Joker (character)

as the Joker. Wax figure at the *National Wax Museum Plus*, Dublin.]]
The **Joker** is a fictional character, a comic book supervillain published by DC Comics. He is an archenemy of Batman. The character's creator has been disputed between Jerry Robinson, Bill Finger, and Bob Kane, even though many believe Robinson created the character. The Joker first appeared in *Batman* #1 (Spring 1940).

## Background
Throughout his comic book appearances, the Joker is portrayed as a master criminal whose characterization has varied from that of a violent psychopath to a goofy trickster-thief. He is the archenemy of Batman, having been directly responsible for numerous tragedies in Batman's life, including the paralysis of Barbara Gordon and the death of Jason Todd, the second Robin.

Joker's creation was inspired by Conrad Veidt's role in the 1928 silent movie *The Man Who Laughs*.

The Joker possesses no superhuman abilities, instead using his expertise in chemical engineering to develop poisonous or lethal concoctions and thematic weaponry, including razor-tipped playing cards, deadly joy buzzers, and acid-spraying lapel flowers. The Joker sometimes works with other Gotham City supervillains, such as the Penguin and Two-Face, and groups like the Injustice Gang and Injustice League, but these relationships often collapse due to the Joker's desire for unbridled chaos. The 1990s introduced a romantic interest for the Joker in his former psychiatrist, Harley Quinn, who becomes his villainous sidekick. Although his primary obsession is Batman, the Joker has also fought other heroes, including Superman and Wonder Woman.

### Origin
Throughout the character's long history, there have been several different origin tales; they most commonly depict him as falling into a vat of chemical waste, which bleaches his skin and turns his hair green and his lips bright red, giving him the appearance of a clown.

## Portrayals
The Joker has appeared in movies, TV series and video games; he was played by Cesar Romero, Jack Nicholson, Heath Ledger, Jared Leto, Joaquin Phoenix and Barry Keoghan in movies. On animated shows/movies he is portrayed by Mark Hamill, Richard Epcar, Kevin Michael Richardson, Larry Storch, Jeff Bennett, and John DiMaggio.

Both Ledger and Phoenix won an Academy Award for their portrayal of the character, making the Joker the second character to have its actor win an Academy Award more than once.

### Live-action movies
* Played by Cesar Romero
** *Batman* (1966)
* Played by Jack Nicholson
** *Batman* (1989)
* Played by Heath Ledger in *The Dark Knight Trilogy*
** *The Dark Knight* (2008)
* Played by Jared Leto in the DC Extended Universe
** *Suicide Squad* (2016)
** ''Zack Snyder's Justice League* (2021)
* Played by Joaquin Phoenix
** *Joker* (2019)
** *Joker: Folie à Deux* (2024)
* Played by Barry Keoghan
** *The Batman'' (2022)

## Arthur Fleck 
**Arthur Fleck**, later known as the **Joker**, is a fictional character portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix and the protagonist of Todd Phillips' psychological thriller film ''Joker'' and its 2024 sequel *Joker: Folie à Deux*. Based on the DC Comics character Joker, Arthur is initially depicted as a party clown, aspiring stand-up comedian]], and social outcast living with his mother, Penny Fleck, in a decaying Gotham City. Initially struggling with severe mental health issues and a neurological disorder, he has a change of heart after a series of personal betrayals and societal failures, redirecting his nihilism into acts of violence.

Arthur becomes a symbol of anti-establishment chaos and an unintentional leader of a violent populist movement. Following his public murder of his idol, popular late-night talk show host Murray Franklin, the internal conflict within Gotham grows due to systemic inequality, and Arthur is incarcerated at Arkham State Hospital. While awaiting trial, he meets Harleen "Lee" Quinzel, and they develop a shared delusion. However, Arthur ultimately rejects his "Joker" persona during his trial, confessing his crimes and attempting to find his true self before his eventual demise within the hospital. Arthur is often seen as a tragic figure whose actions inadvertently inspire future chaos in Gotham.

Arthur Fleck is the central figure of his cinematic universe, having appeared in two films. The character and Phoenix's performance have been credited with redefining the psychological thriller genre within comic book media, winning an Academy Award for Best Actor for the first film. Fleck’s evolution from a neglected citizen to a cultural icon is often considered the defining arc of the series, explored further in the for his final appearance.

## Attractions 
*Joker's Joyride - A Diving LIM Shuttle Loop Coaster that was located at Six Flags Great Adventure, Six Flags Great America, Six Flags Over Georgia and Six Flags New England
* Joker - RMC Hybrid Wood-Steel coaster at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

## References