The Joker has been one of the most iconic and terrifying villains in comic book history, often serving as Batman’s greatest nemesis. Over the decades, writers and artists have crafted a variety of stories that showcase the Clown Prince of Crime’s unpredictability, madness, and sheer malevolence. From psychological horror to dark humor, these stories delve into the psyche of the Joker and his complex relationship with Gotham’s Dark Knight.
Here are the top 5 best Joker stories that stand out as definitive representations of the character.
1. The Killing Joke (1988)
Writer: Alan Moore | Artist: Brian Bolland
When people talk about quintessential Joker stories, The Killing Joke is often the first to come to mind. Written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Brian Bolland, this one-shot comic has become one of the most influential Batman and Joker stories ever told. The story offers a possible origin for the Joker, presenting him as a failed comedian who falls into a vat of chemicals while fleeing from Batman, leading to his physical and mental transformation.
The central plot revolves around the Joker’s attempt to prove that “one bad day” is all it takes to drive someone insane. He shoots Barbara Gordon (Batgirl) in an effort to drive her father, Commissioner Gordon, mad. The story is chilling not just for its violence, but for its exploration of the Joker’s nihilistic philosophy and Batman’s persistent refusal to give in to his insanity.
2. Batman: The Man Who Laughs (2005)
Writer: Ed Brubaker | Artist: Doug Mahnke
Batman: The Man Who Laughs is a modern retelling of the Joker’s first appearance in Batman #1 (1940). This graphic novel serves as a follow-up to Frank Miller’s Batman: Year One, depicting the early days of Batman’s career and his first encounter with the Joker.
In this story, the Joker is already an enigmatic and terrifying presence, murdering prominent Gotham figures with his signature poison that leaves his victims with grotesque, rictus grins. The Joker’s randomness and cruelty unsettle both Gotham’s citizens and Batman, setting the stage for the chaotic relationship that would define their dynamic for years to come.
3. Batman: Arkham Asylum(1989)
Writer: Grant Morrison | Artist: Dave McKean
Written by Grant Morrison and illustrated by Dave McKean, Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth is an eerie, surreal journey into the heart of madness. The story takes place in Arkham Asylum after the inmates, led by the Joker, have taken over the institution and are holding the staff hostage. Batman is forced to enter the asylum and confront not just the inmates, but his own fears and psychological trauma.
The Joker plays a prominent role in this twisted narrative, embodying the chaos and insanity that defines the asylum itself. Morrison’s portrayal of the Joker is deeply disturbing, as he toys with Batman’s mind while presenting himself as an agent of pure, unfettered chaos.
4. Joker (2008)
Writer: Brian Azzarello | Artist: Lee Bermejo
Joker, written by Brian Azzarello and illustrated by Lee Bermejo, is a dark and gritty take on the character, heavily inspired by Heath Ledger’s portrayal in The Dark Knight. The graphic novel is told from the perspective of Johnny Frost, a low-level thug who becomes the Joker’s right-hand man after the villain is released from Arkham Asylum.
In this story, the Joker is more grounded and real, shedding some of the comic-book elements for a portrayal that feels closer to a psychotic gangster. As Frost becomes more entrenched in the Joker’s world, he witnesses firsthand the chaos, violence, and instability that define the Clown Prince of Crime.
5. Death of the Family (2012-2013)
Writer: Scott Snyder | Artist: Greg Capullo
In the New 52 run of Batman, Death of the Family brought the Joker back in a big way, with one of the most terrifying and grotesque appearances he’s ever had. After cutting off his own face in Detective Comics #1, the Joker returns to Gotham with a sick plan to target Batman’s closest allies, including Nightwing, Batgirl, and Robin.
Scott Snyder’s story focuses on the Joker’s belief that Batman’s extended “family” is making him weak. The Joker’s goal is to sever Batman’s ties to his allies, believing that they are a hindrance to his true potential. Throughout the story, the Joker’s relationship with Batman is portrayed as a twisted, obsessive bond that is as much about love as it is about hatred.
Honorable Mentions:
While these five stories stand out, there are several other Joker tales worth mentioning:
Batman: Endgame (2014-2015) – Another Snyder-Capullo collaboration, this storyline sees the Joker return with a plan to bring Gotham to its knees, leading to a brutal final confrontation with Batman.
A Death in the Family (1988) – The infamous story where the Joker murders Jason Todd, the second Robin, which had long-lasting repercussions in the Batman universe.
Mad Love (1994) – A story focusing on the Joker’s relationship with Harley Quinn, exploring the abusive and manipulative dynamic between the two.
The Joker remains one of the most complex and compelling villains in comic book history. Whether he’s portrayed as a deranged clown, a sadistic gangster, or an agent of chaos, his stories consistently push Batman—and readers—to their limits. The stories listed here represent some of the best takes on the character, each offering a unique glimpse into the mind of the Clown Prince of Crime.
These tales not only define the Joker’s character but also highlight his enduring appeal as one of the greatest villains in any medium.