Fictional Supervillain
The Joker
About
The Joker is Batman’s arch-nemesis and the most iconic villain in comic book history. The Clown Prince of Crime is a criminal mastermind whose chaotic nature and twisted sense of humor make him utterly unpredictable. From Jack Nicholson to Heath Ledger to Joaquin Phoenix, every portrayal has brought new dimensions to this terrifying and fascinating character.
Before Fame
The Joker's origin remains a mystery, with multiple contradictory backstories. In one version, he was a failed comedian who fell into a vat of chemicals. As he says, 'If I'm going to have a past, I prefer it to be multiple choice.'
Trivia
- He was created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane, and Jerry Robinson in 1940
- Heath Ledger won a posthumous Oscar for his portrayal in The Dark Knight
- Joaquin Phoenix also won an Oscar for Joker in 2019
- He has no single definitive origin story
- He is consistently ranked as the greatest comic book villain of all time
Family Life
His most significant relationship is with Harley Quinn, his former psychiatrist turned accomplice. His obsession with Batman defines his existence.
Associated With
Batman
Harley Quinn
Commissioner Gordon
Two-Face
The Riddler