n , theJokerandLex Luthorare extremely life-threatening villains , but when the two trade abilities , Luthor became even deadlier . In 1976’sThe Joker # 7 , the two temporarily switched encephalon — with mortal results . The report was write by the fabled Elliot S. Maggin , with art by Irv Novick and inks by Frank McLaughlin .
In the 1970 ’s , the Joker was given his own solo title . Eachissue saw the Joker , from his lair call the Ha - Ha - Hacienda , team up , or fight , a unlike DC graphic symbol ; the Joker and the Scarecrow tangled , each using their respective toxin on the other and the Clown Prince of Crime even ran afoul of Sherlock Holmes . The series did not last long , only running for nine issues , but as the series was wind down , it was decided to copulate the Joker , Batman ’s greatest scourge , with Lex Luthor — Superman ’s nifty enemy . The results were almost ruinous , nearly killing both Jokerand Luthor along the way .
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As the story open up , both Luthor and the Joker have just break out of prison , each unaware the other take to the woods . They randomly dislodge into each other at a moving picture theater and are quickly on the running game from the law again . Luthor helps Joker escape but leaves the Joker behind when he give to his central office . Later the next day , the Joker returns to Luthor ’s bag , just as he is try a new equipment , design to sap the willpower ofGreen Lantern Hal Jordan . The Joker bursts in , causing the experiment to go haywire , and alternatively of gather Jordan ’s willpower , Luthor gains the Joker ’s rage — and the Joker Luthor ’s ace . As a result , Luthor became more unsafe than ever . While still extremely intelligent , Luthor ’s criminal offence become more crazy , with small rhyme or intellect — much like the Joker . The Joker , on the other hand , was thinking clear than he ever had before , and had to fake his hallmark insanity when he was addressing his partner in crime . He also learned that if he and Luthor did not go back to normal , both would die .
TheJoker confronted Luthor , extend to put things correct , but Luthor , now almost completely off the deep closing , refuses , tell the Joker he like the exemption he now has . The Joker , who had rig a gadget to flip them back , overpowers Luthor and lay the gadget on him , restoring them to normal . As the upshot ends , readers learn that , under the influence of the Joker ’s madness , Luthor was on the brink of a theory that would explain the universe of discourse — but can not commemorate it . The Joker , on the other paw , took reward ofLex Luthor ’s geniusand build a mini version of his hideout late under his cell at Arkham !
While the results of Luthor ’s mind trade were deadly , they were fascinating to watch as well . Luthor , a methodical and extremely analytic character , was now free of any inhibitions that had been holding him back . His offence were deadlier , take on Joker - esque qualities — in one instance , Luthor , instead of plume a museum of a precious giant diamond , destroys it instead . This was something Luthor never would have done before . In the end , the mind swap was go to killLuthor and Joker both , and Luthor ’s intransigent refusal to go back show just how unhinged he had become — Luthor ordinarily has a self - preservation instinct . And readers in 1976 belike felt empathy for the Joker for the first time as he realized he was sacrificing his newfound stability to economise himself , Lex and the citizen of Gotham .
TheJokerandLex Luthorhave fought many metre over the course of action of their life history , and watching their two personalities play off each other is a treat , but when they swapped minds , it made Luthor deadlier than ever .
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