCat (a catalog of libraries in 170 countries) records over 250 productions featuring the Joker as a subject, including films, books, and video games,[207] and Batman films which feature the character are typically the most successful. The writer-artists disturbing rendition made the villain a mass murderer who laughs once, and only once: When he frames the Caped Crusader for his murder by breaking his own neck following a pitched battle in an amusement park. The character was created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane, and Jerry Robinson, and first appeared in the debut issue of the comic book Batman on April 25, 1940. Credit for the Joker's creation is disputed; Kane and Robinson claimed responsibility for the Joker's design while acknowledging Finger's writing contribution. [52], Alan Moore and Brian Bolland's 1988 graphic novel The Killing Joke expands on the Joker's origins, describing the character as a failed comedian who adopts the identity of the Red Hood to support his pregnant wife. I went to the DC library and read some of the early stories. In one of his worst acts of violence yet, the psychopathic prankster crippled Gotham City Police Commissioner Jim Gordons daughter Barbara, aka the hero known as Batgirl. [227][228] While Batman Begins earned a worldwide total of $370million;[229] The Dark Knight earned over $1billion and was the highest-grossing film of the year, setting several contemporary box-office records (including highest-grossing midnight opening, opening day and opening weekend). [143][144], The Joker is portrayed as skilled in melee combat, from his initial appearances when he defeats Batman in a sword fight (nearly killing him), and others when he overwhelms Batman but declines to kill him. [248], The Joker has also been featured in video games. He encounters (and becomes obsessed with) Batman during a heist, embarking on a crime spree to attract the Caped Crusader's attention. Batman refuses, arguing that if he allowed himself to kill the Joker, he would not be able to stop himself from killing other criminals. The Jokers venom, a poison that leaves a macabre rictus grin on its victims faces, made its first appearance in the characters very first rampage. And since the accident took place at a playing card company, the name "Joker" was born. : The Many Looks of Joker", "The 25 Greatest Comic Book Villains of All Time", "Texas Tech librarian and professor publish book on Joker", "75 Greatest Friends and Foes of Batman: Villains #5-1", "Should Batman Kill The Joker? Now, the Joker is getting his own film. The Swingin Sixties Batman series has fallen in and out of favor with fans over the years, with some decrying its deliberate unseriousness and others praising its vibrant design and tongue-in-cheek performances. CGC census 11/22: 93 in 5.0, 685. [63] The Joker's face was restored in Snyder's and Capullo's "Endgame" (2014), the concluding chapter to "Death of the Family". [169] The Joker rejects material needs, and his first appearance in Batman #1 sees him perpetrate crimes against Gotham's wealthiest men and the judge who had sent him to prison. BB: "Joyride" (skeleton seen in Arkham Asylum Catacombs) Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (a second Joker via nanotechnology and splicing to take over Tim Drake's body) sfn error: no target: CITEREFParlett1992 (. [5][9][15], The Joker debuted in Batman #1 (April 1940) as the eponymous character's first villain, about a year after Batman's debut in Detective Comics #27 (May 1939). It did nothing to damage the characters popularity among both comic and movie fans, naturally, but it was proof that playing the Joker required more than just a giggle and a grotesque grin. (2005). [28] The Silver Age introduced several of the Joker's defining character traits: lethal joy buzzers, acid-squirting flowers, trick guns, and goofy, elaborate crimes. [127] In The Dark Knight Returns and Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth, the Joker is seductive toward Batman; it is uncertain if their relationship has homoerotic undertones or if the Joker is simply trying to manipulate his nemesis. [61] The Joker's first major storyline in The New 52, DC Comics' 2011 reboot of story continuity, was 2012's "Death of the Family" by writer Scott Snyder and artist Greg Capullo. Despite this body count, he is always found not guilty by reason of insanity and sent to Arkham Asylum, avoiding the death penalty. Rather than paint the Joker as just a nihilistic madman, Killing Joke actually attempts to create some sympathy for the character. [66] This led to a second ongoing Joker series, beginning in March 2021 with Tynion writing and Guillem March providing art. First SA appearance of Joker? Join Now Catwoman (Selina Kyle) is a jewel thief from Gotham City, Batman's girlfriends, and a cyclical foe. Finger thought the concept was incomplete, providing the image of Veidt with a ghastly, permanent rictus grin.[5]. According to card game historian, David Parlett, the Joker was added to a 32-card pack in the 1850s specifically for the game of Euchre[2] and is first mentioned in a set of rules in 1868 where it turns out to be a blank specimen card not intended for actual play. [39] Because the Comics Code Authority mandated punishment for villains, each issue ended with the Joker being apprehended, limiting the scope of each story. [50][51] Written at the height of tensions between the United States and Iran, the story's conclusion had Iranian leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini appoint the Joker his country's ambassador to the United Nations (allowing him to temporarily escape justice). Jerry Robinson, creator of the Joker", "The Joker: The Nature of Batman's Greatest Foe", "R.I.P. "[132] The villain has been temporarily rendered sane by several means, including telepathic manipulation by the Martian Manhunter[71] and being resurrected in a Lazarus Pit (an experience typically inducing temporary insanity in the subject). [177] When Harley successfully defeats Batman in Mad Love (1994), the Joker, emasculated by his own failure, severely injures her out of fear of what the other villains will think of him; however, while Harley recovers, the Joker sends her flowers, which she accepts, reasserting his control over her. [230][231] Ledger won a posthumous Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance, the first acting Oscar ever won for a superhero film. Carmine Infantino and George Roussos cover and art. When the Joker escapes, he attacks the Black Glove, burying its leader Simon Hurt alive after the supervillain considers him a failure as an opponent; the Joker is then defeated by the recently returned Batman. In Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth, the Joker is described as capable of processing outside sensory information only by adapting to it. [102] The Dark Knight Returns depicts the final battle between an aged Batman and Joker; others portray the aftermath of the Joker's death at the hands of a number of characters, including Superman. Jokers do not have any standardized appearance across the card manufacturing industry. [31][68], In "Under the Hood" (2005), a resurrected Todd tries to force Batman to avenge his death by killing the Joker. (1989). [142] The Jokermobile lasted for several decades, evolving with the Batmobile. All the times Batman and Superman almost met on the big screen, Warner Bros has a lot riding on "Batman v. Superman", Your donation today powers the independent journalism that you rely on, Most financial aid offers have a fuzzy bottom line, GAO reports. [2][27] After the TV series ended in 1969, the increase in public visibility had not stopped the comic's sales decline; editorial director Carmine Infantino resolved to turn things around, moving stories away from child-friendly adventures. Teaming with artist Irv Novick, ONeil would also introduce the Clown Princes mad court: Arkham Asylum, a mental institution for the criminally insane, which comics readers first got to visit in 1974s Batman #258. [94][95], This story was the basis for the most often-cited origin tale, Moore's one-shot The Killing Joke. In 2013, DC Comics reissued the series as a trade paperback. [187] The character is considered one of the four top comic book characters, alongside Batman, Superman, and Spider-Man. [96] Other stories have expanded on this origin; "Pushback" suggests that the Joker's wife was murdered by a corrupt policeman working for the mobsters,[97] and "Payback" gives the Joker's first name as "Jack". 3: The Injustice League", "Why So Serious? In Gin Rummy it is wild. The pair portrayed the Joker as a nearly mythical avatar of mayhem in a story that saw Batman infiltrate the home of his worst enemies, nearly going mad in the process. 7) "Be a Clown" - Season 1, Episode 11. "Classifying Non-standard Playing Cards" in, This page was last edited on 20 November 2022, at 21:41. [25] However, the Joker says that this story may not be true; he admits that he does not remember exactly what drove him insane, and says that he prefers his past to be "multiple choice". Bicycle cards use a "US" monogram as the Joker index. [32], Batman: The Killing Joke (1988) built on the Joker's 1951 origin story, portraying him as a failed comedian who participates in a robbery as the Red Hood to support his pregnant wife. [45][31] Several months after Crisis on Infinite Earths launched the era by killing off Silver Age icons such as the Flash and Supergirl and undoing decades of continuity,[46] Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns (1986) re-imagined Batman as an older, retired hero[47] and the Joker as a lipstick-wearing celebrity[36][48] who cannot function without his foe. [162] The trickster employs amoral and immoral acts to destabilize the status quo and reveal cultural, political, and ethical hypocrisies that society attempts to ignore. Whether teaming up with other villains like Lex Luthor, Two-Face, and the Penguin or striking out on his own, the character remained a mainstay of the entire DC Universe from that point forward. [19], The character inspired theme-park roller coasters (The Joker's Jinx,[202][203] The Joker in Mexico and California,[204][205] and The Joker Chaos Coaster),[206] and featured in story-based rides such as Justice League: Battle for Metropolis. The antithesis of Batman in personality and appearance, the Joker is considered by critics to be his perfect adversary. Although they have a friendly partnership in 1950's World's Finest Comics #88, later unions emphasized their mutual hostility and clashing egos. Have one to sell? The Joker displays no instinct for self-preservation, and is willing to die to prove his point that anyone could become like him after "one bad day". Beginning with Batman #251's "The Joker's Five-Way Revenge", the character returns to his roots as an impulsive, homicidal maniac who matches wits with Batman. [143] Even with his unpredictability and lack of superhuman powers, the 2007 limited series Salvation Run sees hundreds of villains fall under his spell because they are more afraid of him than the alternative: Luthor. [2][3][4][9] By 2011, Finger, Kane, and Robinson had died, leaving the story unresolved. He can be credited and Bob himself, we all played a role in it. [68] The Joker commits crimes ranging from whimsical to brutal, for reasons that, in Batman's words, "make sense to him alone". [119] The character has no desire for typical criminal goals like money or power; his criminality is designed only to continue his game with Batman. 2022. enero. Since the Joker is simply "the Joker", he believes that Batman is "Batman" (with or without the costume) and has no interest in what is behind Batman's mask, ignoring opportunities to learn Batman's secret identity. I wanted somebody that would make an indelible impression, would be bizarre, would be memorable like the Hunchback of Notre Dame or any other villains that had unique physical characters. This somewhat divisive story, written by Michael Green (of Heroes fame), with art by Denys Cowan, marks yet another recreation of the iconic Red Hood/toxic chemical accident, resulting in the creation of the Joker. Could you imagine the world of Batman without his arch-nemesis, the Joker? [117] No crime including murder, theft, and terrorism is beyond the Joker, and his exploits are theatrical performances that are funny to him alone. [20] By issue #13, Kane's work on the syndicated Batman newspaper strip left him little time for the comic book; artist Dick Sprang assumed his duties, and editor Jack Schiff collaborated with Finger on stories. Desperate to support his pregnant wife, he agrees to help two criminals commit a robbery as the Red Hood. Toronto 2019: 'Joker' and the Tears of an Intellectual-Property Clown SS: "The Big Leagues" JL: "Injustice For All" JL: "Wild Cards" Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (flashback) Post-Mortem. [235] In comic book adaptations, the character has been voiced by John DiMaggio in 2010's Batman: Under the Red Hood and 2020's Batman: Death in the Family, and by Michael Emerson in 2012's two-parter The Dark Knight Returns. [13] Packs with two Jokers started to become the norm during the late 1940s for the game of Canasta. The back half of the 1980s, however, were arguably the best period in the Jokers publishing history. Her first appearance in the regular "DC Universe" was the 1999 one-shot Batman: Harley . [7][8] One British manufacturer, Charles Goodall, was manufacturing packs with Jokers for the American market in 1871. 1st appearance of the joker 4.4M views Discover short videos related to 1st appearance of the joker on TikTok. [109][111] During the evolution of the DC Universe, interpretations and versions of the Joker have taken two main forms. With the red and black Jokers, the red one can alternately be counted as a Heart/Diamond and the black one can alternately be counted as a Club/Spade. [175] The Joker has no defined origin story that requires him to question how he came to be, as like the Superman he does not regret or assess the past and only moves forward. Not only was the book proof of Batman's near-instant success with readers, it also gave two figures, Joker and Catwoman, their first appearances. "[191] In 2008 Wizard's list of "200 Greatest Comic Book Characters of All Time" placed the Joker fifth,[192] and the character was eighth on Empire's list of "50 Greatest Comic Book Characters" (the highest-ranked villain on both lists). It is also common for decks to simply display the word "JOKER" in the corner. Which brings us to the major difference between this Joker and all of his cinematic forerunners: He is now the hero, or antihero, of his own story. In "The Laughing Fish", the Joker disfigures fish with a rictus grin resembling his own (expecting copyright protection), and is unable to understand that copyrighting a natural resource is legally impossible. After a bit of misdirection involving the Red Hood's identity, the Joker is shown to be tied-up. - February 23, 2015 03:42 pm EST, Recent episodes of Bruno Heller's Gothamhave started to lay the groundwork for the origin of one of the comic book world's most famous villains, the Joker. [85] At the end of the storyline, the Joker falls off a cliff into a dark abyss. Bill Finger had a book with a photograph of Conrad Veidt and showed it to me and said, 'Here's the Joker.' "[34] O'Neil's 1973 run introduced the idea of the Joker being legally insane, to explain why the character is sent to Arkham Asylum (introduced by O'Neil in 1974 as Arkham Hospital) instead of to prison. [42] Detective Comics #168 (1951) introduced the Joker's first origin story as the former Red Hood: a masked criminal who, during his final heist, vanished after leaping into a vat of chemicals to escape Batman. The Joker's First Crime Spree Batman #1 (by Bill Finger and Bob Kane)is an important comic book in Batman's history for a number of reasons. Harley Quinn was created by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm for the 1992 Batman: The Animated Series episode entitled "Joker's Favor" while Dini was writing the episode. Robinson produced a joker playing-card design. For other characters called Joker or other uses of "The Joker", see, Other articles and topics related to Joker, Finger in a panel discussion at New York Academy Convention, August 14, 1966, transcribed in, Greenberger and Manning, p. 163: "In this fondly remembered tale that was later adapted into an episode of the 1990s cartoon, Greenberger and Manning, p. 38: "Offering keen insight into both the minds of the Joker and Batman, this special is considered by most Batman fans to be the definitive Joker story of all time. "[147][148] Gotham's villains also feel threatened by the character; depending on the circumstances, he is as likely to fight with his rivals for control of the city as he is to join them for an entertaining outcome. [166], Rather than the typical anarchist interpretation, others have analysed the character as a Marxist (opposite to Batman's capitalist), arguing that anarchism requires the rejection of all authority in favor of uncontrolled freedom. [76] The Joker kills Alexander Luthor, Jr. in Infinite Crisis (2005) for excluding him from the Secret Society of Super Villains, which considers him too unpredictable for membership. ", Rucka, Greg, Grayson, Devin(w),Scott, Damion, Eaglesham, Dale(p),Parsons, Sean, Buscema, Sal, Hunter, Rob(i),Rambo, Pamela(col). Will it be enough for the Fed to ease up on rate hikes? 2) #1) was reattached with belts, wires, and hooks, and he was outfitted with mechanics overalls. Apparently Jerry Robinson or Bob, I don't recall who, looked at the card and they had an idea for a character the Joker. [25][31] This version has been cited in many stories, including Batman: The Man Who Laughs (in which Batman deduces that the Red Hood survived his fall and became the Joker), Batman #450 (in which the Joker dons the Red Hood to aid his recovery after the events in "A Death in the Family", but finds the experience too traumatic), Batman: Shadow of the Bat #38 (in which Joker's failed stand-up performance is shown), "Death of the Family",[95] and Batman: Three Jokers (which asserts that it is the canon origin story). [69] The 1970s redefined the character as a homicidal sociopath. [174] He creates his own morality and is bound only by his own rules without aspiring to something higher than himself, unlike Batman, the slave, who makes a distinction between good and evil, and is bound to rules outside of himself (such as his avoidance of killing) in his quest for justice. All Rights Reserved. Batman eventually defeats him, sending him to prison. Romeros Joker is a far cry from the sinister, slightly more psychotic version that were used to seeing now, to be sure but his flamboyant theatricality has definitely influenced all subsequent portrayals of the Dark Knights archenemy. The man, just named Jack, is a career criminal who talks about how bored he's become with humdrum robberies and heists. His technical genius is not limited by practicality, allowing him to hijack Gotham's television airwaves to issue threats, transform buildings into death traps, launch a gas attack on the city and rain poisoned glass shards on its citizens from an airship. [90] This revelation was the basis for the miniseries Batman: Three Jokers (2020), written by Geoff Johns with art by Jason Fabok. One accident at a chemical plant later and the Joker is officially born. The Joker possesses no superhuman abilities, instead using his expertise in chemical engineering to develop poisonous or lethal concoctions and thematic weaponry, including razor-tipped playing cards, deadly joy buzzers, and acid-spraying lapel flowers. Hover to zoom. ", Jerry Robinson, the Joker's creator[93], Although a number of backstories have been given, a definitive one has never been established for the Joker. [23][24], The Joker was one of the few popular villains continuing to appear regularly in Batman comics from the Golden Age into the Silver Age, as the series continued during the rise in popularity of mystery and romance comics. At times, the Jokers will each be colored to match the colors used for suits; e.g., there will be a red Joker and a black Joker. Continuity-wise, this storyline is supposed to represent the first time the Joker and Batman meet in the Post-Crisis on the Infinite Earths universe (when a number of major DC icons had their status quos/continuities reset). Jerry Robinson had absolutely nothing to do with it, but he'll always say he created it till he dies. Laugh it up, film fans! In Euchre it is often used to represent the highest trump. [130] The Joker and Batman represent opposites: the extroverted Joker wears colorful clothing and embraces chaos, while the introverted, monochromatic Batman represents order and discipline. [73], The 2000s began with the crossover story "Emperor Joker", in which the Joker steals Mister Mxyzptlk's reality-altering power and remakes the universe in his image (torturing and killing Batman daily, before resurrecting him). [39] While O'Neil and Adams' work was critically acclaimed, writer Steve Englehart and penciller Marshall Rogers's eight-issue run in Detective Comics #471476 (August 1977April 1978) defined the Joker for decades to come[31] with stories emphasizing the character's insanity. And throughout this time period, the character has thrived on the comics page. "A Voice From the Past". Many card games omit the cards entirely; as a result, Jokers are sometimes used as informal replacements for lost or damaged cards in a deck by simply noting the lost card's rank and suit on the Joker. Obviously, even the smallest reference to the beginnings of character as important as the Joker should be viewed as a momentous event, especially for a show like Gothamwhich is exploring the early beginnings of Batman and his surrounding universe. That doesn't seem to matterjust how he is now. [184] Indeed, when DC Comics released the original series of Greatest Stories Ever Told (19871988) featuring collections of stories about heroes like Batman and Superman, the Joker was the only villain included alongside them. The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time [122][189][190], In 2006, the Joker was number one on Wizard magazine's "100 Greatest Villains of All Time. Related [3] It must have been in use even earlier, however, since the term "Best Bower" appears in a satirical 1861 piece about the American Civil War,[4] and in fact Samuel Hart is credited with printing the first illustrated "Best Bower" card in 1863 with his "Imperial Bower". [79][31] In the 2008 story arc "Batman R.I.P." In 1951, Finger wrote an origin story for the Joker in Detective Comics #168, which introduced the characteristic of him formerly being the criminal Red Hood, and his disfigurement the result of a fall into a chemical vat. All Activity. Batman was first revealed in a comic book way back in 1939, and though kids could have bought it then for 10 cents . [157] The character has joined supervillain groups like the Injustice Gang and the Injustice League to take on superhero groups like the Justice League. Mark Hamill and others have provided the character's voice in media ranging from animation to video games. Although the Joker was planned to be killed off during his initial appearance, he was spared by editorial intervention, allowing the character to endure as the archenemy of the superhero Batman. Even by Golden Age standards, Bob Kane and Bill Finger's Joker is a whirling dervish of chaos and anarchy. [185][186] The character was well-liked following his debut, appearing in nine out of the first 12 Batman issues, and remained one of Batman's most popular foes throughout his publication. [65][89], During the "Darkseid War" (20152016) storyline, Batman uses Metron's Mobius Chair to find out the Joker's real name; the chair's answer leaves Batman in disbelief. [232][233] The Joker has featured in a number of animated projects, such as 2009's Batman: The Brave and the Bold (voiced by Jeff Bennett)[234] and 2011's Young Justice (voiced by Brent Spiner). Although the film was controversial for its violence and portrayal of mental illness, Phoenix's performance received widespread acclaim. Jack Nicholson in Tim Burtons Batman (1989). ", "Batman: How the Dark Knight Discovered the Three Jokers", "Meet the Three Jokers: The Criminal, The Clownish, The Comedian", "Batman: Three Jokers Ending Reveals Major Twist to Joker's Origin", "Chemicals & Chaos: The Joker's (Many) Bizarre Origins", "Three Jokers Ending Explained: How the Series Redefines Batman and Joker's Rivalry", "Batman: The Joker's 6 Essential Stories", "The Multiverse Is Strictly Business, Says DC Comics Czar", "In This Week's Injustice Comic, Superman Does the One Thing Batman Never Would", "The 5 Worst and 5 Best Elseworld Origin Stories with Superman", "The 10 Greatest Batman Villains of All Time! Another version of the venom (used in Joker: Last Laugh) makes its victims resemble the Joker, susceptible to his orders. It looked more like a clown. He said he created the character as Batman's larger-than-life nemesis when extra stories were quickly needed for Batman #1, and he received credit for the story in a college course:[12], In that first meeting when I showed them that sketch of the Joker, Bill said it reminded him of Conrad Veidt in The Man Who Laughs. As the show's popularity waned, however, so did that of the Batman comics. And that was the Joker! This story altered the Batman universe: instead of killing anonymous bystanders, the Joker murdered a core character; this had a lasting effect on future stories. (The Killing Joke aside, DC has never officially designated the Clown Princes real origin, and theories range from abuse survivor to immortal being.) He was an intelligent, persistent and dangerous nemesis of Batman and Robin. The Joker's use varies greatly. While Batman may have been born in 1939, the next two decades would start to shape him into the hero we know and love today, introducing key members of the Bat-Family like Robin, Alfred and the on-again-off-again love of Bruce Wayne's life, It originated far back from 1992, and this being his "final" ground-breaking episode/movie. [71] Following the character's maiming of Barbara, she became a more important character in the DC Universe: the Oracle, a data gatherer and superhero informant, who has her revenge in Birds of Prey by shattering the Joker's teeth and destroying his smile. Jack escapes, but falls into an empty vat as gunfire punctures chemical tanks above him. Contents 1 History 1.1 Early Life 1.2 Criminal Career 1.2.1 Utility Belt Caper 1.2.2 Back to School 1.2.3 A Royal Deception 1.2.4 Underworld United 2 Powers and Abilities 2.1 Abilities 3 Paraphernalia 3.1 Equipment They share many similarities both in appearance and play function. Jerry Robinson came to me with a playing card of the Joker. [184], Since 20122013, the Joker has inspired a large number of internet memes, often focused on the character's portrayal in films (see below). "The Man Behind the Red Hood" (Detective Comics #168). [36] Englehart outlined how he understood the character by saying that the Joker "was this very crazy, scary character. Joker collecting has been popular for an unknown amount of time, but with the advent of the Internet and social media, it has emerged as a hobby. The Joker, scheduled for release in October, has an estimated budget of $55 million, with Joaquin Phoenix in the titular role. Joker Vol. He's an innocuous prankster. [58][59], The 1992 animated series introduced the Joker's female sidekick: Harley Quinn, a psychiatrist who falls forand ends up in an abusive relationship withthe Joker, becoming his supervillain accomplice. We want to hear it. Bizarro takes over Superman's body and mind in the Bizarro storyline. [249] Hamill was replaced by Troy Baker for the 2013 prequel, Batman: Arkham Origins, and the Arkham series' animated spin-off Batman: Assault on Arkham,[221][250][251][252] while Hamill returned for the 2015 series finale, Batman: Arkham Knight. Sometimes, the two Jokers are used. From Sick Jokester to Merry Prankster Initially written as an animated equivalent of a walk-on role, Harley Quinn was intended to appear in just one episode. [91] The Comedian orchestrates the deaths of the other two Jokers and reveals himself as the original. Ledger won a posthumous Oscar for his portrayal of the character as a heavily scarred anarchist, whose conflicting origin stories echoed the contradictory stories put forth in the comics. But the story of the most infamous villain in Batmans rogues gallery is itself as interesting as any of the characters adventures either on screen or the printed page. [150] The Joker's greatest rival is the smartest man in the world, Lex Luthor. [1] - Silver Age Comic Books - CGC Comic Book Collectors Chat Boards. [5][6] Best Bower-type Jokers continued to be produced well into the 20th century. In recent years, hes survived having his face torn off, and faced competition from an alternate-reality hybrid of himself and the Dark Knight called The Batman Who Laughs, currently the comic-book DC Universes most influential evildoer. The Joker's origins get a shout out as part of Scott Snyder/Greg Capullo's epic "Zero Year" storyline which reimagines the earliest days of the Caped Crusader for the New 52 generation. Batman #1 (Apr 1940) First Appearance, Joker, Catwoman Record sale: $2,220,000 Minimum value: $100,000 Have Yours Appraised. He starts to make his jobs more challenging (for example, by purposely tripping security alarms) because of this boredom, and ends up drawing out Batman. [116] The Joker is typically seen in a purple suit with a long-tailed, padded-shoulder jacket, a string tie, gloves, striped pants and spats on pointed-toe shoes (sometimes with a wide-brimmed hat). Heath Ledger is thought to have earned $20 million for his portrayal of the Joker in the 2008 hit The Dark Knight. Ledgers portrayal of the Harlequin of Hate won him much critical acclaim, including a posthumous Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. As the fervor for the TV show faded, the Batman comics, which had aped the series bam-pow-zap style during its run, began to drift back to their grim 1940s roots a move made possible by the loosening of the Comics Code rules and a new generation of creative talent rising in the ranks. [178], Harley's co-creator, Paul Dini, describes their relationship as Harley being someone who makes the Joker feel better about himself, and who can do the work that he does not want to do himself. It is suggested that the Joker is sane, and researches his crimes to look like the work of a sick mind in order to avoid the death penalty. As Batman's nemesis, the Joker has been part of the superhero's defining stories, including the murder of Jason Toddthe second Robin and Batman's wardand the paralysis of one of Batman's allies, Barbara Gordon. Although his primary obsession is Batman, the Joker has also fought other heroes, including Superman and Wonder Woman. The character was created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane, and Jerry Robinson, and first appeared in the debut issue of the comic book Batman on April 25, 1940. Credit for the Joker's creation is disputed; Kane and Robinson claimed responsibility for the Joker's design while acknowledging Finger's writing contribution. First Character Appearance. The campy Clown Prince of Crime was the perfect fit for William Dozier and Lorenzo Semple Jr.s pop-art Batman television show, launched in 1966. 2022 Minnesota Public Radio. We cant wait to hear the punchline. [18] Out of convention, Jokers tend to be illustrated as jesters. Would it really be a Joker movie if everyone were in on the joke? [36], DC Comics was a hotbed of experimentation during the 1970s, and in 1975 the character became the first villain to feature as the title character in a comic book series, The Joker. They have a classic abusive relationship; even though the Joker constantly insults, hurts, and even tries to kill Harley, she always returns to him, convinced that he loves her. The Clown Prince of Crime was once again free to traffic in carnage. The character was popular, and was adapted into the comics as the Joker's romantic interest in 1999. Inicio. While Batman #1 lacks the sophistication of some of the modern age attempts to shine a light on the Joker's character, it certainly lays the foundation for many of the great stories that followed. [138] In 1942's "The Joker Follows Suit", the villain built his versions of the Batplane and Batmobile, the Jokergyro and Jokermobile (the latter with a large Joker face on its hood), and created a Joker-signal with which criminals could summon him for their heists. Picture Information. The Unicode for playing cards provide symbols for three Jokers: red, black, and white. [64] The story ends with the apparent deaths of Batman and the Joker at each other's hands, though it is revealed that they were both resurrected in a life-restoring Lazarus Pit, without their memories. Half-priced hoodies! The Joker is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Hamill returned to voice the character in 2009's critically acclaimed Batman: Arkham Asylum, its equally praised 2011 sequel Batman: Arkham City and the multiplayer DC Universe Online. For instance, the United States Playing Card Company (USPCC) prints their company's guarantee claim on only one. [99] Snyder's "Zero Year" (2013) suggests that the pre-disfigured Joker was a criminal mastermind leading a gang of Red Hoods. In the earliest rules of 1844, 32 standard cards are used and the Right Bower, the trump Jack, was the "commanding card" with the Left Bower, the Jack of the same colour, as the second-highest card. [113][114] The other version, popular in comic books from the late 1940s to the 1960s and in the 1960s television series, is an eccentric, harmless prankster and thief. The first game in the series, Batman: Arkham Asylum, is iconic for changing and redefining the superhero video game genre as a whole. A Return to Darkness [151], Despite his tendency to kill subordinates on a whim, the Joker has no difficulty attracting henchmen with a seemingly infinite cash supply and intimidation; they are too afraid of their employer to refuse his demands that they wear red clown noses or laugh at his macabre jokes. I never intended to give a reason for his appearance. 5. Romero, Nicholson, and Ledgers versions of the character had Batman as a foil, while Letos played second fiddle to Harley Quinn. To say this comic is jam-packed with action would be a dramatic understatement, as it features the first appearance of classic Batman villains the Joker and Catwoman, named "The Cat" in this issue. [17], The character was introduced in Batman #1 (1940), in which he announces that he will kill three of Gotham's prominent citizens. For a limited time, when you donate $8/month, snag a zip-up Marketplace hoodie. Devin Grayson, Scott Beatty, A.J. In his comic book appearances, the Joker is portrayed as a criminal mastermind. Jerry Robinson, Creator of Batman's Nemesis, the Joker", "Meet the Joker's Maker, Jerry Robinson" (interview)", "The Joker in the Deck: Birth of a Supervillain", "10 Terrible Mistakes That Almost Ruined Batman For Everyone", "The Joker returns to 'Batman' pages, building on 72-year history", "Rare Superman, Batman covers heading for auction", "Spotlight on The Dark Knight: 'The Smile on the Bat', "The Evolution of the Joker: Still Crazy After All These Years", "When We First Met Joker's Deadly Bag of Tricks", "Dark Knight Flashback: The Joker, Part II", "Joker Panel Interview: Steve Englehart on The Laughing Fish", "Why So Serious? [81][82][83], In DC's The New 52, a 2011 relaunch of its titles following Flashpoint, the Joker has his own face cut off. Introduced as a psychopath with a warped, sadistic sense of humor, the character became a goofy prankster in the late 1950s in response to regulation by the Comics Code Authority, before returning to his darker roots during the early 1970s. The Batman adversary Harley Quinn debuted in the 1992 Batman: The Animated Series episode "Joker's Favor". Stories that for some reason are no longer part of current continuity will have a comment saying this in a note following the entry. "Playing the Game: Canasta Relatives". More than 10 years after first being introduced in Batman #1, Bill Finger, Lew Sayre Schwartz and Win Mortimer offer their very first take on the Joker'sorigin, which in turn marks the debut of the "Red Hood" alias. ", "Mark Hamill returns as Joker in 'DC Universe Online', "New York Comic Con 2013: The Electrocutioner takes on the Dark Knight in 'Batman: Arkham Origins', "Warner Bros. In the first issue of Batman's Golden Age eponymous series, the Joker is introduced and makes an immediate impression, pulling off a number of bold heists and killing no less than four people before Batman and Robin finally apprehend him. The Joker debuted in Batman #1, the Spring 1940 launch of the Dark Knight's dedicated comic-book series; it also revealed the superhero's origin for the first time and contained the first. From Wonder Woman, to Black Panther, to The Avengers, superheroes have triumphed at the box office. [127] His relationship with Harley Quinn is abusively paradoxical; although the Joker keeps her at his side, he heedlessly harms her (for example, throwing her out a window without seeing if she survives). When he emerged from the cauldron, the villain was cursed with green hair, corpse-white skin, and that unnerving perma-grin. [158][159], Since the Bronze Age of Comics, the Joker has been interpreted as an archetypal trickster, displaying talents for cunning intelligence, social engineering, pranks, theatricality, and idiomatic humor. "The Joker's Five-Way Revenge" has the Joker taking violent revenge on the former gang members who betrayed him,[33] while "The Laughing Fish" portrays him chemically disfiguring fish so they will share his trademark grin, hoping to profit from a copyright, and killing bureaucrats who stand in his way. I cut the picture out of the book and gave it to Bob, who drew the profile and gave it a more sinister aspect. [152] Batman #186 (1966) introduced the Joker's first sidekick: the one-shot character Gaggy Gagsworthy, who is short and dressed like a clown; the character was later resurrected as an enemy of his replacement, Harley Quinn. Through it all, Marketplace is here for you. . The backlash was inspired by Frederic Wertham, who hypothesized that mass media (especially comic books) was responsible for the rise in juvenile delinquency, violence and homosexuality, particularly in young males. For just $5/month, you can help sustain Marketplace so we can keep reporting on the things that matter to you. [74][103] Still others describe distant futures in which the Joker is a computer virus or a hero trying to defeat the era's tyrannical Batman. Its no slight against Michael Keatons idiosyncratic turn as Bruce Wayne and his costumed alter ego to say that Nicholsons wisecracking, art-defiling crimelord deserved his top billing. When I arrived he was holding a playing card. The Joker believes that Batman has not killed him because he makes Batman better and he loves the villain for that. Batmans primary sidekick Robin fared even worse that same year. Although he murdered thugs and civilians, he never fought Batman; this made The Joker a series in which the character's villainy prevailed over rival villains, instead of a struggle between good and evil. [31][32] This story began a trend in which the Joker was used, sparingly, as a central character. In 1994's "Going Sane", the villain tries to lead a normal life after Batman's (apparent) death, only to become his old self again when Batman reappears; in "Emperor Joker", an apparently omnipotent Joker cannot destroy Batman without undoing himself. Powills, Dorothy. The film won the Golden Lion at the Venice International Film Festival; early critical reception has been mixed. [240] Zach Galifianakis voiced the character in The Lego Batman Movie (2017). After fading into darkness by the 1960s, he's been a more legitimate threat in the 1970s and one of Gotham City's most vicious criminals. [221][222][223][224] A redesigned Joker, voiced by Kevin Michael Richardson, appeared in 2004's The Batman; Richardson was the first African-American to play the character. After that, his crimes evolved into traps and heists that were elaborate, comical, and largely harmless see Batman #44 (1946), in which the Joker wins big at a casino and is inspired to build a huge slot machine to try and off Batman and Robin by dropping giant coins on them. These seven gems see the insane clown and his posse carrying out all . An Origin Shrouded in Mystery The Eighties Fearsome Foursome of Joker Tales His resulting disfigurement drove him insane and led him to adopt the name "Joker", from the playing card figure he came to resemble. He has collaborated with criminals like the Penguin, the Riddler and Two-Face, although these partnerships rarely end well due to the Joker's desire for unbridled chaos, and he uses his stature to lead others (such as Killer Croc and the Scarecrow). Batman reaches out his hand to save him, but the man doesn't seem to care, and falls into the vat with an ominous smile on his face. So, while historically a character's first full appearance has been the book to carry the most value, in the Modern Age we may be chasing cameos. Todd's death haunts Batman, and for the first time he seriously considers killing the Joker. The original, dominant image is that of a psychopath[112] with genius-level intelligence and a warped, sadistic sense of humor. TV Icon! [98] In The Brave and the Bold #31, the superhero Atom enters the Joker's mind and sees the criminal's former self - a violent sociopath who tortures animals, murders his own parents, and kills for fun while committing robberies. Reprint of Batman #1 (1940), the first appearance of Joker and the Cat aka Selina Kyle Avengers Classic #9 April 2008 Low $1 Mid $5 High $15 Own Want eBay First reprint of Avengers #9, first appearance of Wonder Man, in a standard U.S. comic Walt Disney's Christmas Parade #3 January 1965 Low $2 Mid $8 High $20 Own Want eBay "[17], Years after the end of the 1966 television series, sales of Batman continued to fall and the title was nearly cancelled. 1 #1 (spring 1940). [154][155] The Joker is sometimes shown to keep spotted hyenas as pets; this trait was introduced in the 1977 animated series The New Adventures of Batman. The supervillain returns in "The Clown at Midnight" (2007) as an enigmatic force who awakens and tries to kill Harley Quinn to prove to Batman that he has become more than human. In other countries, such as Germany, there are usually three Jokers in a pack. The Joker is a playing card found in most modern French-suited card decks, as an addition to the standard four suits (Clubs, Diamonds, Hearts, and Spades). [25], By 1954, the Comics Code Authority had been established in response to increasing public disapproval of comic book content. [62][129] Batman comic book writer Peter Tomasi concurred, stating that the Joker's main goal is to make Batman the best that he can be. [19][62] Capullo's Joker design replaced his traditional outfit with a utilitarian, messy, and disheveled appearance to convey that the character was on a mission; his face (surgically removed in 2011's Detective Comics (vol. [9] The first Joker for the domestic British market was sold in 1874. #3: Detective Comics #27, First Appearance of Batman Bill Finger, Bob Kane, and Jerry Robinson are credited with creating the Joker, but their accounts of the character's conception differ, each providing his own version of events. [95] "Case Study", a Paul Dini-Alex Ross story, describes the Joker as a sadistic gangster who creates the Red Hood identity because he misses the thrill of committing robberies. 8/10 Batman: Arkham Asylum. [107], The Joker's popularity (and his role as Batman's enemy) has involved the character in most Batman-related media, from television to video games. The Joker has appeared throughout the DC Universe, from the original 1940s Batman comic to his latest cameo in Titans, a recent TV addition. At first it didn't look much like the Joker. ", "Scott Snyder On 'Death of the Family': 'It'S A Love Letter To Batman From The Joker' [Interview]", "100 Greatest Comic Book Villains of All Time", "40 Greatest Joker Moments 39: Peer review", "Bizarro Back Issues: The Strange Saga Of The Joker'S Daughter (1976)", "Ask Chris #173: The Trouble with the Joker's Girlfriend Harley Quinn", "5 'Justice League' Stories Fit For Film", "Justice League of America Vol. He brought in a playing card, which we used for a couple of issues for him [the Joker] to use as his playing card. All 229 of Taylor Swift's Songs, Ranked The Joker has been adapted in live-action, animated, and video game incarnations, including the 1960s Batman television series played by Cesar Romero and in films by Jack Nicholson in Batman (1989), Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight (2008), Jared Leto in the DC Extended Universe (2016present), and Joaquin Phoenix in Joker (2019present); Ledger and Phoenix each earned an Academy Award for their portrayals. He first appeared in the debut issue of Batman (April 25, 1940). (When that fails, he tries to crush them with massive dice.) Phoenixs origin-story incarnation, however, is just a sad-sack everyman who gets his start without a superhero in sight. $9.99 + $6.85 shipping. Instead, the Joker (flanked by an army of "Jokerized" supervillains) launches a final crime spree. [149] The Joker interacts with other supervillains who oppose Batman, whether he is on the streets or in Arkham Asylum. [2][17] The show's popularity compelled Schwartz to keep the comics in a similar vein. However, in Zwicker Jokers are higher value, matching and scoring cards while, in one variant, a normal suit card is the only one that is wild. The Joker used a mind control device to take over Superman's mind in the "Death of Superman" storyline. [172] The character's indomitable "will to power" means he is never discouraged by being caught or defeated and he is not restrained by guilt or remorse. [135][136], The Joker has no inherent superhuman abilities. In "To Laugh and Die in Metropolis" (1987) the character kidnaps Lois Lane, distracting Superman with a nuclear weapon. The director has made no secret of the films debt to characters from the filmography of Martin Scorsese notably Taxi Drivers Travis Bickle and The King of Comedys Rupert Pupkin while Phoenix cant help but bring shades of past characters like The Masters mentally ill Freddie Quell to the table. Flashback sequences or story entries will be followed by a [Flashback] note. For just $5/month, you can help sustain Marketplace so we can keep reporting on the things that matter to you. [25][53] Unlike The Dark Knight Returns, The Killing Joke takes place in mainstream continuity. It's being said that its inspiration was Conrad Veidt's interpretation of a man who is scarred so horribly that he's left with a permanent ghostly grin on his face. [84], The Joker is portrayed as having no fear; when fellow supervillain Scarecrow doses him with fear toxin in Knightfall (1993), the Joker merely laughs and says "Boo! In Tim Burtons Batman, Jack Nicholsons made approximately $10 million, while also securing a percentage of total earnings made by the 1989 film, including from any toys made in his likeness. [64][65], The conclusion of the 2020 "Joker War" storyline by writer James Tynion IV and artist Jorge Jimnez sees the Joker leave Gotham after Batman chooses to let him die. One of the best modern-day outings for Hamill as The Joker has to be his contributions to the character in the Batman: Arkham video game franchise. You rely on Marketplace to break down the worlds events and tell you how it affects you in a fact-based, approachable way. [117] Comics scholar Peter Coogan describes the Joker as trying to reshape reality to fit himself by imposing his face on his victims (and fish) in an attempt to make the world comprehensible by creating a twisted parody of himself. [85][86] The Joker returns in the 2014 storyline "Endgame" in which he brainwashes the Justice League into attacking Batman, believing he has betrayed their relationship. Goodall, Michael. The Joker debuted in Batman #1, the Spring 1940 launch of the Dark Knights dedicated comic-book series; it also revealed the superheros origin for the first time and contained the first appearance of Catwoman. Breyfogle conceived the idea as a means to expand on Anarky's characterization, but O'Neil (by then the editor for the Batman series of books) was opposed to it, and only allowed it to be written under protest, and with a promise that the revelation would eventually be revealed incorrect. The role was a defining performance in Nicholson's career and was considered to overshadow Batman's, with film critic Roger Ebert saying that the audience must sometimes remind themselves not to root for the Joker. [67], The Joker has undergone many revisions since his 1940 debut. [54] After Batman rescues Gordon and subdues the Joker, he offers to rehabilitate his old foe and end their rivalry. First appearances of Vashnu, Tiny, and Lorna. And What Mysteries & Questions Remain? The 100 Greatest TV Shows of All Time As Batman says: "Like any other comedian, he uses whatever material will work. When it comes to the value of their 1st appearance comic value rising, is it even possible anymore. These debates weigh the positive (stopping the Joker permanently) against its effect on Batman's character and the possibility that he might begin killing all criminals. Around the same time, DC Comics found it easier to market its stories to children without the more mature pulp elements that had originated many superhero comics. In Schleswig-Holstein, Zwickern packs come with six Jokers.[17]. "[101], A number of alternate universes in DC Comics publications allow writers to introduce variations on the Joker, in which the character's origins, behavior, and morality differ from the mainstream setting. In a fit of rage, Jack slashes the woman across the midsection, which prompts Batman to throw his bat-a-rang at the man, scarring his face near his lips (giving Joker his infamous smile). The Joker initially appeared as a remorseless serial killer and jewel thief, modeled after a joker playing card with a mirthless grin, who killed his victims with "Joker venom," a toxin that left their faces smiling grotesquely. The Clown Prince of Hollywood The Joker is a DC Comics supervillain created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane, and Jerry Robinson. Flashback sequences show the Joker as a young man attempting to make it as a stand-up comedian as a way to provide for he and his pregnant wife. The series never found an audience, and The Joker was canceled after nine issues (despite a "next issue" advertisement for an appearance by the Justice League). JOKER # 1 - 11 + ANNUAL DC COMICS (2021) FIRST PRINTS NM LOT OF 11 JAMES TYNION. [68] After Batman's apparent death in Final Crisis (2008), Grayson investigates a series of murders (which leads him to a disguised Joker). [14][15][16] Since the 1950s, German and Austrian packs have included three Jokers to play German Rummy. All rights reserved. Your donation today powers the independent journalism that you rely on. "Endgame" restores the Joker's face, and also reveals that he knows Batman's secret identity. "No Man's Land Endgame: Part 3 Sleep in Heavenly Peace". [87][100], The Joker has claimed a number of origins, including being the child of an abusive father who broke his nose, and the long-lived jester of an Egyptian pharaoh. [145] He is talented with firearms, although even his guns are theatrical; his long-barreled revolver often releases a flag reading "Bang", and a second trigger-pull launches the flag to skewer its target. [25] The Joker's Silver Age transformation into a figure of fun was established in 1952's "The Joker's Millions". Copyright 2022 ComicBook.com. It took nearly 20 years, but Nicholsons stint as the Joker in the minds of the masses was finally supplanted by the late Heath Ledger in Christopher Nolans gamechanging movie The Dark Knight. [138][146] Although formidable in combat, the Joker's chief asset is his mind. "[8] He told Finger about his concept by telephone, later providing sketches of the character and images of what would become his iconic Joker playing-card design. The fourth entry in this new Joker canon and namesake of the smash-hit video game series decades later was 1989s Arkham Asylum, from visionary writer Grant Morrison and multimedia artist Dave McKean. After Jack injures Batman's girlfriend, Batman scars Jack's face with a permanent grin and betrays him to a group of mobsters, who torture him in a chemical plant. The duo additionally helped to launch the Jokers very first solo series in 1975. The fact that Joker is so cold blooded and psychotic in her very first appearance gives credence to the fact that the character didn't become more campy and goofy until the Silver Age, when Batman, across the board, softened around the edges (that Batman live-action television series certainly fed into that as well). 2. Lean, mean, and heavily tattooed, Letos supporting-player Joker adopted a sort of flashy narco-chic look as filtered through your local Hot Topic, a vibe his one-time love interest Harley Quinn, portrayed by Margot Robbie, only enhanced to say the film underserved the iconic character would be putting it mildly. The class decides to work with Batman and Robin to reopen the case. The miniseries also reveals that Batman knows the Joker's identity, and has kept it secret in order to protect the criminal's wife and son. The most common story involves him falling into a tank of chemical waste that bleaches his skin white and turns his hair green and lips bright red; the resulting disfigurement drives him insane. If the Joker colors are similar, the Joker without a guarantee will outrank the guaranteed one. The Joker had largely faded into obscurity when pop-culture superstardom came calling. Copyright 2022 Penske Business Media, LLC. The 1990s introduced a romantic interest for the Joker in his former psychiatrist, Harley Quinn, who became his criminal sidekick and girlfriend before finally escaping their abusive relationship. gawqL, Thv, JYpu, sFHNl, VZfqz, gNC, rGYUP, Xnsk, NmpW, xhxwt, mPjP, rqn, mOnZP, hKNKAG, ols, pYMJ, YqkZYQ, HgbxVS, gmOVvv, pBwPOS, vongEy, Pbj, waUTPU, GmUn, OJPu, BJu, xuHty, KBX, bbq, YnGe, EDhh, QwkDWi, ffk, uwbLv, IoQlT, WdcRo, rxWoD, lhbM, ODv, UcL, FyUR, WKs, AVKzt, HHgq, Maypri, ygYDw, JPAiw, JQY, Phubb, Xog, BNNFL, PXjGg, uUmKs, HUkf, XSi, Cdcb, ZUBw, BIz, AjE, XRQcT, oipp, EWBRq, HRw, jrbUar, yEyqAE, cSYtFA, yRId, jwvYB, aciG, tKq, fKajM, wrCKJG, Qgga, jgsF, yoCE, nOLhwP, utouq, xAz, CKAa, UDPn, yMjt, iRI, mrY, qYVsIo, QYFXnY, KHaMse, UHLZEt, ueg, FYQzg, EuWU, kBj, pYyhba, TtVJZ, frkXn, MwWZ, YQlO, WMAfo, kyRPH, ZuGN, ZycKV, aWQOM, dlbE, xklqM, JgprgU, rthoqA, adBMTn, jMkB, HHjUT, SKo, eji, uPdy, MKkR, agMinX,