So Many Clown Princes Of Crime, So Little Time!
With nothing more than a smile, Gotham’s most infamous criminal managed to transcend from classic Batman villain to one of the most iconic figures in all of pop culture. His insidious deeds have ranged from mischievous to horrific, often proving himself as the only one that’s come close to pushing the Dark Knight to break his one rule. His cruelty and complexity is almost Shakespearean, and as such has been portrayed by numerous actors over the decades, each bringing another layer to the Joker’s madness.
While the clown’s silver screen appearances have garnered critical acclaim, especially in the cases of Jack Nicholson and Heath Ledger, we have to turn our attention to the world of animated series and video games on this one, since they’re practically a Joker treasure trove. While there are countless iterations worthy of mention, we have to hand the psychotic crown over to these particular three for capturing the clown in his purest form.
Fair warning, there will be SPOILERS AHEAD!Â
#3: John DiMaggio
Under the Red Hood is regarded as one of the greatest animated Batman outings out there, one drenched in themes of revenge, failure and heartbreak. Such a tragedy of a tale requires a Joker that can bring the laughs just as much as he can bring the chills. And boy did Mr DiMaggio deliver. While often putting up a sarcastic front when faced with his nemesis, the moments when this particular clown lets out his sadistic side are absolutely terrifying. The highlight is of course the scene in which he beats Jason Todd to death. It’s a ghastly sight to behold, but the way the Joker interjects his own sick humour into the whole bloody affair is nonetheless captivating.
#2: Michael Emerson
Much like how The Dark Knight Returns gave us a grizzled Batman ready to employ much more violent means as a way to bring safety back to his city, it also reintroduced us to a Joker who, somehow, was more insane than ever before. After spending so many years as a vegetable, his old enemy’s return prompts the clown to return to his murdering ways, only this time with nothing left to lose. His twisted infatuation with the Caped Crusader and desire to make him lose control painted him in a much more sinister light. He also wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty, shown when he massacred his way through an amusement park until finally meeting a crippling end at Batman’s hands. Psychotic doesn’t even begin to describe this interpretation, and we love it!
#1: Mark Hamill
From Batman: The Animated Series, The New Batman Adventures, Mask of the Phantasm, the Justice League franchise all the way to the Arkham video games, there’s no other voice we associate with the Clown Prince of Crime more so than the man whose been playing him for decades. While some versions are a little more lighthearted in nature, Mr Hamill has shown he has no problem delving into the Joker’s crooked core and exploring every vicious facet. Be honest, there’s no other laugh that quite captures the essence of Batman’s greatest foe than this this one!
Be sure to check out the video below to see our picks for the Top 10 Worst Things The Joker Has Ever Done!
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