The Joker, the infamous villain of the Batman universe, has been a topic of debate among comic book fans for ages. One of the most common questions that fans have been asking is whether Joker is dead in the Batman universe or not.
There have been numerous instances in which Joker has been presumed dead, only to make a comeback later on. In this article, we will explore the various instances where Joker was thought to be dead and try to answer the question once and for all.
The Death of Joker
Joker has always been a character that has walked a fine line between life and death. He is known for his unpredictable nature and his willingness to take extreme risks. However, there have been several instances where it seemed like Joker had finally met his end.
The Killing Joke
One of the most iconic Joker stories is ‘The Killing Joke’, written by Alan Moore. In this story, Joker shoots Barbara Gordon (Batgirl) and paralyzes her from the waist down. He then kidnaps Commissioner Gordon and subjects him to torture in an attempt to drive him insane.
Towards the end of the story, Batman finally catches up with Joker and confronts him about his actions. In response, Joker tells Batman a joke that ends with both of them laughing uncontrollably. The story ends with Batman reaching out towards Joker as they both continue laughing.
Many fans have debated whether this ending implies that Batman kills Joker or not. However, it is left open-ended and up to interpretation.
Endgame
In 2015, Scott Snyder wrote ‘Endgame’, a storyline where it was revealed that Joker had actually immortal blood which kept him alive through centuries. In one issue, Batman seemingly kills him by burying him under debris after a fight but he later rises up again as part of his plan to destroy Gotham City.
Conclusion
So, is Joker dead in the Batman universe? The answer is no.
The Joker has been killed, or at least appeared to be killed, numerous times throughout his history. However, he always finds a way to come back. Whether it’s through his own cunning or because of plot devices used by the writers, Joker is a character that can never truly be killed off.
In conclusion, the Joker is one of the most iconic villains in comic book history and will continue to be one of the most debated characters among fans. While it may seem like he has met his end on multiple occasions, there will always be a possibility that he will return in some shape or form.