THE JOKER
The Joker's signature weapon is his Joker Venom, a fast-acting poison that leaves its victims with a grinning rictus in death, not unlike his own macabre smile. Whether by electrocuting joy buzzers, acid-spewing boutonnieres or spear-firing gag pistols, the Joker celebrates killing in all its forms.
Real Name: Unknown
Occupation: Professional criminal
Base of Operations: Gotham City
Marital Status: Widowed?
Height: 6' 5"
Weight: 192 lbs.
Eyes: Green
Hair: Green
First Appearance: BATMAN #1 (Spring, 1940)
He is the Ace of Knaves, first and foremost of the Dark Knight's rogues gallery, with origins steeped in mystery. In another time, the Joker may have been a failed comedian, a hapless soul coerced by thugs to don the guise of the criminal Red Hood following the tragic death of his pregnant wife. He may have engaged in robbery, fleeing the Batman by diving into a vat of chemicals, caustic fluids that turned his skin chalk white, his hair green and his smile a grinning red leer. Only the Joker knows for certain.
The truth is this: The Joker has committed sins that defy logic Ñ extortion, mass murder, nuclear terrorism Ñ crimes often committed merely to taunt the Batman, a foe in whom the Joker has taken a very personal interest. It was the Joker who shot and permanently crippled Barbara Gordon, the former Batgirl. And later, in perhaps the most brutal attack of all, the Joker murdered Jason Todd, the second Robin.
The Dark Knight rests easy only when the Joker is safely locked away in Arkham Asylum, and then knowing all too well that a new body count awaits his next escape.
