In contemporary society, the Joker has transcended into an icon on par with Batman. Presently, the presence of The Clown Prince of Crime rivals that of the Dark Knight. With Joker 2 recently concluding production and Barry Keoghan offering a novel interpretation of the character, even making a cameo in a scene from Matt Reeves’ The Batman, the focus on this enigmatic figure is undeniably strong, and there’s a likelihood of his return in the anticipated The Batman: Part II.
Ever since Jack Napier, portrayed by Jack Nicholson, underwent his transformation into the iconic Batman antagonist in Tim Burton’s Batman back in 1989, a succession of cinematic portrayals of The Joker has emerged. These iterations have collectively propelled the character into heightened prominence within the collective consciousness and solidified his status as an enduring emblem of pop culture.
Joker Wasn’t Supposed To Become Batman’s Biggest Nemesis
Over the rich tapestry of Joker comics, the enigmatic roots of the character have consistently eluded complete clarity. Diverse writers and artists have offered their unique interpretations of the origin of the Clown Prince of Crime, yet a definitive and universally accepted backstory for Batman’s paramount adversary remains elusive.
The precise genesis of the Joker, however, possesses a touch more clarity, albeit not without its share of ambiguity. Bill Finger, Bob Kane, and Jerry Robinson joined forces in conceiving the character, with their creativity sparked by Conrad Veidt’s portrayal of Gwynplaine in the 1928 film The Man Who Laughs. Yet, the intricacies of each contributor’s influence remain shrouded in uncertainty.
“I felt that Batman needed a supreme arch-villain to test him…Batman didn’t need another crime lord like Al Capone. I felt he needed something more exotic…the strip needed an antagonist that would be more enduring; a continuing conflict in the literary tradition of Holmes and Moriarty or King Arthur and Mordred,” Robinson said.
However, during a 2008 interview with NPR, comic book writer Steve Englehart recounted an intriguing anecdote: the original intention was for the Joker to meet his demise at the conclusion of Batman #1.
One Man Came To The Joker’s Rescue
It was DC editor Whitney Ellsworth who emerged as the savior, preventing the Joker from an untimely demise. In 1940, when Batman #1 made its debut, Ellsworth held the role of editorial director at DC Comics. Demonstrating remarkable foresight, he ensured the “grim jester” adorned with a “ghastly clown’s grin,” as vividly depicted within the pages of the issue, would persist for forthcoming editions.
Within the pages of that particular issue, the Joker finds himself initially apprehended by Batman and Robin subsequent to a spree of terror in Gotham City. His audacious acts involve public threats against influential figures and the actualization of these sinister intentions through the utilization of his toxic gas.
The latter half of the story sees Joker escaping from police custody to resume his criminal escapades, only to once again cross paths with Batman. In their climactic final confrontation, Joker stumbles inadvertently, impaling himself with his own knife as the Dark Knight deftly sidesteps his attack.
It appears that the entire trajectory might have taken a different course if not for Whitney Ellsworth and a solitary panel that was incorporated into the Joker’s inaugural comic book appearance in the eleventh hour.
Source: Games Radar
