From almost the beginning, the most outstanding Joker stories have been a significant part of DC’s history. This iconic villain has been around nearly as long as the publishing company itself, and he’s had numerous different interpretations. His tales cover a wide range in terms of mood, from whimsical to grim, and he’s known for being one of the most unforeseeable characters in comic lore. With so many Joker comics available, it can be challenging to decide where to begin. However, this compilation we’ve created will guide you through his madness.
Best Joker Comics as of 2025
The Joker shines brightest in his most villainous moments. Consequently, many of the comics on this list tend to delve into the sinister aspects of Batman. For those seeking a lighter read, it’s recommended to explore different comics instead.
The Man Who Laughs
In simpler terms, “The Man Who Laughs” is a modern adaptation of The Joker’s initial introduction, making him more menacing than his original portrayal in Batman #1. This new version introduces a toxin that causes victims to grin, leading to conflict with Batman. Their confrontation threatens the safety of Gotham, creating an engaging standalone story. This comic provides a concise summary of The Joker’s origins for those who prefer not to delve into the intricacies of the Golden Age comics.
The Dark Knight Returns
Frank Miller, both a writer and artist, produced “The Dark Knight Returns,” a four-part series published in 1986 that ranks high among the best Joker comics we have. This comic is widely considered one of the greatest Batman stories ever made. In this story, ten years have passed since Batman retired following the sad demise of Jason Todd. The return of Bruce Wayne from hiding is compelled by the deteriorating state of Gotham City, plagued by disorder and violence. The news of Batman’s return reaches Arkham Asylum, reawakening the once catatonic Joker.
In The Dark Knight Returns, a comic heavily focused on Batman, the complex relationship between Batman and the Joker becomes strikingly apparent. Batman finds it impossible to eliminate the Joker, even when given the opportunity, suggesting an emotional bond between them. Conversely, the Joker appears unable to exist without Batman’s presence. This interdependence is particularly evident in their confrontation within the tunnel of love, a violent and memorable encounter for both characters. The comic also includes one of the Joker’s most chilling lines ever written.
Even if they were to fly me up in a helicopter and arrange my body in beautiful geometric patterns like an endless June Taylor Dance performance, it wouldn’t be enough. You don’t need to keep track, but I appreciate that you do, and I love you for it.”
In this paraphrase, the meaning remains the same, but the sentence structure is simplified and made more straightforward while maintaining a similar tone.
Yikes.
Batman: Endgame
Endgame. This six-issue series, written by Scott Snyder and illustrated by Greg Capullo, promises another intense showdown between these iconic characters.
While Endgame might be complex for beginners in the Batman universe, it’s a high-octane adventure that’s sure to delight fans of action and suspense. The story is filled with unexpected twists, graphic violence (including some instances of limb loss), eerie supernatural elements, and deep psychological exploration. In essence, Endgame is a must-read for those who love thrilling superhero narratives.
In 2014, the publication of Endgame brought back the iconic villain, the Joker, to comic books, following his departure after the Batman: Death of the Family saga that ended in 2013 (distinct from Batman: Death _in_ the Family). Although the time gap between 2013 and 2014 may seem small, it was significant enough for fans who were eager to see the return of the Anarchist of Crime. This comeback not only intensified the drama but also marked the conclusion of this particular Joker storyline before DC’s New 52 reboot completely overhauled their universe.
Batman: A Death in the Family
In 1988, the three-issue series titled “A Death in the Family” (issues #426429) was published, and even though its storyline can seem absurd at times, it’s one of the most impactful Joker tales. The narrative of “A Death in the Family” unfolds as Batman suspects Jason Todd of being emotionally unstable and removes him from his role as Robin. The primary story revolves around Batman and the new Robin (Jason Todd), as they hunt down the Joker, who has just escaped Arkham Asylum. Their investigation reveals that the Joker has obtained a nuclear weapon, causing chaos worldwide.
During his journey, Robin, a character often divisive among Batman fans due to writers making him excessively rebellious and unpopular with some fans, embarks on a personal mission to discover his birth mother. But what could possibly go awry? Heartbreakingly, she deceives him by siding with the Joker, resulting in Robin’s demise. One of the more outrageous storylines is the appointment of the Joker as the Iranian ambassador to the United Nations, an absurdity that leaves us chuckling.
Why is A Death in the Family considered one of the top Joker comics beyond its engaging storyline? Well, it received widespread acclaim from critics who deemed it an exemplary ’80s comic book. However, what really sets this comic apart for us is the fan vote that decided Jason Todd’s fate. After the initial two issues were released, DC Comics organized a contentious phone poll, allowing fans to decide between life and death for the second Robin. In a close call, fans chose his demise, with 5,343 votes against 5,271. The writers didn’t leave us in suspense either, as they delivered a shocking, gruesome ending for the character (RIP).
Batman: White Knight
As a passionate comics enthusiast, I’d like to share my thoughts about “White Knight,” a gripping eight-issue limited series penned by the talented Sean Murphy, published between 2017 and 2018. The story kicks off with an exhilarating chase through Gotham City involving Batman, Batgirl, and Nightwing, pursuing none other than the Joker himself. Unfortunately, this high-stakes pursuit results in casualties among innocent bystanders.
In a surprising turn of events, Batman manages to corner the Joker in a pharmaceutical warehouse, forcing him to ingest an unidentified drug that miraculously cures his insanity. Although the sanity restoration might seem like a positive outcome, it raises a crucial question: Is Batman’s brand of heroism causing more harm than good? If achieving goodness means sacrificing others, is it truly worth pursuing at all? This thought-provoking ethical dilemma makes “White Knight” one of the most compelling Joker stories out there, earning its spot on my list of top Joker tales.
White Knight, while offering an engaging superhero tale, delves into contemporary themes such as wealth disparity, embedded injustices, and the warning that power tends to lead to corruption, especially when it’s absolute. The titular character compels us to ponder over who holds power, what constitutes justice, and if those enforcing order might actually be exacerbating the very disorder they aim to eradicate. In grappling with these concepts as readers, we may find ourselves identifying with the Joker in some way.
Batman: The Killing Joke
Please be aware that the graphic novel contains violent scenes and images, some of which feature Barbara Gordon in a way that has been criticized for being overly explicit, sexualized, and problematic by many readers, including Alan Moore himself. Moore has publicly admitted that he regrets how the story portrayed Barbara, stating it went too far for a comic book. However, despite these concerns, The Killing Joke is frequently ranked among the top Joker comics due to its intriguing nonlinear narrative and compelling exploration of the Joker’s origins.
How we chose the best Joker comics
Among the numerous exceptional stories available, we selected the finest Joker comic books by considering both their storytelling impact and artistic excellence, showcasing stunning artwork from legendary artists such as Brian Bolland, Frank Miller, Jim Aparo, and Greg Capullo. We also prioritized comics that offered a variety of portrayals for this iconic character, reflecting his roles as a mischievous prankster, ruthless antagonist, tragic figure, or psychological counterpart to Batman himself.
In our selection process for these lists, we evaluated each comic’s impact on the broader Batman universe narrative, the discussions it initiated within popular culture, and its unique contributions such as exploring complex philosophical issues or significant moments for other characters. Additionally, some Joker comics were included due to their enduring iconic status or sheer unconventionality that made them hard to ignore.
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2025-08-09 06:08