10 Times The Joker Was The Most Evil Batman Villain
No member of Batman's rogues' gallery rivals the Clown Prince of Crime in malevolence. The Joker has held the top spot among Batman's enemies for nearly as long as the character has existed. Beyond being one of the most recognizable comic book villains, his notoriety stems from countless horrific acts committed to dominate Gotham, torment Batman, or for his own twisted enjoyment.
The Joker's Infamous Acts in Comics and Media
The Joker shines as Batman's greatest foe across films, TV shows, and DC Comics. One of his most chilling portrayals is in the 1988 graphic novel Batman: The Killing Joke, written by Alan Moore, famed creator of Watchmen, with art by Brian Bolland.
The Killing Joke and Its Impact
This one-shot comic, which explores the Joker's tragic origins, is so disturbing that its 2016 animated adaptation was the first DC movie rated R. The most notorious moment depicts the Joker escaping custody to shoot Barbara Gordon, leaving her paralyzed from the waist down. This brutal attack is part of a larger plan to break her father, Commissioner James Gordon, mentally.
"The tragic, near-fatal act is part of Joker's plan to drive Barbara's father, Commissioner James Gordon, to insanity, and he might have succeeded had she not survived."
Barbara Gordon’s injury eventually leads to her becoming Oracle, Batman's remote computer operator, marking a significant development in the Batman universe.
Author's Summary
The Joker's relentless cruelty and twisted schemes make him Batman’s darkest and most terrifying adversary, leaving lasting scars on Gotham and its protectors.