Tuesday, April 12, 2016

J is for the Joker

Day 10 - A to Z Challenge - "J"

J is for the Joker
Character Facts:
Abilities/Powers: Complete Unpredictability, Intelligence
Alignment: Villian
Base of Operations: Gotham City

Origin Story:
There are several back stories for the Joker, but a true, definitive one has not been set yet.
The Joker himself sums it up pretty well, "Sometimes I remember it one way, sometimes another...
...if I'm going to have a past, I prefer it to be multiple choice!"
(One of stories said that the Joker was a laboratory worker who becomes the Red Hood (a masked criminal) and tries to steal a million dollars from his employer, so he can retire.  He falls into a large vat of chemical waste, when his plan is thwarted by Batman.  When he emerges from the vat, his skin has been bleached white, his lips are cherry red, his hair is green and he now wears a permanent grin.  And of course, he is completely insane.)

Interesting Tidbits:
-The Joker made his comic book debut in 1940 and was originally set to be killed after only a couple appearances.  Thanks to the editor of the comic book, the Joker was given a reprieve and remained in the world of the Batman.
-The Joker is said to be Batman's archenemy.
-The Joker has several nicknames, including The Clown Prince of Crime, The Jester of Genocide, The Harlequin of Hate and The Ace of Knaves.

My Observations:
Definitely one of the creepiest characters around!
No matter the type of media, comic books, TV, movies...
..the Joker is always unpredictable and extremely entertaining.

I really enjoyed watching Cesar Romero portray the Joker in the 1960s Batman series, where he is more prankster, than psychopath.  I found him quite funny and loved watching the banter between him and the Penguin. (They would often team up together.) 
I think I prefer the funnier side of the Joker character, to the serial killer side.

10 comments:

  1. Gee a character that I know of. lol

    Linda

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  2. I ditto Linda's comment! He has to be one of my favourites so far because of his insanity and unpredictability! Who needs sane people in comic books anyway!!! :)

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  3. I think he is the creepiest - but my last memory - of the Dark Knight I think is why. I will have to find a re-run to watch from the 60's to see him in a different way.

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  4. Beautiful stitching as always. I'm enjoying learning more about these characters. :)

    Ros
    Fangirl Stitches A-Z Cross Stitch Style
    Travel like a Geek A-Z Harry Potter film locations

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    1. Thanks so much Roslyn! I am having a lot of fun stitching the piece you created.

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  5. Interesting. My favourite Joker is Jack Nicholson - psychopath supreme with a sense of humour. Great post :-) Good luck with the rest of the AtoZchallenge.

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  6. I am the same as Ronel above!
    My favourite Joker is Jack Nicholson with those HUGE lips :)
    Absolutely wacky!!

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  7. Great stitching and interesting back story. I remember watching Batman on tv as a child. The Joker wasn't so scary then and yes I preferred it.. loved the comic book "Wham" etc that would fill the screen when there is a fight.

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  8. I love the Joker, I am not much of a Marvel fan, but I do love cross stitching so I will be sure to follow your posts.

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  9. I agree, I prefer the funnier side. I'm not a fan of the darker version. Another great character! :D

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