10 Times The Joker Was The Most Evil Batman Villain
No villain in Batman’s history compares to the Clown Prince of Crime. The Joker has held the top position among Gotham’s criminals since his creation, standing apart as the most infamous and feared member of Batman’s rogues’ gallery.
While his popularity might stem partly from his instantly recognizable image, his true power lies in the sheer depth of his cruelty. The Joker’s actions are driven by a desire to dominate Gotham, torment its protector, and revel in chaos for his own twisted satisfaction. His legacy of evil is documented across movies, TV shows, and decades of DC Comics storytelling.
The Killing Joke and Its Lasting Impact
One of the Joker’s darkest portrayals appears in the 1988 one-shot comic Batman: The Killing Joke, written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Brian Bolland. This story not only explores the possible origins of the villain but also reveals the extent of his brutality in a way few other tales have matched.
“An escaped Joker shoots Barbara Gordon, leaving her permanently paralyzed from the waist down.”
This cruel act sets off his scheme to psychologically break her father, Commissioner James Gordon. Though Joker’s plan nearly succeeds, Barbara’s survival prevents Gotham from collapsing entirely into his madness. The grim event eventually leads Barbara to become Oracle, Batman’s valuable information ally.
The tragedy and terror of The Killing Joke were so powerful that its 2016 animated adaptation became DC’s first R-rated animated film, underscoring the enduring darkness of the Joker’s legacy.
Author’s Summary
Exploring the Joker’s evolution from comic panels to screen, this piece reveals how his cruelty in The Killing Joke defined him as Batman’s ultimate and most terrifying foe.