Read on Twitter
HAPPY 80th ANNIVERSARY TO THE JOKER!!! 
Here’s my thread, recounting 80 years of The Clown Prince of Crime!
Here’s my thread, recounting 80 years of The Clown Prince of Crime!
The Man Who Laughs (1928)
~
The Joker’s physical appearance is based on Conrad Veidt’s character from the 1928 film “The Man Who Laughs.”
~
The Joker’s physical appearance is based on Conrad Veidt’s character from the 1928 film “The Man Who Laughs.”
First Appearance (1940)
~
Originally written as a one-off villain, Joker stuck around due to his theatrical presence and became arguably the greatest villain of all time!
~
Originally written as a one-off villain, Joker stuck around due to his theatrical presence and became arguably the greatest villain of all time!
The Golden Age (1940s)
~
The Joker went on to appear in nine of Batman's first twelve issues. The character's regular appearances quickly defined him as the archenemy of Batman and Robin.
~
The Joker went on to appear in nine of Batman's first twelve issues. The character's regular appearances quickly defined him as the archenemy of Batman and Robin.
The Silver Age (1950s-1960s)
~
The Comics Code Authority had been established and banned gore, innuendo and excessive violence, stripping Batman of his menace and transforming the Joker into a goofy, thieving trickster without his original homicidal tendencies.
~
The Comics Code Authority had been established and banned gore, innuendo and excessive violence, stripping Batman of his menace and transforming the Joker into a goofy, thieving trickster without his original homicidal tendencies.
Batman (1966-1968)
~
Joker’s first live-action appearance, portrayed by Cesar Romero. Due to the comics code in place, Joker remained a prankster and overal goofy character on this show. Romero’s iconic performance (and mustache) made this interpretation memorable.
~
Joker’s first live-action appearance, portrayed by Cesar Romero. Due to the comics code in place, Joker remained a prankster and overal goofy character on this show. Romero’s iconic performance (and mustache) made this interpretation memorable.
The Adventures of Batman (1968-1969)
~
The Joker appears as a recurring villain in Filmation’s The Adventures of Batman, voiced by Ted Knight. He also appears in five episodes of Filmation's 1977 series The New Adventures of Batman, voiced by Lennie Weinrib.
~
The Joker appears as a recurring villain in Filmation’s The Adventures of Batman, voiced by Ted Knight. He also appears in five episodes of Filmation's 1977 series The New Adventures of Batman, voiced by Lennie Weinrib.
Hanna-Barbera (1972)
~
Knight reprised his role as the Joker in two crossover episodes of the 1972 series The New Scooby-Doo Movies, in which he teams up with the Penguin and runs afoul of Batman, Robin and the Mystery Inc. gang.
~
Knight reprised his role as the Joker in two crossover episodes of the 1972 series The New Scooby-Doo Movies, in which he teams up with the Penguin and runs afoul of Batman, Robin and the Mystery Inc. gang.
The Bronze Age (1970s)
~
After a 4-year disappearance, the Joker was revived (and revised) by writer Dennis O'Neil and artist Neal Adams. Beginning with Batman #251's "The Joker's Five-Way Revenge", the character returns to his roots as an impulsive, homicidal maniac.
~
After a 4-year disappearance, the Joker was revived (and revised) by writer Dennis O'Neil and artist Neal Adams. Beginning with Batman #251's "The Joker's Five-Way Revenge", the character returns to his roots as an impulsive, homicidal maniac.
The Super Powers Team: Galactic Guardians (1985-1986)
~
The Joker appears in The Super Powers Team: Galactic Guardians episode "The Wild Cards", voiced by Frank Welker. He assists Darkseid by disguising himself as Ace, the leader of the Royal Flush Gang.
~
The Joker appears in The Super Powers Team: Galactic Guardians episode "The Wild Cards", voiced by Frank Welker. He assists Darkseid by disguising himself as Ace, the leader of the Royal Flush Gang.
The Dark Knight Returns (1986)
~
Frank Miller's “The Dark Knight Returns” re-imagined Batman as an older, retired hero and had Joker wake up from years of being in a catatonic state as soon as Batman returns to the spotlight.
~
Frank Miller's “The Dark Knight Returns” re-imagined Batman as an older, retired hero and had Joker wake up from years of being in a catatonic state as soon as Batman returns to the spotlight.
Batman: The Caped Crusader (1988)
~
Joker’s first appearance in a video game!
~
Joker’s first appearance in a video game!
The Killing Joke (1988)
~
A famous, yet highly controversial comic book, Joker shoots and paralyzes Barbara Gordon and mentally torments her father, Commissioner Gordon. At the end, we’re led to believe Batman may have finally killed The Joker.
~
A famous, yet highly controversial comic book, Joker shoots and paralyzes Barbara Gordon and mentally torments her father, Commissioner Gordon. At the end, we’re led to believe Batman may have finally killed The Joker.
A Death in the Family (1988-1989)
~
Fans voted and Jason Todd’s fate was left in the hands of The Joker. Joker brutally beat Todd to death with a crowbar, thus ending the life of the 2nd Boy Wonder.
~
Fans voted and Jason Todd’s fate was left in the hands of The Joker. Joker brutally beat Todd to death with a crowbar, thus ending the life of the 2nd Boy Wonder.
Batman (1989)
~
Jack Nicholson portrays The Joker in Tim Burton’s first Batman movie. Monster, Jack Napier is knocked into a vat of toxic chemicals, permanently disfiguring him and giving the criminal a more twisted sense of humor.
~
Jack Nicholson portrays The Joker in Tim Burton’s first Batman movie. Monster, Jack Napier is knocked into a vat of toxic chemicals, permanently disfiguring him and giving the criminal a more twisted sense of humor.
Arkham Asylum: A Serious House I’m Serious Earth (1989)
~
Grant Morrison's classic explores the psychoses of Batman, the Joker and other rogues in the eponymous facility.
~
Grant Morrison's classic explores the psychoses of Batman, the Joker and other rogues in the eponymous facility.
Batman: The Animated Series (1992-1995)
~
The beginning of the DCAU gave us Mark Hamill as The Joker, who is considered to be the best Joker of all time. The show also gave us the introduction of Joker’s partner in crime/love interest, Harley Quinn.
~
The beginning of the DCAU gave us Mark Hamill as The Joker, who is considered to be the best Joker of all time. The show also gave us the introduction of Joker’s partner in crime/love interest, Harley Quinn.
The New Batman Adventures (1997-1999)
~
Same continuity as BTAS, but with some redesigns for the characters and locations.
~
Same continuity as BTAS, but with some redesigns for the characters and locations.
Justice League (2001-2006)
~
Another redesign for the same Joker. Also set in the DCAU, Joker goes up against the Justice League on a few occasions.
~
Another redesign for the same Joker. Also set in the DCAU, Joker goes up against the Justice League on a few occasions.
Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (2000)
~
A future incarnation of The Joker, where he hides an implant in Tim Drake’s head, allowing him to take control on command, even after his demise years prior.
~
A future incarnation of The Joker, where he hides an implant in Tim Drake’s head, allowing him to take control on command, even after his demise years prior.
The Batman (2004-2008)
~
Kevin Michael Richardson’s Joker received a lot of criticism for being too different, but he’s a personal favorite of mine.
~
Kevin Michael Richardson’s Joker received a lot of criticism for being too different, but he’s a personal favorite of mine.
The Dark Knight (2008)
~
Heath Ledger’s Academy Award winning performance, is hailed as one of the greatest live-action villains of all time.
~
Heath Ledger’s Academy Award winning performance, is hailed as one of the greatest live-action villains of all time.
Lego Batman: The Videogame (2008)
~
This game was a staple in my childhood. Joker’s missions were a ton of fun! Even though he only grunts, I’ll never forget this version of the clown!
~
This game was a staple in my childhood. Joker’s missions were a ton of fun! Even though he only grunts, I’ll never forget this version of the clown!
Batman: The Brave and the Bold (2008-2011)
~
Jeff Bennett’s Joker doesn’t receive enough love. His appearance and personality are similar to the Silver Age version drawn by Dick Sprang. His counterpart on a parallel earth is a vigilante known as the Red Hood.
~
Jeff Bennett’s Joker doesn’t receive enough love. His appearance and personality are similar to the Silver Age version drawn by Dick Sprang. His counterpart on a parallel earth is a vigilante known as the Red Hood.
Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009)
~
Mark Hamill returns to play The Joker in the first installment in the Arkham Franchise! Joker takes over the Asylum and sends Batman on a goose chase throughout every inch of that dreadful place.
~
Mark Hamill returns to play The Joker in the first installment in the Arkham Franchise! Joker takes over the Asylum and sends Batman on a goose chase throughout every inch of that dreadful place.
Young Justice (2010)
~
Brent Spiner lent his voice to The Joker for this very minimal appearance on the show, as a part of the Legion of Doom.
~
Brent Spiner lent his voice to The Joker for this very minimal appearance on the show, as a part of the Legion of Doom.
Batman: Under the Red Hood (2010)
~
John DiMaggio surprised fans with his excellent performance as the Joker that roughed uo Batman’s sidekick, Robin. Back from the dead, Red Hood hunts down The Joker for revenge.
~
John DiMaggio surprised fans with his excellent performance as the Joker that roughed uo Batman’s sidekick, Robin. Back from the dead, Red Hood hunts down The Joker for revenge.
Batman: Arkham City (2011)
~
After the events of Arkham Asylum, Joker’s dying as a result of the Titan formula he took. He ultimately meets his end in one of the most iconic moments in the Arkham Franchise.
~
After the events of Arkham Asylum, Joker’s dying as a result of the Titan formula he took. He ultimately meets his end in one of the most iconic moments in the Arkham Franchise.
New 52 (2011)
~
At the start of this new era of Detective Comics, The Joker cuts off his own face and escapes Arkham. He disappears from the comics for a year.
~
At the start of this new era of Detective Comics, The Joker cuts off his own face and escapes Arkham. He disappears from the comics for a year.
Lego Batman 2: DC Superheroes (2012)
~
Joker, voiced by Christopher Corey Smith, teams up with Lex Luthor to bring pain to their 2 respective superhero enemies.
~
Joker, voiced by Christopher Corey Smith, teams up with Lex Luthor to bring pain to their 2 respective superhero enemies.
Injustice: Gods Among Us (2012)
~
Set in an alternate universe, the Joker tricks Superman into killing Lois Lane, which detonates a nuclear bomb that destroys Metropolis. Driven insane, Superman murders this Joker and takes over Earth with the Regime.
~
Set in an alternate universe, the Joker tricks Superman into killing Lois Lane, which detonates a nuclear bomb that destroys Metropolis. Driven insane, Superman murders this Joker and takes over Earth with the Regime.
Death of the Family (2012)
~
Joker finally returns to the comics to torment Batman by targeting every member of the bat-family in this very horror-esque storyline.
~
Joker finally returns to the comics to torment Batman by targeting every member of the bat-family in this very horror-esque storyline.
The Dark Knight Returns Part 1 and Part 2 (2012-2013)
~
The classic comic book by Frank Miller is perfectly adapted into a 2-part animated movie. Joker appears in a cliffhanger cameo for Part 1, where his true appearance comes in at Part 2.
~
The classic comic book by Frank Miller is perfectly adapted into a 2-part animated movie. Joker appears in a cliffhanger cameo for Part 1, where his true appearance comes in at Part 2.
Batman: Arkham Origins (2013)
~
This Arkham prequel brings The Joker in for his first confrontation with Batman. Troy Baker plays a young version of Mark Hamill’s Joker and he couldn’t have done a better job!
~
This Arkham prequel brings The Joker in for his first confrontation with Batman. Troy Baker plays a young version of Mark Hamill’s Joker and he couldn’t have done a better job!
Endgame (2014)
~
The Joker has been hiding under Batman’s nose this whole time! He unleashes his full might in a fight to the death with Batman! Adding so much more to the Joker mythos, “Endgame” is one of my personal favorites!
~
The Joker has been hiding under Batman’s nose this whole time! He unleashes his full might in a fight to the death with Batman! Adding so much more to the Joker mythos, “Endgame” is one of my personal favorites!
Batman: Assault on Arkham (2014)
~
Troy Baker returns to play The Joker in this animated film about the Suicide Squad set in the Arkham Universe!
~
Troy Baker returns to play The Joker in this animated film about the Suicide Squad set in the Arkham Universe!
Batman: Arkham Knight (2015)
~
Despite his death in “Arkham City”, Joker appears in Batman’s head to torture him throughout almost the entire game!
~
Despite his death in “Arkham City”, Joker appears in Batman’s head to torture him throughout almost the entire game!
Batman Unlimited (2015-2016)
~
Troy Baker reprises his role as The Joker for two animated Batman Unlimited movies!
~
Troy Baker reprises his role as The Joker for two animated Batman Unlimited movies!
Suicide Squad (2016)
~
Jared Leto stars as the DCEU version of The Joker! He spends the majority of his screentime hunting down Harley Quinn after she joins Task Force X.
~
Jared Leto stars as the DCEU version of The Joker! He spends the majority of his screentime hunting down Harley Quinn after she joins Task Force X.
Batman: The Killing Joke (2016)
~
The most requested storyline to be adapted into an animated movie, “The Killing Joke” snagged Mark Hamill as The Clown Prince of Crime, however it didn’t pan out as fans hoped.
~
The most requested storyline to be adapted into an animated movie, “The Killing Joke” snagged Mark Hamill as The Clown Prince of Crime, however it didn’t pan out as fans hoped.
Rebirth (2016)
~
In the first issue of DC Rebirth, Batman reveals that the Mobius Chair told him about three Jokers having existed over his years of crime fighting.
~
In the first issue of DC Rebirth, Batman reveals that the Mobius Chair told him about three Jokers having existed over his years of crime fighting.
Batman Telltale (2015-2018)
~
Anthony Ingruber lends his voice to possibly the most sympathetic Joker we’ve ever gotten. Who, by the way, goes by the alias, John Doe.
~
Anthony Ingruber lends his voice to possibly the most sympathetic Joker we’ve ever gotten. Who, by the way, goes by the alias, John Doe.
Injustice 2 (2017)
~
Joker returns to the Injustice universe as a hallucination for Harley Quinn after she’s hit with some of Scarecrow’s fear toxin!
~
Joker returns to the Injustice universe as a hallucination for Harley Quinn after she’s hit with some of Scarecrow’s fear toxin!
The Lego Batman Movie (2017)
~
Zach Galifianakis plays the cutest little murdering clown to ever grace the streets of Gotham City. He just wanted to be loved by Batman.
~
Zach Galifianakis plays the cutest little murdering clown to ever grace the streets of Gotham City. He just wanted to be loved by Batman.
Batman Ninja (2018)
~
Batman and some of his worst enemies are transported to Japan with the villains taking over the forms of the feudal lords that rule the divided land, with the Joker taking the lead among the warring factions.
~
Batman and some of his worst enemies are transported to Japan with the villains taking over the forms of the feudal lords that rule the divided land, with the Joker taking the lead among the warring factions.
Batman Vs The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2019)
~
Among other villains at Arkham, Joker is given some ooze and becomes a man/snake hybrid. This movie was all kinds of fun and Joker was really allowed to be as absurd as possible!
~
Among other villains at Arkham, Joker is given some ooze and becomes a man/snake hybrid. This movie was all kinds of fun and Joker was really allowed to be as absurd as possible!
Gotham (2014-2019)
~
Jerome Valeska terrorizes Gotham, only to die and leave his twin brother, Jeremiah to take over the insanity of the city. Jeremiah eventually falls into a vat of chemicals, leaving him to return to the spotlight after 10 years when Batman arrives.
~
Jerome Valeska terrorizes Gotham, only to die and leave his twin brother, Jeremiah to take over the insanity of the city. Jeremiah eventually falls into a vat of chemicals, leaving him to return to the spotlight after 10 years when Batman arrives.
Joker (2019)
~
Joaquin Phoenix walked away with a best actor academy award for his mesmerizing portrayal of Joker. A character study based around the spiral of Arthur Fleck’s insanity.
~
Joaquin Phoenix walked away with a best actor academy award for his mesmerizing portrayal of Joker. A character study based around the spiral of Arthur Fleck’s insanity.
Batman: Hush (2019)
~
Another comic book adaptation that didn’t quite live up to expectations. Joker had a small role, much like the comic. He pretty much only exists in this story to get beaten up by Batman.
~
Another comic book adaptation that didn’t quite live up to expectations. Joker had a small role, much like the comic. He pretty much only exists in this story to get beaten up by Batman.
Harley Quinn (2019-Present)
~
Alan Tudyk plays one of the meanest Jokers ever! But he sure is fun to watch. After Harley breaks up with Joker, his pettiness gets the best of him throughout all of season 1.
~
Alan Tudyk plays one of the meanest Jokers ever! But he sure is fun to watch. After Harley breaks up with Joker, his pettiness gets the best of him throughout all of season 1.
Mortal Kombat 11 (2020)
~
Joker appears as a guest character in the first Kombat Pack DLC.
~
Joker appears as a guest character in the first Kombat Pack DLC.
Obviously I couldn’t fit in everything about The Joker, but that just about roughly covers the first 80 years of his existence in pop culture!
Enjoy the rest of Joker’s 80th Anniversary Weekend and remember to smile! #Joker
Enjoy the rest of Joker’s 80th Anniversary Weekend and remember to smile!
#Joker
