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What are the most infamous Joker origin stories?
The Joker is and always will be one of the most iconic villains in the whole DC Comics universe. His rise to prominence was a rocky journey, taking him over a decade before having a proper origin story. It was only expected then, that fans would come up with their own theories. Check out some of the most infamous ones in our list below.
Detective Comics #168
Detective Comics #168 is an American comic book published by DC comics in 1951. It is the first official comic book issues that tackle the origin story of the Joker by introducing him as one of Batman's old foes, Red Hood.
The Killing Joke
Batman: The Killing Joke is a one-shot superhero comic book released in 1988. It brought an emphatic twist to the origin story of the Joker by re-introducing him as the failed stand-up comedian forced to don the Red Hood mantle to be able to support his pregnant wife.
Case Study
Case Study is a comic book story that's part of Volume 2 of the Batman: Black and White comic book series. The Joker is a crazed gangster who creates the Red Hood persona to commit petty crime all while feigning insanity to ultimately escape the death penalty.
Mask of The Phantasm
Mask of the Phantasm is a 1993 animated Batman movie that introduces the Joker as a mobster and hitman for one of Gotham's crime families. Mark Hamill of Batman: The Animated Series reprises his role here as well.
Batman Confidential #7-12
Batman Confidential #7-12 is a series of comic issues that introduces the Joker as Jack, a career criminal that developed an unusual obsession with Batman and goes on a spree of bank robberies to get his attention. He even got cut by a Batarang, giving his signature smile.
Batman #38
Batman #38 is a chapter in the 6-part story arc, Batman: Endgame that first released in 2014. This story provides one of the most unique origin stories of the Joker with him actually being an ancient being that gained immortality with the powers of the Lazarus Pit.
The Dark Knight
The Dark Knight is a live-action movie and is part of the Batman Trilogy by Christopher Nolan. It serves as a canonical film exploring the psyche of the Joker more so than his actual origin story with the legendary performance of the actor, Heath Ledger.
Brave and The Bold #31
Brave and The Bold #31 is a comic book story wherein The Atom goes into the mind of the Joker and witnessing memories the iconic villain's formative years wherein he burns his own parents alive after being caught killing animals.
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8 comments
- #1September 25, 2019"This film is was an instant classic among Batman (and Joker) fans across the world. The idea of the Joker being a mobster actually fits his story and Mark Hamill was just made for this role."
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Mask of The Phantasm - #2September 25, 2019"Apart from being gloriously drawn out of black ink and looking really nice, it proves just how cunning and devious the Joker could have been if he took on a different route in his life."
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Case Study - #3September 25, 2019"Heath Ledger gave the performance of his career when he took on the role of the Joker in this movie. It's still one of the most enigmatic take on the Joker's psyche and story."
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The Dark Knight - #4September 25, 2019"The idea of the Joker being an immortal is pretty out there but it does make for some interesting thought about the possibilities with how his story could have turned out."
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Batman #38 - #5September 25, 2019"This Joker origin story made the iconic villain more grounded and relatable that no one knew was possible. A cautionary tale that could happen to just about anyone."
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The Killing Joke - #6September 25, 2019"We've always known that the Joker has quite a twisted and sadistic mind but this story gives us a glimpse of just how true that is."
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Brave and The Bold #31 - #7September 25, 2019"The first official Joker origin story was great and provided a nice platform for other story and chapters to build off from."
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Detective Comics #168 - #8September 25, 2019"One of the more plausible Joker origin stories out there and melds well with both his and Batman's story and path."
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Batman Confidential #7-12
| Rank | Answers | Type | Votes | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Detective Comics #168 | Characters | 17 | Paid |
| 2 | The Killing Joke | Characters | 16 | Paid |
| 3 | Case Study | Characters | 6 | Paid |
| 4 | Mask of The Phantasm | Characters | 4 | Paid |
| 5 | Batman Confidential #7-12 | Characters | 3 | Paid |
| 6 | Batman #38 | Characters | 3 | Paid |
| 7 | The Dark Knight | Characters | 2 | Paid |
| 8 | Brave and The Bold #31 | Characters | 1 | Paid |