Joker (character)
Batman's archenemy, a murderous psychopath with a warped sense of humor.
The Joker is a DC Comics supervillain who first appeared in the debut issue of *Batman* on April 25, 1940. He was created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane, and Jerry Robinson, though exactly who deserves credit is contested—Kane and Robinson each claimed primary responsibility for the design, while acknowledging Finger’s writing role. Originally intended to be killed off in his first story, the character was saved by editorial intervention and went on to become Batman’s archenemy.
Within the DC Universe, the Joker is a criminal mastermind and the opposite of Batman in both personality and appearance. He debuted as a murderous psychopath with a twisted, sadistic sense of humor, but during the late 1950s he was softened into a comical prankster due to the Comics Code Authority’s regulations. He returned to his darker roots in the early 1970s. The Joker has been central to major Batman stories, including the murder of the second Robin, Jason Todd, in *A Death in the Family* (1988), and the paralysis of Barbara Gordon (Batgirl) in *The Killing Joke* (1988). Unlike many comic book characters, the Joker has no single definitive origin story, though several possibilities exist. The most common one involves him falling into a vat of chemical waste, which bleaches his skin white, turns his hair green and his lips red, and leaves him with a permanent grin; the disfigurement drives him insane.
The Joker has no superhuman abilities. Instead, he relies on his knowledge of chemical engineering to create poisonous or lethal concoctions and uses themed weapons like razor-tipped playing cards, deadly joy buzzers, and acid-spraying lapel flowers. He sometimes teams up with other Gotham City criminals such as the Penguin and Two-Face, or with supervillain groups like the Injustice Gang and Injustice League, but these partnerships usually fall apart because of his craving for pure chaos. In the 1990s, a romantic interest and sidekick was introduced: Harley Quinn, his former psychiatrist. Though his main obsession is Batman, the Joker has also fought other heroes, including Superman and Wonder Woman.
Like his archenemy, the Joker is one of the most iconic characters in popular culture, frequently listed among the greatest comic book villains and fictional characters ever created.
- First appearance
- Batman #1 (April 25, 1940)
- Creators
- Bill Finger, Bob Kane, Jerry Robinson (credit disputed)
- Field
- Supervillainy
- Known for
- Archenemy of Batman, criminal mastermind, use of chemical-based weapons and toxins
- Notable traits
- No superhuman abilities; uses Joker venom, razor-tipped playing cards, deadly joy buzzers, acid-spraying lapel flowers
Lore & Background
The Joker was introduced as a murderous psychopath with a warped, sadistic sense of humor but became a comical prankster in the late 1950s in response to regulation by the Comics Code Authority, before returning to his darker roots during the early 1970s. He has been part of defining Batman stories, including the murder of Jason Todd—the second Robin and Batman's ward—in 'A Death in the Family' (1988) and the paralysis of Barbara Gordon—Batgirl—in The Killing Joke (1988). Unlike many comic book characters, the Joker does not have a definitive origin story, but various possible ones have been developed. The most common story involves him falling into a tank of chemical waste that bleaches his skin white, turns his hair green and lips red, and leaves him with a rictus grin; the resulting disfigurement drives him insane.
Reader's Guide
The Joker is one of the most iconic characters in popular culture, listed among the greatest comic book villains and fictional characters ever created. His likeness has appeared on merchandise such as clothing and collectible items, and he has inspired real-world structures (such as theme park attractions) and been referenced in various media. The Joker has been adapted in live-action, animated, and video game incarnations. In the DC Universe, he is portrayed as a criminal mastermind and the antithesis of Batman in personality and appearance. He possesses no superhuman abilities, instead using his expertise in chemical engineering to develop poisonous or lethal concoctions and thematic weaponry. The Joker sometimes works with other Gotham City criminals, such as the Penguin and Two-Face, and supervillain groups like the Injustice Gang and Injustice League, but these partnerships often collapse due to the Joker's desire for unbridled chaos. A romantic interest and sidekick for the Joker, his former psychiatrist Harley Quinn, was introduced in the 1990s. Although his primary obsession is Batman, the Joker has also fought other heroes, including Superman and Wonder Woman.
Did You Know?
- The Joker was planned to be killed off during his initial appearance but was spared by editorial intervention.
- Credit for the Joker's creation is disputed among Bill Finger, Bob Kane, and Jerry Robinson.
- The Joker does not have a definitive origin story; the most common involves falling into chemical waste.
- A romantic interest and sidekick, Harley Quinn, was introduced in the 1990s.
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