WHO’S THAT JOKER? 13 Multiple Choice Origins for the Clown Prince of Crime
Wednesday’s BATMAN #7 gives a new perspective on the Joker’s history, so here’s a look back… — Matt Fraction and Jorge Jimenez’s Batman #7 is out Wednesday, March 4, and it features a four-page, fold-out, center-spread that approaches the Joker’s history from his mad point of view. So, here’s a fresh look back at his oh-so-many origins from over the decades. — Dan — By JIM BEARD Opinions will vary, but when it comes to a definitive origin to Bat-Villain #1, the Joker, I prefer what the Mirthful Mountebank prefers — multiple choice. A legendary criminal such as the Joker is far more fun when his origins, nay, his very existence will continue to be embroidered, enhanced, and explained for many, many years to come. As it should be, says I. I mean, it took a whopping 10 years after his 1940 debut for the Joker to welcome a new wrinkle into his already crazy-quilt career, namely an origin, so the guy’s never really been in any hurry to ’splain himself. That said, that final, single page of “The Man Behind the Red Hood!” in 195o’s Detective Comics #168 did sort of set something indelibly in cement that still exists today, so maybe the Hateful Harlequin can sometimes own up to something and stick to it. Here are 13 more examples of moments in Bat-history when DC has added a little more to the Clown Prince of Crime’s background to ponder over and wonder about. There are more, but like the Joker might say, “I could tickle your funny bone all day!” — Batman: The Killing Joke (1988) – Alan Moore, Brian Bolland. This one remains pretty significant in its embroidering of that Detective #168 origin. The story’s intact—Red Hood, escape from a crime, the chemicals—but some pathos was added in the form of the failed stand-up career, the wife, and the reluctance to commit the crime. Say what you will about Barbara Gordon’s treatment here, you can’t deny what this book did to shape the Joker’s backstory. — Batman #450 (1990) – Marv Wolfman, Jim Aparo. The Killing Joke might’ve come across as out-of-continuity two years earlier, but this story seemed to confirm the origin from the graphic novel, kicking off the idea that DC was serious about cementing it as the Joker’s true beginnings. And from here,...
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