Staring with the 1980s , the   Joker   start transitioning toward a darker and more perverted personality . With more or less more violent and worrying plot line , this modulation carried out in the next decade . He had , over clip , morph into much more than just a homicidal lunatic . In several 90s era storylines , he had mature an increasingly toxic obsession with Batman to the point where he was willing to cause any amount of pointless topsy-turvyness .

This was also the decade of Mark Hamill vocalise the graphic symbol inBatman : The Animated Series , furthering the character ’s popularity through the show and its associated tie - in strip .

The Batman Adventures: Mad Love (One-Shot)

Set in the same continuity asBatman : The Animated Series , Mad Loveintroduced the character of Harley Quinn as the Joker ’s sexual love interestingness . Initially introduced as Arkham Asylum psychologist Harleen Quinzel , she becomes the villain ’s lovestruck sidekick .

put forward the moody quality of its source material , the one - dig brings out Harley ’s tragic story and her toxic habituation on the Joker . TheEisner - winning Harley Quinn mirthful storyis of big import in comical account book history , as it led to the genesis of Harley Quinn ’s next franchise . As for the Joker , the comic go on to show just how much he loves manipulate and using multitude for his own vile motives .

Going Sane (Legends Of The Dark Knight #65-68)

The   Joker   has a highly precarious personality , butGoing Saneimagines a pivotal opposite place . Believing that he has finally kill Batman , he forget his tumultuous past . He start chair a normal life under the assumed name of Joseph Kerr . However , when Batman is chance to be alive , Kerr ’s genial United States Department of State will be test yet again .

Going Sanecan make for a perturbing read , but it does a outstanding job at showing the human side of the Joker . As he gains a newfound perspective on life , readers ca n’t help but empathize with the character . But , then again , he ’s the same person whose action precede to immense bloodbath in the past . This never-ending shift of climate makes the story all the more exciting .

The Return Of The Joker (Batman #450-451)

The Return of the Jokerdeals with an " impostor Joker " who send a series of murders in a similar manner as the Joker . infuriate by this doppelganger , the clown prince of law-breaking decides to take matter into his own hand and clear his name .

The two - take storyline is a must - learn for diehard fans , as it take place after the controversialJoker comic from the 1980sA Death In The Family . In fact , Batman is so terrified that he sends Tim Drake off to Japan so as to ensure he does n’t get killed like Jason Todd . There ’s also a slight connexion toThe Killing Joke , as the Joker adopts his previous alter egotism of Red Hood to capture the imposter .

Joker: Devil’s Advocate (One-Shot)

When a serial of stamps are released to commemorate famous comedians , the Joker grows thwarted   to find his typeface missing . As a resultant , he allegedly add toxic venom to the stamps so that whoever licks them would die . It seems like a double-dyed trick for the Joker to pull given his attention - grab tactics .

Despite all clues point to him , Batman is sure that the perpetrator of this criminal offence is someone other than the Joker . This is an interesting spin on their antagonism , as the caped crusader is unforced to be an advocate for the agent of chaos .

No Man’s Land (Crossover)

No Man ’s Landis an ambitious crossover effect that spanned several comical series in the 1990s , including the like ofCatwomanandDetective comic . The storyline is localise in the consequence of an earthquake in Gotham that force its citizens to evacuate till the city is reconstruct .

This naturalistic storyline also turn over into the vicious activities that breed in the face of this disaster . The Joker establishes his own anarchical locality and dubs it Jokerville . His activities are disturbing to the point that even otherevil Batman villains like Banetry to stop him . Further , the comedian also shew how the Joker is incomplete without his metropolis , much like his nemesis Batman .

Knightfall (Batman #492-Showcase ‘94 #10)

The inspiration behind Christopher Nolan’sThe Dark Knight Rises , Knightfall ’s breakout fictitious character is undoubtedly Bane who renders Batman firm to the point that Azrael takes up the Italian sandwich ’s mantle . The Joker appears brieflyalongside other Batman comic villainsas Bane frees them all from prison house .

At the same sentence , there ’s a important minute inKnightfallthat sheds light on the Joker ’s bravery . When Scarecrow releases his awe toxin on him , he hardly bats an eye . or else , he smile and say " boo . " The Joker ’s descent are so sinister that readers still ca n’t cipher out his deep fright .

Underworld Unleashed (Crossover)

The Joker — along with four more iconic villains — mystify to make a deal with the diabolic demon Neron . In exchange for their individual , Neron is uncoerced to make them his lieutenants and lease in acts of devastation .

While most of the Joker ’s storylines integrate themes of noir and criminal offense thrillers , a phantasy - drive arc such asUnderworld Unleashedwould serve as a breath of bracing zephyr . Further , the Joker ’s coaction with Lex Luthor is monolithic for next villain - centric storylines around the " Rogues " Gallery .

Batman: Harley Quinn (One-Shot)

Harley Quinn was introduced to the DC Comics canyon with her 1999 nominal comic . This particular arc touch further on her ancestry and her said romance with the Joker . Her friendship with Poison Ivy was also established in this particular news report . It ’s with her avail that she develops immunity to toxins . Both Joker and Poison Ivy would go on to be recurring characters in Harley ’s biography in the future .

Also iconic is Alex Ross ’s paint masking art that depicts Harley Quinn in her original red - and - bootleg turnout dancing with a tuxedo - raiment Joker . This tantrum was popularized again in the DCEU movieSuicide Squad .

NEXT:10 Batman Villains We Would ’ve Loved To See In Christopher Nolan ’s Trilogy

Collage of Willow and Clash of the Titans

Comic book art: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles leaping into action.

thor alongside the marvel god atun

Collage of Batman comics from the 1990s featuring The Joker.

Cover of Batman Mad Love

The Joker becomes Jospeh Kerr after killing Batman

The Joker sitting on a chair and clenching his hands

The Joker laughing and looking downwards

Gordon pointing a gun at the Joker

Joker slamming a piece of wood on Batman’s head

The Joker holding a cutout of Batman

Joker dancing with Harley Quinn.