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TheJokerhas been a constant villain ofBatman ’s , develop a toxic fixation with the Caped Crusader . Even though the lineament has sometimes been used for mirthful relief , he is best cognize as a menacing and even terrific figure . The 2000s built upon the Joker ’s erratically vehement and opprobrious persona . Along with the terror , this X also dead captivate the inner nuisance the Joker goes through in his seemingly meaningless life .
WithThe Dark Knight ’s release in 2008 , the Joker ’s popularity only increased , so the 2000s were implemental in cement the classic character ’s bequest for long time to amount . too , his appearance in DC Comics issues during these years made for some of the best Joker account of all fourth dimension .
“The Joker” (Joker’s Asylum #1, December 2008)
Joker ’s Asylumis a series of one - stroke focusing onsome of the best Batman comic villains . The debut effect focuses on the Joker inviting masses to a deadly game show . If any contestant gives a wrong reply to one of Joker ’s cockeyed doubt , they will be submit to death . The producers even jibe to this idea given the attention that the show can render . Surprisingly , the Joker does n’t repair to violence and or else vows to show the Sojourner Truth behind the camera .
This is a very improper story give how the Joker does n’t aimlessly butcher civilian and plans to expose the hollowness of TV producers and audiences . Such satiric undertone are delightfully unexpected in a Joker comic .
The Man Who Laughs (One-Shot, February 2005)
Set a year after Batman ’s debut as Gotham ’s guardian , The Man Who Laughsserves as another retelling of the Joker ’s origin story as he confronts his womb-to-tomb enemy for the first time . In more path than one , the comic offers tribute to other classic stories based on the character . In fact , the title itself is a reference to the Victor Hugo novel that influenced the creation of the Joker .
touch upon Joker ’s setting as the Red Hood ( as observe inThe Killing Joke ) and his next vocation as the Clown Prince of Crime , The Man Who Laughsis a familiar story but turn in greatly on the fan service .
“Under The Red Hood” (Batman #635-641, November 2005-March 2006)
serve as the inspiration for theDC animated picture show of the same name , " Under the Red Hood"is a deep affectional story that revamped Jason Todd . Seemingly kill at the hand of the Joker in " A Death in the Family , " Todd is establish to be alive as he adopt the antihero alias of the Red Hood , a moniker once used by the serviceman who became the Joker . As he plans to try retaliation , Todd clangoring not only with the Joker but also Batman , who disapproves of his violent nonsuch .
" Under The Red Hood " is a sodding proffer for fans of Jason Todd , Batman , and , of course , the Joker . Even though the antagonist keep on laughing in the face of trouble , a grown - up Jason Todd sees through him and even intimidate him to an extent . This makes it one of the few example of when the Joker in reality shows any signs of fear .
“Batman R. I. P.” (Batman #676-681, May-November 2008)
The affluent and nefarious governing body jazz as the Black Glove serves as the primary resister in this investigative thriller . In his pursuit of the true statement behind the collective , Batman is push to present the traumatic death of his parents while combat Black Glove members who direct to kill him .
“Emperor Joker” (Superman #160-161, September-October 2000)
" Emperor Joker " pits the Joker against Superman as the former gain supernatural power . After stealing Mister Mxyzptlk ’s ability , the Joker manipulates reality , enchant everyone in clip loops . Before Superman duels with him , he makes Batman go through a harrowing death , only to resurrect him and repeat the process . The moment is definitely one of themost heartrending deaths in Superman comics .
The symbiotic kinship between Batman and the Joker is brought out yet again in this perverted storyline . While Batman stay by his " no killing " rule , the Joker also does n’t wish to kill him but rather torture him to his nitty-gritty ’s content . supply Superman to the admixture proffer a unique take as the Joker had n’t combated the Kryptonian earlier .
Joker (One-Shot - October 2008)
Recounted from the perspective of the Joker ’s henchman Johnny Frost , this substantial one - guesswork by writer Brian Azzarello and artist Lee Bermejo is a troubling dive into its titular quality ’s brain . The story fiddle out as a crime thriller call for a turf war between the Joker and Two - cheek . Even though Frost looks up to his boss , he only gets betrayed by the Joker who wish to take over all of Gotham .
dependable to its title , Jokeris solely focused on its key character , with Batman making only a brief coming into court . The comedian provide enough room to unravel the many layers of his twisted mind . In this signified , Jokeris easily corresponding to other classic one - shots likeThe Killing Joke .
Dark Detective (Complete Series, July-September 2005)
As Batman deals with the reappearance of a mystical X - lover , Dark Detectivedeals with a larger plot that take in the Joker in an all - new light . Readers know him as a criminal , a humorist , and a scoundrel . But in this case , he becomes a politician as he runs for the post of regulator with the simple catchword , " Vote for me or I ’ll kill you . " ConsideringBatman ’s near relationship with Gotham City , he must break off the Joker from running for office .
This new incarnation of the Joker give birth testimony to his constant struggle for attending . unremarkably , the Joker has no particular rationality to play mayhem . He sees himself as an entertainer who will go to any lengths to divert his hearing .
“Last Laugh” (Crossover)
hold up within the walls of the Slab penitentiary , the Joker discovers that he is suffering from a fatal Einstein neoplasm . Never one to dread death , he make up one’s mind to represent as an federal agent of chaos one last time . In distinctive Joker fashion , he incites a prison riot . As his topsy-turvyness spreads across the rest of the worldly concern , the Bat - family andLex Luthor ( give a wholesome momentas the President of the United States ) try their in effect to stop him for once and for all .
With such an ambitious story , the " Last Laugh " storyline finds the Joker at his most irritating self . He carries no remorse as he abducts Harley Quinn , murder multiple prison guards , and incites Nightwing to dumbfound him to death .
“Soft Targets” (Gotham Central #12-15, December 2003-March 2004)
A storyline within the police adjective seriesGotham Central , " Soft Targets " finds the Joker mindlessly massacring not just civilians but also constabulary officials . When he ’s done with his spree , he terminate up pass himself over to the authorities . world-weary yet again behind bars , he escape and continues his violent adventure .
" Soft Targets " is a perfect example of showcasing the toxic cycle of ego - demolition to which the Joker subjugate himself . At time , his actions have no posterior motives or reason . He just likes causing mayhem for the saki of it . Such personality traits are further emulate with this plot line .
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