The Joker is one of the most iconic villains in comic book history, and his rivalry with Batman is legendary. However, there has been a lot of speculation about whether or not the Joker has ever succeeded in killing his nemesis. In this article, we will explore the answer to this question and take a closer look at the comic book where it allegedly happens.
Has the Joker ever killed Batman?
The short answer to this question is no, the Joker has never successfully killed Batman in any official DC Comics continuity. The closest he came was in the 1988 graphic novel “Batman: A Death in the Family,” where he brutally beat Robin (Jason Todd) to death with a crowbar.
This event led to a massive fan poll where readers were given the opportunity to vote on whether or not Jason Todd would survive. Unfortunately for Robin fans, they voted overwhelmingly for him to die.
The Killing Joke
One of the most famous Joker stories is “The Killing Joke,” written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Brian Bolland. The story explores the Joker’s origin and features him attempting to drive Commissioner Gordon insane by kidnapping his daughter and subjecting her to torture. However, despite its dark themes, “The Killing Joke” does not feature Batman’s death.
Batman: Endgame
Another popular theory among fans is that Batman dies at the hands of the Joker in “Batman: Endgame.” This storyline was written by Scott Snyder and illustrated by Greg Capullo and features an epic showdown between Batman and his greatest enemy. However, while Batman is certainly put through the ringer in this story, he ultimately emerges victorious and defeats the Joker once again.
The Dark Knight Returns
Perhaps the closest we’ve ever come to seeing Batman die at the hands of his arch-nemesis was in Frank Miller’s “The Dark Knight Returns.” In this alternate future, an aging Batman comes out of retirement to take on the Joker one last time.
The two engage in a brutal fight that ends with Batman apparently killing the Joker. However, it’s later revealed that the Joker had actually broken his own neck in an attempt to frame Batman for murder.
Conclusion
While there have been many stories over the years that have teased the possibility of Batman’s death at the hands of the Joker, it has yet to happen in official DC Comics continuity. However, this hasn’t stopped fans from speculating and debating about what would happen if it ever did. Regardless of whether or not it ever happens, one thing is for sure: the Joker will always remain one of Batman’s greatest and most dangerous adversaries.
- Summary: The Joker has never killed Batman in official DC Comics continuity.
- The Killing Joke: One of the most famous Joker stories does not feature Batman’s death.
- Batman: Endgame: While this storyline features an epic showdown between Batman and the Joker, it ultimately ends with Batman emerging victorious.
- The Dark Knight Returns: In this alternate future story, Batman seemingly kills the Joker, but it’s later revealed that he broke his own neck as part of a plan to frame Batman for murder.
Sources
- “Batman: A Death in the Family” by Jim Starlin and Marv Wolfman
- “The Killing Joke” by Alan Moore and Brian Bolland
- “Batman: Endgame” by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo
- “The Dark Knight Returns” by Frank Miller