What is Joker like in the comics?

I’ll admit, I’ve never read a DC comic in my life, but I grew up watching the DCAU all day everyday. So the Joker I know is Mark Hamill’s animated version. That’s what comes to mind when I think Joker. I don’t know much about the original incarnation of the character? Was he different than Hamill? What was he like?

That's a pretty close rendition of comic Joker, but he varies between episodes.

It depends on the comic or era really, some are comical and others disturbing.

Mark Hamill is the closest to how The Joker was originally created to be.

Like others have said, DCAU Joker is probably the closest non-comic rendition.

As far as entertainment outside of comics, Mark Hamill has been the closest to the comic version of the Joker just dialed down for children.

TAS version is very accurate to The Joker from the comics so that's a great introduction.

in 1940 when Joker was first introduced he was less about comedic antics and laughing and was more serious, he was unpredictable a wild card hence the name Joker. and in true comic book million to one odds he also happened to resemble a depiction of a joker on a deck of playing cards.

after his first couple of appearances they added The Joker's habit of committing crimes based on themes, making his crimes themselves elaborate jokes.

while still in the 1940s they continued to develop the character further, adding the Joker's more comedic antics and maniacal laughter. in the 1970s and 80s writers added to the character a more sadistic nature and behavior, and he more or less stayed that way in the main continuity comics until the 00s.

@thespartanb345t: so in other words, an even more fantastic interpretation of the joker in comics

The Joker was created in 1940, so no, not like the others have sayd, Mark Hamill is not exactly like the original character.

But The Joker was already crazy then, with a grim laugh (hence his name), that's what got him popular. So popular that they made him the main vilain in the 60's tv show.

The 60's was a time without comics as dark as they can be later. Later, is the 70's / 80's when the comics code got banned. There The Joker gained his famous long laughts. With the great story: The Joker's Back in Town.

Then he went a step up in caryness and darkness with Alan Moore's take in The Killing Joke. But by then Batman: The animated serie and Batman by Burton were already out.

For your personnal knowledge, you should read the following book: The Joker: The Greatest Stories Ever Told

Includes:

1. 1940 - Batman #1 - Batman versus the Joker
2. 1951 - Batman #66 - The Joker's Comedy of Errors!
3. 1952 - Batman #73 - The Joker's Utility Belt!
4. 1957 - Batman #110 - Crime-of-the-Month Club!
5. 1964 - Detective Comcis #332 - The Joker's Last Laugh!
6. 1978 - Detective Comics #475 - The Laughing Fish
7. 1978 - Detective Comics #476 - Sign of the Joker!
8. 1980 - Batman #321 - Have a Dreadful Birthday, Mr. Joker
9. 1994 - Batman Adventures Annual #1 - Laughter After Midnight
10. 1997 - Batman: The Long Halloween #4 - New Year's Eve
11. 2002 - Batman: Black and White vol.2 - Case Study
12. 2003 - Batman #614 - The Joke
13. 2007 - Detective Comics #826 - Slayride

You can add the following tpb:

• Batman: Year One + The Man Who Laughts
• The Killing Joke
• Lovers and Madmen
• The Joker by Brian Azzarello

Hamill

Joker

Mark Hamil

Watch his Joker performance and you will know.