DC Comics’ Batman and Joker are the dysfunctional duo of Gotham City, locked in a forever war that spans space, time, and multiple parallel worlds similar to their own, with Batman always finding ways to thwart even the worst of Joker’s schemes. Yet in an alternate future where Batman has become the god of a crazed bat-cult, Joker finally takes out the Dark Knight and, in a twist on their iconic rivalry, becomes Batman himself.
Acting as a good guy in multiple out-of-continuity tales, including a couple that explore Joker donning the cape and cowl of his arch nemesis, Joker most notably became a force for good in Sean Murphy’s Batman: White Knight series of books, with his main continuity counterpart never truly flirting with the idea of being a hero.
In 1998’s Batman: I, Joker, Batman’s future replacement, “The Bruce,” leads a cult of personality in a dystopian Gotham craving blood and violence during the annual “Night of Blood,” leading a new version of Joker to take over the mantle of The Bat.
Joker Becomes the New Batman After Helping to Kill the Old One in a Cult Ritual
Batman: I, Joker – 1998 (Written and Illustrated by Bob Hall)
Originally known as Joe Collins, this story’s Joker, alongside his lover, Marya, were rebels fighting against The Bruce’s tyranny, only to be captured and experimented on for use in his ritualistic rigged game of justice and control. Turned into the Joker after having his memories altered and his face modified by laser surgery, Joe slowly regains aspects of his former self throughout the story, and after finding inspiration in the original Batman’s Batcave, is helped by Marya to kill The Bruce via a fall from a skyscraper, thus becoming the new Dark Knight in the process.
What sets this one-and-done story apart from others that feature Joker becoming a hero is the fact that he actually gets to become Batman, bat symbol and all, rather than becoming a similarly well-intentioned heroic version of his clown persona. Effectively redeeming this Joker by having him complete his original rebel mission of taking down The Bruce for good, both Joe and Marya, now acting as the Robin to Joe’s Batman, are able to eradicate his influence across the city, killing the idea of his bat-cult while simultaneously ensuring that Batman’s true legend and legacy lives on.
The Joker’s Version of Batman Has a Unique Costume and His Own Robin Sidekick
To make his transition into Batman complete, Joker wears his own set of superhero spandex with a large outlined bat logo and smile utility belt, with Marya’s turn as Robin sealing the bat-deal, giving this future Gotham City renewed hope. It’s unlikely the Joker is ever going to break good in official DC continuity — he momentarily became “normal” during 2015’s Batman: Superheavy story arc after losing his memories — but if he ever did, it would be interesting to see if Joker would follow in Batman’s heroic footsteps, or simply become a unique crime-fighter all his own.
Batman: I, Joker
is available from DC Comics.
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.
- Created By
- Bill Finger , Bob Kane , Jerry Robinson
- 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
- Video Games
- Batman: Return of the Joker , The Adventures of Batman & Robin (SNES) , Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe , Batman: Arkham Asylum , Batman: Arkham City , Injustice: Gods Among Us , Batman: Arkham Origins , LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham , Batman: Arkham Knight , Mortal Kombat 11 , Injustice 2 , Gotham Knights
- 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
Summary
The Joker is one of the most iconic villains in comic book history, known for his chaotic nature and as Batman’s ultimate nemesis. He has been portrayed by multiple actors in various media, each bringing their unique interpretation to the character, from Cesar Romero’s campy take in the 1960s to Joaquin Phoenix’s gritty portrayal in 2019. The Joker’s influence extends beyond comics into films, TV shows, and video games, making him a cornerstone of DC’s villainous pantheon.
Batman
One of DC’s most iconic heroes, Batman is the vigilante superhero persona of billionaire Bruce Wayne. Forged by tragedy with the death of his parents, Bruce dedicated his life to becoming the world’s leading martial artist, detective, and tactician. Recruiting an entire family of allies and sidekicks, Bruce wages war on evil as the dark knight of his hometown, Gotham City.
- Created By
- Bob Kane , Bill Finger
- Alias
- Bruce Wayne
- Alliance
- Justice League, Outsiders, Batman Family
- Race
- Human
- FIRST APP
- Detective Comics #27 (1939)
