Joker (comics) facts for kids
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The Joker is a famous fictional supervillain from comic books published by DC Comics. He is known as the main enemy of Batman. While many believe Jerry Robinson created the character, his creation has also been linked to Bill Finger and Bob Kane. The Joker first appeared in Batman #1 in the spring of 1940.
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About the Joker
In his comic book stories, the Joker is shown as a clever criminal. His personality can change from being a dangerous villain to a tricky prankster. He is Batman's biggest enemy and has caused many serious challenges for Batman and his friends, including troubles for Barbara Gordon and Jason Todd (the second Robin).
The idea for the Joker came from Conrad Veidt's role in the 1928 silent movie The Man Who Laughs.
Joker's Abilities and Tools
The Joker does not have any superpowers. Instead, he is very skilled in chemical engineering. He uses this knowledge to create dangerous chemicals and special tools. These include playing cards with sharp edges, joy buzzers that can be deadly, and flowers on his jacket that spray acid.
The Joker sometimes teams up with other villains from Gotham City, like the Penguin and Two-Face. He has also worked with groups such as the Injustice Gang. However, these partnerships often fail because the Joker loves to create total chaos. In the 1990s, a new character named Harley Quinn was introduced. She was his former psychiatrist who became his villainous helper. While Batman is his main focus, the Joker has also fought other heroes, including Superman and Wonder Woman.
How the Joker Began
Over the Joker's long history, there have been different stories about how he became who he is. Most of these stories show him falling into a vat of chemical waste. This accident turns his skin white, his hair green, and his lips bright red, making him look like a clown.
Joker in Movies and TV
The Joker has appeared in many movies, TV shows, and video games. Famous actors who have played him in movies include Cesar Romero, Jack Nicholson, Heath Ledger, Jared Leto, and Joaquin Phoenix. In animated shows and movies, his voice has been provided by actors like Mark Hamill, Richard Epcar, Kevin Michael Richardson, Larry Storch, Jeff Bennett, and John DiMaggio.
Both Heath Ledger and Joaquin Phoenix won an Academy Award for their performances as the Joker. This makes the Joker the second character whose actors have won an Academy Award more than once.
Joker-Themed Attractions
The Joker has inspired several exciting rides at theme parks:
- Joker's Joyride - This was a thrilling roller coaster found at Six Flags Great Adventure, Six Flags Great America, Six Flags Over Georgia, and Six Flags New England.
- Joker - This is a unique hybrid wood-steel roller coaster located at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom.
Images for kids
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From the Joker's first appearance in Batman #1 (April 25, 1940)
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The cover of Batman #251 (September 1973), featuring "The Joker's Five-Way Revenge". Art by Neal Adams.
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Joker co-creator Jerry Robinson in 2008. He imagined the Joker as a lasting villain who would always challenge Batman.
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The Joker's lapel often has a flower that sprays acid.
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Cesar Romero as the Joker (top) in the 1966 film Batman, with Burgess Meredith as the Penguin (left) and Frank Gorshin as the Riddler (center).
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See also
In Spanish: Joker (personaje) para niños
