Why so serious?Why so serious?A portrait of The JokerA portrait of The Joker

By Paige Barley

The History of the Joker He First appeared in Batman #1 as Batmans’

archenemy Began as a thief and mass murderer,

constantly getting caught by Batman and Robin

Throughout the 50s and 60s, the Comics Code Authority Censorship Board, restricted the Joker to being a simple prankster

In 1973, the same year Batman also became the “Dark Knight” the Joker once again became a killer.

In May of 1975, The Joker got his own comic book, the first super villain to be granted such a privilege

The The Creation Creation

of the of the JokerJoker Originally created by Jerry Robinson in 1940, Originally created by Jerry Robinson in 1940,

further illustrating and writing by Bob Kane and further illustrating and writing by Bob Kane and Bill FingerBill Finger

Based on the main character of the 1928 Based on the main character of the 1928 movie, “The Man Who Laughs”movie, “The Man Who Laughs”

Characteristics and Characteristics and Abilities of the JokerAbilities of the Joker

Abnormal resistance to Abnormal resistance to painpain

Immune to fearImmune to fear Poisonous bloodPoisonous blood Bullets only subdue himBullets only subdue him Does not seem to Does not seem to

physically agephysically age Marksman and Marksman and

exceptional at hand to exceptional at hand to hand combathand combat

Lying and impersonationLying and impersonation Abnormal intelligenceAbnormal intelligence

MaleMale 6’0”-6’4”6’0”-6’4” 160 lbs.160 lbs. Green hairGreen hair Green eyesGreen eyes Perpetual grin due to Perpetual grin due to

paralyzed facial paralyzed facial nervesnerves

Chalk-white skinChalk-white skin Bright red lipsBright red lips

How the Joker became How the Joker became the Jokerthe Joker

There are many theories on how the Joker got to be the way he is, but the most popular by far is in The Killing Joke. The Joker started as an engineer at a chemical plant who quit his job there to pursue standup comedy, which proves unsuccessful and heeds him unable to support his pregnant wife, Jeanine.

He turns to a group of criminals to help him He turns to a group of criminals to help him break in and rob the chemical plant. During the break in and rob the chemical plant. During the planning, the police call him and inform him planning, the police call him and inform him that his wife has been killed. He attempts to that his wife has been killed. He attempts to back out of the plan but is forced to go back out of the plan but is forced to go through with it. When they arrive at the plant, through with it. When they arrive at the plant, security has become more enforced, and security has become more enforced, and Batman is waiting for them.Batman is waiting for them.

When the Joker sees Batman, he throws himself

into a vat of chemicals. When he washes up in

a waterway nearby, he finds

his skin to be chalk-white, his hair green, and his lips bright red, hence the

Jokers trademark appearance.

Harley Quinn Dr. Harleen Quinzel, a doctor at

Arkham Asylum, was originally a researcher of the criminally insane.

The Joker discovers her and lures her in by telling her of an awful abusive childhood.

After meeting the Joker and researching him, she eventually becomes obsessed with him to the point of losing sanity.

She shortens her name to Harley Quinn, and becomes his sidekick, with the futile hope that he will eventually share her infatuation.

Important Issues Detective Comics

“Double Gun” issue (#69)

Detective Comics “A Crime a Day” issue (#71)

Batman (#1)

Bibliography

www.retrojunk.com/details_articles/4508 www.comicvine.com/joker/29-1702/