The Joker was created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane, and Jerry Robinson and first appeared in "Batman" in 1940. Inspired by the character of Gwynplaine from the 1928 film "The Man Who Laughs," the Joker was originally intended to be killed off in his first appearance but was spared due to editorial intervention, becoming Batman's arch-nemesis.
The Joker's backstory is famously ambiguous, with various origins depicted over the years. The most iconic version in Alan Moore's "The Killing Joke" portrays him as a failed comedian who turns to crime and becomes the Joker after falling into a vat of chemicals. The Joker himself acknowledges the inconsistency, saying, "If I'm going to have a past, I prefer it to be multiple choice!"
The Joker's madness is a defining trait, and his mental state has been diagnosed in the comics as various forms of psychosis, including schizophrenia and multiple personality disorder. This instability makes him unpredictable and extremely dangerous, often acting without any clear motive beyond causing chaos.
The Joker's maniacal laugh is one of his most recognizable features. Voice actors like Mark Hamill in the animated series and Heath Ledger in "The Dark Knight" have given unforgettable renditions of the Joker's laugh, each adding their unique spin to the character's chilling cackle.
The Joker has committed numerous heinous acts over the years, including the brutalization of Jason Todd (the second Robin) in "A Death in the Family" and the paralyzation of Barbara Gordon (Batgirl) in "The Killing Joke." These acts cement his reputation as one of the most ruthless and sadistic villains in comic book history.
Introduced in "Batman: The Animated Series," Harley Quinn was initially the Joker's psychiatrist, Dr. Harleen Quinzel, who falls in love with him and becomes his accomplice. Their relationship is notoriously toxic and abusive, with the Joker often manipulating and mistreating Harley, yet their dynamic remains one of the most intriguing aspects of his character.
Several actors have brought The Joker to life in live-action films, with two winning Academy Awards for their performances. Heath Ledger posthumously won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his portrayal in "The Dark Knight" (2008), and Joaquin Phoenix won Best Actor for his role in "Joker" (2019). Both performances are highly acclaimed and have contributed to the character's enduring legacy in popular culture.