The Greatest Joker

[DoctorDoom]

Pesronally I think (and I'm gonna get lots of heat for this) is the animated movie, Batrman Beyond: Return of the Joker. That was the way Joker should be, wild/insane, smart, and unpredictable. BTW I'm talking about the Uncut version. He killed his henchman onscreen...it was a return t the classic Joker I always knew and loved. What do You folks think? ANd his sadistic torturing (physically and psychologically) of Robin was a masterpiec (for him , not me). What do you think?

[literally exaggerated]

That was awesome. I'm gonna say the Killing Joke though. In continuity, in a move that had lasting repurcussions for a major character (Barbara), he shoots Batgirl in the stomach, totally unexpectedly, possibly rapes her (I think he did, some think he didn't), strips Jim Gordon and puts him on a leash in a cage where he is tormented by crazy midgets, has a flasback which delves into my favorite version of his past, and tops it all off with a joke that has Batman laughing his ass off. All along he's dropping tons of really dark, crazy humor and killing people and just being the total embodiment of chaos and evil wrapped up in a package that would make Delirium from Sandman go "damn this guy's nuts". Top notch.

[Violently Apathetic]

The Joker twenty years ago. Seriously, I think he's become such a caricature of himself in the comics it's not even funny. He's always pushing Batman 'TOO FAR!!!' yet nothing happens, they return to status quo until the next time the Joker harms someone close to Bats and goes 'TOO FAR!' again...their dynamic is way too predictable and boring...

Er, sorry, I should focus on the positive. I think the Joker has always been handled well by the DCAU. He's dangerous without crossing that line that makes Batman look soft in the head for letting him live after all the crap he's pulled. DCAU Joker is the one I love with all my fangirlish heart.

[Watchman]

The Joker twenty years ago. Seriously, I think he's become such a caricature of himself in the comics it's not even funny. He's always pushing Batman 'TOO FAR!!!' yet nothing happens, they return to status quo until the next time the Joker harms someone close to Bats and goes 'TOO FAR!' again...their dynamic is way too predictable and boring...

They should just lock him up for the next decade and then bring him back again. Okay, maybe a decade's too long, but you know what I mean. I think the fact that he is so damn overused makes him so damn boring now.

[Nighthawk]

Killing Joke, bottom line.

Also, I loved Jack Nicholson. The scene where he gets water thrown on his face and he starts screamin...when he looks up and says, "Boo!" and laughs his Joker Laugh...it's the best.

[The Joker]

I agree. Jack Nicholson did a tremendous job as The Joker in the 1989 Burton flick.

As far as my favouite Joker? It's either the Batman: TAS Joker, or Dennis O' Neil's "The Joker's Five-Way Revenge" Joker which brought the character back to his original conception as a psychotic killer.

DKR Joker, and Moore's "The Killing Joke" Joker get honorable mentions as well.

[Violently Apathetic]

They should just lock him up for the next decade and then bring him back again. Okay, maybe a decade's too long, but you know what I mean. I think the fact that he is so damn overused makes him so damn boring now.

Oh, I agree. As bitter as I sound I do still think the Joker CAN work, he just needs a strong writer and to be used appropriately sparingly. Plus I still think his sins need to be spread around the DCU a little more, otherwise it really makes it seem like there's something wrong with Batman. It doesn't make him seem moral, but foolish.

[Watchman]

Oh, I agree. As bitter as I sound I do still think the Joker CAN work, he just needs a strong writer and to be used appropriately sparingly. Plus I still think his sins need to be spread around the DCU a little more, otherwise it really makes it seem like there's something wrong with Batman. It doesn't make him seem moral, but foolish.
I agree. It seems his crimes are only limited to Gotham, when in fact, he could very well strike the world on a global scale.

To add, it seems so long since the Joker last did something spectacular. No Man's Land was probably the last time the Joker was enjoyable (and he was enjoyable :)); then there was the Killing Joke and A Death in the Family, both of which he did something spectacularly horrible that affected the Bat-verse.

The Joker is... well... a joke now. I hope IC/OYL, the writers will redeem themselves. If not, lock the Joker up for five years and then bring him back.

By the way, what about the Arkham Asylum/Grant Morrison Joker? I thought he was quite enjoyable.

My list:
- Killing Joke
- NML
- Arkham Asylum

[Violently Apathetic]

I've actually never read Arkham Asylum *great shame* Is there a trade?

I think allowing the Joker to be horrible is good because it's really easy to lose the menace with a clown themed badguy. I mean when you hear 'The Joker's escaped' it should make your blood run cold, not go 'Eh...' I just think that these horrible things need to be balanced because if he hurts Batman PERSONALLY too much you've got to wonder when he's actually going to reach the breaking point. It gets kinda ridiculous when the Joker's essentially murdered members of Batman's family and he's still letting him wander around...

Plus I think Batman's other villains need to get in on the act. I mean I actually like the Red Hood *is bricked* but he, Hush and Black Mask need to step back for a bit and let characters like Ra's and even The Riddler take centre stage for a while. And Poison Ivy (is she still dead?) I mean if you spread the evil acts around a little more its less likely you'll get tired of the Joker/Batman dynamic. Er...not that I want the Riddler pulling 'A Death in the Family' and offing Alfred or anything.

I forgot to mention, I like movieverse Joker too. It left an impression on me when I was a little furlong, I'll admit. I am hoping the rumours about Johnny Depp playing the Joker in the follow-up to Batman Begins are true, I could see him making it work.

[Watchman]

I've actually never read Arkham Asylum *great shame* Is there a trade?
You should definitely read it. Like... RIGHT NOW. Heh. Yes, there is a graphic novel. In fact, a couple of them. I don't think the original one is being printed, but you could probably find it on E-Bay. There's an Anniversary Edition that's out.


It gets kinda ridiculous when the Joker's essentially murdered members of Batman's family and he's still letting him wander around...
I'm going to have to agree. I don't have any ideas of what they could do. I certainly don't want my favorite comic book character getting killed.


Plus I think Batman's other villains need to get in on the act.

Agreed. Two-Face is coming back OYL. Next month I think, from the cover and the solicits.


I mean I actually like the Red Hood *is bricked* but he, Hush and Black Mask need to step back for a bit and let characters like Ra's and even The Riddler take centre stage for a while.

Agreed
I don't like Red Hood/Hush/Black Mask at all.
Bottom line, all three need to disappear. Or at least be written better. Heh.

Ra's is dead for the time being, but I guarantee he'll be back. I have no idea where the Riddler is. Poison Ivy is still dead.

I was so happy that Zsasz was in the villain spotlight in the recent TEC arc.


I mean if you spread the evil acts around a little more its less likely you'll get tired of the Joker/Batman dynamic. Er...not that I want the Riddler pulling 'A Death in the Family' and offing Alfred or anything.

Agreed.

[The Joker]

Well after the events in "HUSH", The Riddler is certainly in a position now to take center stage as a villian who can make Bruce's life a living hell.

I agree, "A Death in the Family" scenario with The Riddler isnt at all necessary. But if the decision to keep The Joker dormant for awhile ever takes place, a storyline with The Riddler taking full advantage of what he now knows about Wayne is fully expected. Eddie is indeed one of the Bat Villians that can fill the gap in light of a Joker absence (if one ever takes place).

[Nighthawk]

I agree. It seems his crimes are only limited to Gotham, when in fact, he could very well strike the world on a global scale.

To add, it seems so long since the Joker last did something spectacular.

I am really enjoying the Joker in Infinite Crisis. This may be his chance to do something HUGE. He's pissed that Luthor didn't invite him to join the Society...last time we saw him, how many people did he just get done killing?

[Apathy Boy]

I thought Morrison's ARKHAM ASYLUM was highly overrated, but I loved his depiction of the Joker. That's the only story that's been able to capture the random nature of the Joker's insanity, and made him scary to boot.

There have been the odd inspired Joker bits, such as the recent INFINITE CRISIS appearance and Dan Slott's ARKHAM ASYLUM: LIVING HELL ("I'm going to kill everyone who's name is a palindrome!"). But few writers are able to sustain the manic energy and imagination required of the Joker.

And I always thought that Joker was one of the characters who was least successfully transferred to the animated universe. Outside of "Mad Love" and "Return of the Joker," the character tended to be too cutesy, though I certainly understand why that would be the case.

[Nighthawk]

One thing, I'd like to see more of is the Joker wearing not just his suit, but the hat. The way it shadows his face is SO creepy.

[jadrax]

DCAU Joker all the way ;o)

[foswell]

I quite liked The Killing Joke version and The Joker of Arkham Asylum was certainly twisted enough but my favourite was the Denny O'Neil,Neal Adams Joker but thats maybe 'cos I just love that era of Batman.
Is there anybody else who hated Jack Nicholson as The Joker? The guy in Batman Dead End was far far better.

[Totoro Man]

I didn't exactly hate Nicholson's take on the Joker... but I do prefer Mark Hamill's rendering of the character. I know that Kane was very pleased to have Nicholson playing the Joker... so it can't be all THAT bad. I just don't think Jack did the BEST version of the character. the BTAS has a way of crossing the goofy Joker of the 50s with the grim Joker of the earliest and later Batman stories... so, in my mind, he's the best overall version. and I'll second the uncut "Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker" as his best portrayal in the realm of cinema/television.

[lonewolf23k]

I also have to say that the Animated version of Joker is far better then the comics' one, as he was both deadly and cold-blooded AND was incredibly entertaining to watch as well.

The Joker: Okay, Chaz, when Harley knocks on the door three times, you open it.
Charlie: And?
The Joker: That's it.
Charlie: Wait. That's the favor? You called me here just to open a door?
The Joker: Well look at the size of that cake, man! She can't open the door and push it in all at once! THINK!!!
Charlie: (to himself) He is nuts!

[infoghost]

I also have to say that the Animated version of Joker is far better then the comics' one, as he was both deadly and cold-blooded AND was incredibly entertaining to watch as well.

I JUST watched that ep on DVD. Golden. My favorite quote from the Joker so far from season one...

[Joker2503]

I'm also voting for DCAU's Joker. He's the perfect mix of horror and comedy. A psychopath and a clown all in one.

"Well drown the kids and shoot the neighbors! I think we have a winner!"

[OverMaster]

TAS Joker was okay, but needed a little more madness at some points. Often he looked more like a simple grand scale criminal with a sadistic humor than the incharnation of chaos the Joker needs to be.

In comics, I think Killing Joke (especially towards the end), No Man's Land: Endgame, most of his Legends of the Dark Knight stories (and the Loeb/Sale maxis), and that issue of Action Comics in Kelly's run where he goes to Metropolis and hassles both Superman and Luthor have caught him the best. The Emperor Joker arc also deserves a mention.

[BeastieRunner]

TAS Joker was okay, but needed a little more madness at some points. Often he looked more like a simple grand scale criminal with a sadistic humor than the incharnation of chaos the Joker needs to be.

I agree with that statement, but I thought he was still well done. I think TAS Joker was the best non-comic book version done. As far as comic book version, Killing Joke. The opening of Hush Returns (don't shoot me) up until he gets beat on is the best I've seen him in awhile though. IC is looking really nice though, I hope he does something crazy.

[steeler80]

I think the other thing that has hurt the Joker is over-exposure. He should be used sparingly and then his appearances would have more effect. I think it comes down a lot to moving creative teams in and out. Every new team wants to do a Joker story.

[Tadhg]

Joker's Five Way Revenge is probably my favorite portrayal though I really liked the sparing use of him in The Joker's Apprentice.

[DoctorDoom]

I agree. Jack Nicholson did a tremendous job as The Joker in the 1989 Burton flick.

As far as my favouite Joker? It's either the Batman: TAS Joker, or Dennis O' Neil's "The Joker's Five-Way Revenge" Joker which brought the character back to his original conception as a psychotic killer.

DKR Joker, and Moore's "The Killing Joke" Joker get honorable mentions as well.
I liek teh way you think Joker...>Maybe an alliance should be formed..

[DoctorDoom]

I also have to say that the Animated version of Joker is far better then the comics' one, as he was both deadly and cold-blooded AND was incredibly entertaining to watch as well.
So we meet at last 'rebel'....

But you're right, the animated Joker is awesome. And i hate to say it again , but I just love Return of the Joker.... gotta admit i felt a tinge in my armor plated heart when Joker bit the bullet (or more like the spear) in the flashback scene :(

[Kirayoshi]

TAS Joker was fun but a little tame...until we saw what he did to Tim Drake in Return of the Joker. Oh, that scene where Joker showed Batman the 'home movies' of how he tortured and brainwashed Tim still sends chills up my spine!

Nothing clever to say, Batman? Then I'll provide the narration. He put up a fight at first, you'd have been proud of him. But all too soon the serums and the shocks took their toll, and the dear lad began to share such secrets with me, secrets that are mine alone to know... Bruce. It's true, Batsy, I know everything. And kind of like the kid who peeks at his Christmas presents I must admit it's sadly anti-climactic. Behind all the sturm and batarangs you're just a little boy in a playsuit crying for mommy and daddy. It'd be funny if it wasn't so pathetic. Oh what the heck I'll laugh anyway. HA HA HA HA HA!

[colossus34]

TAS Joker was fun but a little tame...until we saw what he did to Tim Drake in Return of the Joker. Oh, that scene where Joker showed Batman the 'home movies' of how he tortured and brainwashed Tim still sends chills up my spine!

Depends on what your interpretation of "tame" is...the TAS did some pretty wicked psychological torturing throughout the whole series. Overall, he is the best interpretation of Joker in my mind. Very unpreditable, scheming, psycotic, mysterious, and always making it look sooo fun!

I mean Mark Hammill said he had like 20 different kinds of laughs depending on what mood the Joker was in the story! That just makes Jack Nicholson's take seem so dull, uninspired while the flaw with Comic Joker is that he's usually played as either straght camp(pre-crisis etc) or straight crazed-psychopath(Killing Joke etc) and both interpretaions are just way too one-dimensional.

[DoctorDoom]

Depends on what your interpretation of "tame" is...the TAS did some pretty wicked psychological torturing throughout the whole series. Overall, he is the best interpretation of Joker in my mind. Very unpreditable, scheming, psycotic, mysterious, and always making it look sooo fun!

I mean Mark Hammill said he had like 20 different kinds of laughs depending on what mood the Joker was in the story! That just makes Jack Nicholson's take seem so dull, uninspired while the flaw with Comic Joker is that he's usually played as either straght camp(pre-crisis etc) or straight crazed-psychopath(Killing Joke etc) and both interpretaions are just way too one-dimensional.
Here's hoping for a better Joker after Infinite Crisis

[Watchman]

Here's hoping for a better Joker after Infinite Crisis
Hell yes! I'm glad SOMEONE agrees me on SOMETHING on these forums. Hell, why AFTER IC? Let's make it sooner!

Here's hoping the Joker kicks some fat ass DURING IC!

[Nighthawk]

I hope he teams up with the our Earth One's Lex Luthor...they both need to step it up.

[Astonishing X-Fan]

How can you people forget him in "Mask of the Phantasm"? Everyone taks about ROTJ, but he was easily just as good in that movie, too. Maybe even better.

[Maleficentogre]

I guess since he wasn't the main focus of that excellent movie people forget about it. That was a terrific joker performance.

[The Joker]

I agree.

It's a shame how Mask of the Phantasm gets repeatedly overlooked. Time and time again. Yeah, although Phantasm wasnt really focused on Batman and The Joker, it's a very noteworthy film as it actually presents the origin of TAS Joker for really the first time.

An origin that is similar to the Burton film to be quite honest.

[DoctorDoom]

I agree.

It's a shame how Mask of the Phantasm gets repeatedly overlooked. Time and time again. Yeah, although Phantasm wasnt really focused on Batman and The Joker, it's a very noteworthy film as it actually presents the origin of TAS Joker for really the first time.

An origin that is similar to the Burton film to be quite honest.
I agree as well. Arg how could I forget MAsk of the Phantasm?

[Agentum]

I agree.

It's a shame how Mask of the Phantasm gets repeatedly overlooked. Time and time again. Yeah, although Phantasm wasnt really focused on Batman and The Joker, it's a very noteworthy film as it actually presents the origin of TAS Joker for really the first time.

An origin that is similar to the Burton film to be quite honest.
Yes i still considered that film the best Batman movie ever.
I know people can get upset when i think it's better then all the liveaction movies, but why not, Batman is a cartoon figure and works good as that even on film.
And Batman TAS joker is the best film version, Hamill really IS The Joker.

[Gwylden]

I think they are all great. It would feel weird not having a Joker.

They need to have something to show off the different varieties of the character Joker.

[Violently Apathetic]

I remember back in my Man in Society class someone brought in a clip of Mask of the Phantasm as an example of violence in children's cartoons. The clip was of the Joker and Andrea beating the crap out of each. The rest of the class didn't seem too impressed, despite the fact it was pointed out it wasn't aired on tv and wasn't even aimed at very young children in the first place...some people.

Not to say I wasn't a little startled when I watched it the first time, but it was more of a 'wow, cool' than anything.

[Agentum]

I think it was cencured first on some markets.

[DoctorDoom]

I can tell ya who I think is the worst Joker....the one from The Batmna. I mena I really gave him a shot to be fai, but I just wasn't taken in. Maybe it's just me

[Kirayoshi]

I remember seeing Ebert and Siskel shortly after the video for Mask of the Phantasm was released. Ebert gave a special review, saying he was surprised that he missed it in the theaters, and that he thought it was better than any of the Tim Burton Batman movies. However(proving that he isn't always right) Ebert did complain that he thought Mark Hammill was miscast as the Joker.

That's like saying that Orson Welles was miscast as Charles Foster Kane!

[Effect]

I have to go with the animated version from Batman: TAS and animated movies. Mark Hammill IS the Joker as far as I'm concerned. It's that blend between the crazy, killer and the just goofyness that makes him great.

I don't so much mind the old Adam West campy Joker. I enjoy the Burton Joker. I think Nicholson did a great job, he as well had that blending but just not taken to the next level the way the Timm universe Joker did.

I just can't get into the comic Joker at all. He's just far to violent for my taste. I don't think the animated Joker was tame at all, it's all about presentation. I read IC and maybe it was the design or not but he just came off as just really violent killer in clone makeup.

Mask of the Phantasm is THE best Batman film I think with Batman Begins being really close but Joker was great in it. Return of the Joker was great as well but MotP comes out on top I feel.

[Violently Apathetic]

Effect, I've heard that from lots of people before, that they prefer the animated version of the Joker, not because he seems any less dangerous but more that his continued existence seems a little more palatable. I mean let's be honest, not only has the Joker crossed the 'line' into 'Batman really ought to just rip him apart, no kill rule or not...' he's actually pissed all over it and set it on fire. In some ways it seems like he's been written into a corner 'What horrible thing can the Joker do next to top his last heinous act?' I’m still waiting for the issue where he sodimises a puppy on National tv or something…

[Effect]

Effect, I've heard that from lots of people before, that they prefer the animated version of the Joker, not because he seems any less dangerous but more that his continued existence seems a little more palatable. I mean let's be honest, not only has the Joker crossed the 'line' into 'Batman really ought to just rip him apart, no kill rule or not...' he's actually pissed all over it and set it on fire. In some ways it seems like he's been written into a corner 'What horrible thing can the Joker do next to top his last heinous act?' I’m still waiting for the issue where he sodimises a puppy on National tv or something…

Exactly. Joker in the animated universe while violent and has killed people his criminals and actions are presented in such a way that you can understand why Batman doesn't just snap and kill him. Batman manages to cure those that gets Joker's toxin in time though they are hurt and need time to recover. It's usually other bad guys or ciminals that get killed.

Joker in the comics from what I've seen has some some seriously fucked up stuff that it just makes no sense how Batman wouldn't kill him. With the Joker, the no killing rule should have been tossed out long ago. If Bruce distances himself from normal people, that's pushing things but I can understand that. Yet when I look at what Joker did to Jason Todd, to Barbara Gorden and so many others close to Batman it just doesn't make any sense and I don't see the reasoning. They pushed Joker so far in the comics that it makes no sense why he isn't dead by Batman's hands.

Joker in the animated version is a character I can't wait to see Batman beat up on but at the same time I love watching him on screen and can't wait to see what he's going to do and say next. Comic book Joker is just something else and I don't if they shoudl attempt to tone him down some or simply kill him off for good and replace him with another Joker. Someone that hasn't been writen into the positin the current Joker has.

[dancj]

I’m still waiting for the issue where he sodimises a puppy on National tv or something…

How about killing Batman in front of a busload of disabled kids?

[im399unot]

I thought Morrison's ARKHAM ASYLUM was highly overrated, but I loved his depiction of the Joker.


I just read this right now (A.A.) and I totally agree with you. The book is not that great but the joker is.

[astroguy]

Arkham Asylum is a great psychological look at batman that hadnt really been done before but Jim Lees batman is easily the best.

[10xPete]

How about killing Batman in front of a busload of disabled kids?

I don't think the Joker, or the writers have gone that far off the edge.

I still don't understand why Batman has let the Joker live as long as he has. maybe Batman needs an arch enemy. A villian that people think of when they think of Batman. Or not.

[dancj]

I don't think the Joker, or the writers have gone that far off the edge.

You obviously haven't seen the Wizard preview of Grant Morrison's new Batman

Dan

[Rabid Trekkie]

Put me down as another vote for BTAS Batman, especially in Mask of the Phantasm. He was great in Return of the Joker (haven't seen the unedited version) but the dynamic was different with Terry.

I also liked both the Romero and Nickelson versions of the Joker so maybe I'm just really easy to please.

[hybridspecies]

Exactly. Joker in the animated universe while violent and has killed people his criminals and actions are presented in such a way that you can understand why Batman doesn't just snap and kill him. Batman manages to cure those that gets Joker's toxin in time though they are hurt and need time to recover. It's usually other bad guys or ciminals that get killed.

Joker in the comics from what I've seen has some some seriously fucked up stuff that it just makes no sense how Batman wouldn't kill him. With the Joker, the no killing rule should have been tossed out long ago. If Bruce distances himself from normal people, that's pushing things but I can understand that. Yet when I look at what Joker did to Jason Todd, to Barbara Gorden and so many others close to Batman it just doesn't make any sense and I don't see the reasoning. They pushed Joker so far in the comics that it makes no sense why he isn't dead by Batman's hands.

Joker in the animated version is a character I can't wait to see Batman beat up on but at the same time I love watching him on screen and can't wait to see what he's going to do and say next. Comic book Joker is just something else and I don't if they shoudl attempt to tone him down some or simply kill him off for good and replace him with another Joker. Someone that hasn't been writen into the positin the current Joker has.
You can't just write off a character like the joker and replace him with a different one. He's too big. I agree that the cartoon depictions of him are the best. I think what would make him a better character would be if he were pit against a different hero besides Batman, maybe Supes. He needs to become a more global threat, or atleast a national one. The modern Joker to me seems like too much of a pety criminal, perhaps he could partner up with Lex. Their differant personalities create and interesting conflict.

[DoctorDoom]

woo hoo i have something to add :

Joker in Infinite Crisis. Alex should have let the Joker play :D

[Utaro]

Joker from The Batman and Superman: Worlds Finest I think was the best.

[The Reason]

I'm actually new to Batman comics but i have been reading every trade

paperback i can find i like the killing joke, and DKR was pretty awesome. I

loved the way Mark Hamill portrayed the Joker i mean every time i read a

comic book with him in it i think of that voice not nicholson's.

From all the books and comics i read Joker needs to be written well as a trecherous insane villain who can go toe to toe with the bat in many ways

i read an issue of Superman where Jimmy Olsen laid him out i was not impressed

And to end with a quote i read in another thread about the Joker
"You know the Joker once gassed a room full of kindergarders"

any must read suggestions let me know

[CDB]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v149/cdb2k3/untitled.jpg



Mark Hamil is THE JOKER....

[Utaro]

Indeed he is.:D

[TROUBLEZ]

Joker from THE KILLING JOKE.

[greenlanternslight1979]

i liked the joker in the batman dark dective mini .had the cheesy 1970s aspect to it,but still had moments where he was scary as hell.vote for me of i'll kill you.....

[nightthrasherwinghawk]

Probably Joker around Killing Joke. I think Joker works best when he acts without remorse and when those actions don't seems to really register to him as 'bad' but just funny. Joker represents how even the most terrible tragedies are just a sick gag, right?

[jimmyboy]

Oh, I agree. As bitter as I sound I do still think the Joker CAN work, he just needs a strong writer and to be used appropriately sparingly. Plus I still think his sins need to be spread around the DCU a little more, otherwise it really makes it seem like there's something wrong with Batman. It doesn't make him seem moral, but foolish.
Good post, and I totally agree.

One thing I can't help but think after reading any story with the Joker is that Batman should have killed him (or let him die) years ago. Or that Jim Gordon or someone, anyone, should spend a bullet on him. The Joker is just a horrible, horrible man (even if he is a fun character).

[CBright]

To me, the ultimate incarnation of Joker would have to be the Bruce W. Timm one from the animated series. It mixed both the wacky and dark side of the Joker. I also enjoyed the Joker from The Killing Joke and A Death In The Family. I also (to a lesser extent) like Jack Nicholson's portrayal of the Joker in Batman.