Apr 25, 1940 CE
First Appearance in Batman #1
The Joker debuts in Batman #1, committing a series of murders that lead to a confrontation with Batman. He is initially depicted as a homicidal killer. #comics #dc )
Chronological Storyline (27 Milestones)
Feb 1, 1951 CE
Origin Revealed in Detective Comics #168
The Joker's origin is first revealed in 'The Man Behind the Red Hood!' where he falls into a vat of chemicals at Ace Chemicals, turning his skin white and hair green. #comics #origin
Sep 1, 1973 CE
The Joker's Five-Way Revenge
Batman #251 marks the Joker's return to his dark, murderous roots after years of campy depictions. He systematically kills former henchmen. #comics #batman
Apr 22, 1975 CE
The Joker's First Solo Series
The Joker stars in his own comic series, The Joker #1, exploring his schemes and relationship with Batman. The series runs for nine issues. #comics #dc )
Jun 1, 1986 CE
Appearance in The Dark Knight Returns
In Frank Miller's Elseworlds story, the Joker emerges from catatonia after Batman's return, causing chaos. He ultimately kills himself to frame Batman. #comics #elseworlds
Mar 29, 1988 CE
Publication of The Killing Joke
Alan Moore and Brian Bolland's graphic novel redefines the Joker's origin and depicts him paralyzing Barbara Gordon. It becomes a definitive Joker story. #comics #graphicnovel
Dec 1, 1988 CE
Joker Kills Jason Todd in A Death in the Family
In Batman #428, the Joker beats Robin (Jason Todd) to death with a crowbar and leaves him to die in an explosion, a pivotal event in Batman lore. #comics #death
Oct 1, 1989 CE
Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth
The Joker appears in the psychological horror graphic novel set in Arkham Asylum, depicted as a chaotic force that manipulates the inmates. #comics #horror
Sep 5, 1992 CE
Joker in Batman: The Animated Series
Mark Hamill voices the Joker in the acclaimed animated series, establishing his iconic portrayal and influencing later comic interpretations. #animation #batman )
Feb 1, 1994 CE
Harley Quinn's Origin in Mad Love
Batman: Mad Love reveals the Joker's manipulation of Dr. Harleen Quinzel, turning her into his sidekick Harley Quinn. Their abusive relationship is explored. #comics #harleyquinn
Apr 1, 1999 CE
Joker in No Man's Land
During the No Man's Land storyline, the Joker seizes control of parts of Gotham and battles Batman and other villains for territory. #comics #gotham
Mar 1, 2000 CE
Emperor Joker in Superman #160
The Joker steals Mister Mxyzptlk's powers and reshapes reality, becoming a god-like force that nearly destroys Superman. #comics #superman
Nov 7, 2001 CE
Last Laugh Miniseries
The Joker unleashes a plague of laughter across Earth, forcing heroes and villains to unite. The storyline ends with Joker seemingly killed. #comics #event
Dec 1, 2003 CE
Joker in Batman: Hush
The Joker appears in the Hush storyline, revealing his knowledge of Batman's secret identity and manipulating events. #comics #hush
Feb 23, 2005 CE
The Man Who Laughs One-Shot
A story set early in Batman's career, showing his first encounter with the Joker and his struggle to stop the villain's killing spree. #comics #origin
May 1, 2008 CE
Joker in Batman R.I.P.
The Joker torments Batman from within Arkham, part of the larger R.I.P. storyline that tests Batman mentally and physically. #comics #batman
Oct 16, 2008 CE
Joker Graphic Novel by Azzarello and Bermejo
The original graphic novel Joker presents a gritty, realistic take on the villain, following his release from Arkham and violent rampage. #comics #graphicnovel )
Sep 21, 2011 CE
New 52: Joker's Face Cut Off
In Detective Comics #1 (New 52), the Joker escapes Arkham after having his own face cut off, setting a darker tone for the character. #comics #new52
Oct 10, 2012 CE
Death of the Family Storyline Begins
Batman #13 launches Death of the Family, where the Joker targets Batman's family, seeking to prove they are a liability. #comics #batmanfamily
Oct 29, 2014 CE
Endgame Storyline
In Batman #35, the Joker orchestrates a deadly plague and fakes his death, leading Batman to believe he has finally killed his nemesis. #comics #death
Jun 15, 2016 CE
Rebirth: Joker in Batman: Rebirth #1
The Joker appears in the DC Rebirth era, setting up mysteries about his true identity and relationship with Batman. #comics #rebirth
Aug 30, 2017 CE
The War of Jokes and Riddles
Batman #25 begins a storyline where the Joker and Riddler wage gang war in Gotham, forcing Batman to choose sides. #comics #villains
Nov 6, 2019 CE
Year of the Villain: The Joker
As part of Year of the Villain, the Joker gains new powers from the Batman Who Laughs and becomes a formidable threat. #comics #event
Jun 10, 2020 CE
Joker War Storyline
Batman #92 kicks off Joker War, where the Joker uses his wealth to corrupt Gotham City and target Batman's legacy. #comics #batman
Aug 25, 2020 CE
Three Jokers Miniseries
Geoff Johns' Three Jokers reveals there are three distinct Jokers from different eras, exploring their origins and Batman's reaction. #comics #mystery
Nov 16, 2021 CE
The Joker: The Man Who Stopped Laughing
A new ongoing series focusing on the Joker's return to Gotham and a new threat impersonating him. #comics #series
Sep 20, 2022 CE
Joker in Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths
The Joker appears in DC's Dark Crisis event, playing a role in the multiverse-spanning conflict. #comics #crisis