University of Panels

3: The Joker

 

Okay everyone saw this one coming from a mile away! You can't do a list about the greatest comic book villains without having to at least mention the Joker! Not only is he the most famous of Batman's rogues gallery, but he's also one of the most recognizable comic book villains of all-time, and theres a good reason why!

 

Just as the dark knight has been compared to Sherlock Holmes, the Joker would be Batman's Moriarty in every way imaginable. An enigma to possibly even himself, the Joker's origins and true identity are unknown (quite possibly due to him making up completely different backstories to everyone he speaks to). The origin that people claim to be the most accurate however, was that the Joker was originally once a criminal mastermind known as the Red Hood, who attempted a break-in at the Ace Chemical Plant. The plan was foiled by the arrival of Batman, who caused the Red Hood to flee by swiming in a vat of chemicals. When he emerged from the water, he was horrified that the chemicals had bleached his skin white, his hair green, and his lips ruby red. The man who was once the Red Hood completely snapped, losing any bit of sanity present in his mind, effectively becoming the Joker. The Joker may look like a clown, but he is far from funny. A homicidal maniac to the very defenition, the Joker lacks any definable motive other than to create chaos and destruction as it provides him sick enjoyment. Of all the villains that Batman has encountered, none have caused him more intrigue, frustration, or tragedy than the Joker. The same can be said for the Joker, as he is perplexed by the dark knight's nobility, and is determined to prove that Batman is as insane as he is. His actions have resulted in the deaths of thousands of innocent lives, including some personal tragedies to Batman's life (including the crippling of Barbra Gordon and death of Jason Todd), making the Joker the one enemy to make the dark knight question his own ethics and sanity. 

 

The Joker is the archetype of a perfect mortal nemisis for a superhero, as he is the exact opposite of what Batman stands for. Batman desires to destroy crime in Gotham, while the Joker thrives on the pain and suffering of others. This level of dualistic conflict is perfect in conveying the similarities and differences between the two, and has caused Batman to question on more than one occasion if he's any different than the criminals he fights against. Another thing I like about the Joker is how he doesn't need a backstory to develop his character. Because his past is a complete mystery, it helps present the idea that he could have been anyone before he became the clown prince of crime. All that matters is that he is the embodiment of insanity and anarchy, and because he lacks a tangible plan, he is all the more unpredictable and dangerous.

 

As Alfred stated in THE DARK KNIGHT, "Some men, just want to watch the world burn..."