10 Times The Joker Actually SAVED Batman

Batman: Europa is a story written by Brian Azzarello and Matteo Casali, and sees the Dark Knight and The Joker forced together in a deadly battle for survival. Having both been infected by a fatal Colossus virus, the pair embark on a road trip across Europe in search for clues and a cure to their affliction.

And whilst the pair are constantly locking horns thanks to The Joker's constant and uncontrollable need to push Batman's buttons through his sadistic antics, the two most recognisable faces in Gotham actually make a pretty good team. With both figures being such polar opposites of one another, the two of them balance each other out perfectly and The Joker's undeniable genius helps Batman put together the different pieces they possess of 'the same puzzle'.

There's even enough time in the limited series for the pair to engage in a bit of self-reflection and they share some particularly poignant moments when in direct conversation.

On top of the pros he brings as an ally, readers certainly get the impression over the course of the storyline that Batman is secretly enjoying the comfort of having a familiar face such as The Joker along with him during his trials.

And of course there's the natural drive The Joker provides, with his sheer presence helping to keep the Dark Knight soldiering on through the pain as the story unfolds.