While it can be argued who Batman's greatest villain is, no one can really argue with The Joker. Here are some of the more notable Jokers in live action and animation over time. Who's your favorite?
Cesar Romero
A common theme among the different Jokers is that they fit into the world they're in. And that's certainly true of the "Adam West Batman" Joker. Brighter, more colorful, and more of a prankster than a threat. A true clown. Cesar Romero refused to shave his mustache for the roll, wearing makeup over it. Hardcore cosplayers mimic this effect, sometimes even using "fake" mustaches.
Jack Nicholson
Jack Nicholson held the spot as the most iconic Joker for a long time, even getting imitated by Jim Carrey in stand up. Isn't it cool that The Joker and Lucius Fox become best buds in "The Bucket List"? Jack Napier is theatrical and twisted, which is Nicholson's forte, and very fitting for Tim Burton's Batman. And what's with that stupid grin?
Mark Hamill
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| I have this poster at home. Hee-hee! |
Certainly the best voice for Mistah J, who would have thought Luke Skywalker had such a twisted laugh? Batman: The Animated Series holds up exceedingly well over time. Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill are the best Batman and Joker in animation, period. Or is it Joker and Batman? (laughs) What I like about BTAS Joker: he's scary to the layperson (see episode: "Joker's Favor") but also engages in cat and mouse chases with Batman (see: "The Last Laugh").
Heath Ledger
That Australian surfer dude in Christopher Nolan's
The Dark Knight, yeah, what's his name? Whereas Jack Nicholson was theatrical, but had a little too much "paunch", Heath Ledger's Joker is tall, slender, grungy and disturbing. The Bat and The Cat were at the midnight show, and the sold-out crowd went nuts after Heath's first major scene of dialogue with the mob. I think it had less to do with Heath Ledger's passing, and more to do with his overwhelmingly convincing performance. Given all the themes in the movie, it makes you question your own moral ambiguity--you want Batman to catch him, but why are you laughing along with him? He kills innocent people, but you think he makes compelling arguments. Sooner than later, he became probably the most cosplayed character since Chun-Li.
John DiMaggio
One of my personal favorites. While he might not have the vocal range of Hamill's maniacal Clown Prince of Chaos, he was meaty and dominating--just the right kind of alpha male to beat the shit out of The Boy Blunder. The Joker in
Batman: Under the Red Hood also has a similar aesthetic to Heath Ledger's Joker--with the long unkempt locks, dark eyes, tall and skinny appearance, and long coat. His humor was twisted in a more self-serving way rather than making
you laugh.
Michael Emerson
Now that
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2 is soon to be released on blu-ray, we get another full-length feature with The Joker. And
The Dark Knight Returns Joker is certainly a different style: broad-shouldered, more "human" (but certainly not a humanist) and vocally more calm . . . at first. I can't wait! Who is your favorite Joker?
