10 Times The Joker Was The Most Evil Batman Villain
No villain in Batman's rogues' gallery surpasses the Clown Prince of Crime in wickedness. For nearly as long as the character has existed, The Joker has held the top position as Batman's greatest adversary.
While his recognition as a comic book villain contributes to his notoriety, The Joker's reputation is built on far darker deeds. He has committed countless atrocities—whether to dominate Gotham, mock its protector, or simply for his own twisted pleasure.
The Joker’s Most Terrifying Moments
One of the scariest portrayals of The Joker appears in the 1988 graphic novel Batman: The Killing Joke, written by Alan Moore, the acclaimed creator of Watchmen, with artwork by Brian Bolland. This one-shot comic explores the villain’s grim origins and showcases his brutal cruelty, making it so chilling that its 2016 adaptation became the first R-rated animated DC movie.
The comic's most notorious scene features an escaped Joker shooting Barbara Gordon, leaving her paralyzed from the waist down.
This violent act was part of Joker’s plan to push Barbara’s father, Commissioner James Gordon, into madness. Fortunately, Barbara survived, later becoming Batman's remote computer operator under the codename Oracle.
Legacy of The Joker’s Evil
- The Joker uses violence to instill fear and exert control over Gotham.
- His actions often target those close to Batman, aiming to break his spirit.
- The impact of his cruelty reshapes the lives of Gotham's heroes and civilians alike.
Through such horrific crimes, The Joker solidifies his role as Batman’s darkest and most relentless foe.
Author’s Summary
The Joker's unparalleled cruelty and psychological torment make him the darkest and most feared villain in Gotham, leaving an indelible mark on Batman’s world.