The Joker is one of the most iconic villains in the Batman franchise. He is known for his maniacal laughter, unpredictable behavior, and his eternal feud with the Dark Knight.
Despite being killed off in various adaptations, he always seems to find a way to come back. One such instance is in Batman Beyond, where the Joker is still alive despite being presumed dead for years.
The Origin of Batman Beyond
Before we delve into how the Joker is still alive in Batman Beyond, let’s take a quick look at the origin of this animated series. Batman Beyond was first aired in 1999 and takes place in a futuristic version of Gotham City. The show follows Terry McGinnis, a teenager who becomes the new Batman under the guidance of an elderly Bruce Wayne.
The Return of the Joker
In one of the most iconic episodes of Batman Beyond titled “Return of the Joker,” we see that the Clown Prince of Crime has somehow managed to cheat death once again. The episode starts with a flashback that shows how Bruce Wayne’s protégé Robin (Tim Drake) was kidnapped by the Joker and subjected to extreme torture.
The Joker’s Plan
The flashback reveals that the Joker’s ultimate plan was to brainwash Tim Drake into becoming his successor. He injected Tim with a microchip that would allow him to control his mind and turn him into a twisted version of himself.
The Final Showdown
Batman manages to rescue Tim from the clutches of the Joker but not before he had already been brainwashed. In a final showdown between Terry (the new Batman) and Tim (now known as “Joker Jr.”), we see that Terry manages to destroy the microchip controlling Tim’s mind.
How Is The Joker Still Alive?
Now comes the million-dollar question – how is it possible for the Joker to still be alive in Batman Beyond? Well, the answer lies in the fact that the Joker didn’t actually return from the dead but rather his legacy did. Throughout the episode “Return of the Joker,” it’s revealed that Tim Drake was not the only one who was brainwashed by the Joker.
The Legacy of The Joker
In a shocking twist, we find out that one of Tim’s classmates, Jordan Pryce, was also brainwashed by the Joker. This is significant because Jordan bears a striking resemblance to the original Joker and even has his signature laugh. It’s strongly implied that Jordan is actually a clone of the original Joker and was created using his DNA.
The Future of Gotham City
In conclusion, while it may seem like The Joker returned from beyond the grave in Batman Beyond, it was actually a clever plot twist that involved his legacy living on through cloning. It’s an interesting take on how far someone will go to ensure their legacy lives on even after they’re gone. As for what this means for Gotham City’s future, only time will tell.
- The Joker is not actually alive in Batman Beyond.
- His legacy lives on through cloning.
- Jordan Pryce is a clone of The Joker.
Conclusion
The Joker is a character that has been around for decades and has been portrayed in various forms of media. While he may have died numerous times, his impact on pop culture continues to live on. As we’ve seen in Batman Beyond, even after death, his legacy can still make an impact on those around him.