When it comes to the world of comic books, there are few rivalries as legendary as that of Batman and his arch-nemesis, the Joker. The Caped Crusader and the Clown Prince of Crime have been locked in an endless battle for decades, with each trying to outsmart and outmaneuver the other at every turn.
But what happens when one of them is no longer in the picture? What does Joker do when Batman dies?
The Death of Batman
Before we can answer that question, we first need to explore the concept of Batman’s death. While the Dark Knight is known for his incredible physical prowess and unwavering determination, he is by no means invincible. Over the years, there have been numerous storylines in which Bruce Wayne meets his demise, either at the hands of a villain or due to some other tragic circumstance.
When this happens, it sends shockwaves throughout Gotham City and beyond. Batman is more than just a hero; he’s a symbol of hope and justice that inspires countless people around the world. Without him, many wonder if Gotham can ever truly be safe again.
Joker’s Reaction
So what does Joker do when he learns that Batman has died? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think.
In some storylines, Joker reacts with genuine sadness and regret at losing his longtime foe. After all, without Batman to challenge him and keep him occupied, life may seem boring and meaningless for someone like Joker.
In other cases, however, Joker revels in Batman’s demise. He sees it as a victory over his greatest enemy and takes great pleasure in knowing that he has triumphed where so many others have failed.
Regardless of how Joker reacts initially, one thing is certain: he never stays quiet for long. Whether he’s mourning or celebrating Batman’s death, you can bet that Joker will find a way to make his presence known.
He may go on a rampage, Targeting innocent civilians and causing chaos throughout the city. Or he may simply disappear, biding his time until a new hero rises up to take Batman’s place.
The Aftermath
Of course, the death of Batman has far-reaching consequences beyond just Joker’s reaction. Without Batman to protect Gotham, other villains may see this as an opportunity to seize power and wreak havoc on the city. And without Bruce Wayne’s leadership and resources, the rest of the Bat-family (such as Robin or Batgirl) may struggle to keep up with the increased demands placed on them.
In some storylines, a new hero steps up to take Batman’s place. This could be someone like Dick Grayson (the original Robin) or even a completely new character altogether. In other cases, however, Gotham is left without a protector for some time, leading to an increase in crime and despair throughout the city.
Conclusion
In the end, what Joker does when Batman dies depends largely on the specific storyline being told. But one thing is clear: regardless of how he reacts initially, Joker will never stop being one of Batman’s greatest foes. He is a force of chaos and destruction that will continue to plague Gotham City for as long as he lives (which unfortunately seems to be forever).
And while Batman may eventually return (as he often does in comic book storylines), his death serves as a reminder that even heroes are mortal. It also highlights just how important Batman is not just to Gotham City but to the world of comic books as a whole. Without him, things would certainly be much darker and more dangerous for everyone involved.