In Batman’s corner of the DC Universe,the Jokerhas a muddled origin constantly in flux and always in question, with his true backstory still a mystery to many, despite various comics over the years attempting to assign reason to his patented brand of madness. In a Batman series featuring stories fromThe Dark Knight’s formative years, yet another origin for the Joker is revealed, one that perfectly explains his sociopathic personality.
Published from 2006 to 2011,Batman Confidentialran for 54 issues and saw a rotating team of creators tell tales set just after Batman’s first year on the job, often filling in unseen firsts of pre-established Batman stories, relationships, and characters.
While the flashback sequences inBatman: The Killing Jokeare considered to be the canon origin of the Joker in DC Comics,Batman Confidential, along with many other books, directly contradict Joker’s accepted beginnings,with this series’ “Lovers and Madmen” arc showing Joker leaning into his obsession with Gotham’s steadfast protector in ways fans haven’t seen before.
Joker’s Weirdest “Disguise” of All Time Officially Returns, But It Would Never Fly in 2024
Joker has worn a lot of wild disguises over the years, with a return to one from Batman: Death in the Family being something that wouldn’t work today.
Batman Confidential’s Joker Only Feels Joy When Fighting Against Batman
Batman Confidential"Lovers and Madmen" - 2007 (Michael Green and Denys Cowan)
Told over six issues,“Lovers and Madmen” turned Joker, or Jack, into a suicidal gangster numb to everything around him.Bored by his work as a career criminal and needing something to make him feel alive,Jack eventually goes up against Batman, and to his surprise, finally feels what he’s always wanted: joy. Pulling off crime after crime to get a rise out of Batman, and thus himself, Jack is struck by a batarang, its sharp edges slicing his mouth in a gruesome smile, officially putting Jack on a path of realization that wouldturn him into the Joker.
Transformed into The Clown Prince of Crime after being doused with chemicals, this version of Joker explains why he takes on the persona — essentially because Batman makes him laugh — while also solidifying his obsession with The Caped Crusader — Jack needs Batman to feel anything in his life — and his iconic look — Batman is directly responsible for Joker’s mouth scars. Furthermore,thisBatman Confidentialstory even explains Batman’s own obsession with Joker, with Bats admitting, “I made this wretch. I’ll have to mind him,”inextricably linking Joker’s forgotten origin to Batman’s actions far more closely than Joker’sKilling Jokestory did.
Joker’s Obsession With Batman Makes More Sense inBatman ConfidentialContinuity
Batman and Joker will never be rid of each other, butBatman being the sole reason Jack didn’t take his own life and instead started a new, more theatrical one is a detail that should be adopted into Joker’s recognized history, even if that means nudging some of his more accepted backstory elements in a slightly different direction to make it happen.The Jokermay always have a new truth/lie to tell about his past, but one thing is for certain: Batman’s arch-nemesis always hasa compelling and disturbing originregardless of its canonical authenticity.
The Joker
The Joker is a psychopathic criminal mastermind with a warped sense of humor. Initially introduced as a remorseless serial killer, the character evolved over time, often oscillating between a prankster and a homicidal maniac. His relationship with Batman is one of the most complex in comic book history, defined by their mutual obsession. Over the decades, the Joker has become an enduring icon of chaos and madness, embodying the antithesis of Batman’s order and justice.
