1. Why so serious? A portrait of The Joker By Paige Barley

2. The History of the Joker   He First appeared in Batman #1 as Batmans’ archenemy   Began as a thief and mass murderer, constantly getting caught by Batman and Robin   Throughout the 50s and 60s, the Comics Code Authority Censorship Board, restricted the Joker to being a simple prankster   In 1973, the same year Batman also became the “Dark Knight” the Joker once again became a killer.   In May of 1975, The Joker got his own comic book, the first super villain to be granted such a privilege

3. The Creation of the Joker  Originally created by Jerry Robinson in 1940, further illustrating and writing by Bob Kane and Bill Finger  Based on the main character of the 1928 movie, “The Man Who Laughs”

4. Characteristics and Abilities of the Joker  Abnormal resistance to pain  Immune to fear  Poisonous blood  Bullets only subdue him  Does not seem to physically age  Marksman and exceptional at hand to hand combat  Lying and impersonation  Abnormal intelligence  Male  6’0”-6’4”  160 lbs.  Green hair  Green eyes  Perpetual grin due to paralyzed facial nerves  Chalk-white skin  Bright red lips

5. How the Joker became the Joker There are many theories on how the Joker got to be the way he is, but the most popular by far is in The Killing Joke. The Joker started as an engineer at a chemical plant who quit his job there to pursue standup comedy, which proves unsuccessful and heeds him unable to support his pregnant wife, Jeanine.

6. He turns to a group of criminals to help him break in and rob the chemical plant. During the planning, the police call him and inform him that his wife has been killed. He attempts to back out of the plan but is forced to go through with it. When they arrive at the plant, security has become more enforced, and Batman is waiting for them.

7. When the Joker sees Batman, he throws himself into a vat of chemicals. When he washes up in a waterway nearby, he finds his skin to be chalk-white, his hair green, and his lips bright red, hence the Jokers trademark appearance.

8. Harley Quinn   Dr. Harleen Quinzel, a doctor at Arkham Asylum, was originally a researcher of the criminally insane.   The Joker discovers her and lures her in by telling her of an awful abusive childhood.   After meeting the Joker and researching him, she eventually becomes obsessed with him to the point of losing sanity.   She shortens her name to Harley Quinn, and becomes his sidekick, with the futile hope that he will eventually share her infatuation.

9. Important Issues   Detective Comics “Double Gun” issue (#69)   Detective Comics “A Crime a Day” issue (#71)   Batman (#1)

10. Bibliography   www.retrojunk.com/details_articles/4508 www.retrojunk.com/details_articles/4508   www.comicvine.com/joker/29-1702/