10 Times The Joker Was Genuinely Hilarious

He may be a sadistic mass murderer but that doesn't mean the Joker can't be hysterical.

The Joker
DC Comics

Since 1940, the Joker has been spreading chaos throughout Gotham, playing mind-games with Batman, and slaughtering civilians for his own amusement. Whether it's poisoning the water reservoir or pummelling victims with a crowbar, there's nothing the maniacal clown enjoys more than murder

As sickening as that sounds, there are plenty of other psychopaths who like to kill. The reason why the Joker stands out is because nobody slays their victims with the same level of childish glee. He doesn't just like killing. He finds it hilarious. Society perceives the Joker as the craziest man alive but he thinks he's hysterical.

So the real question is; when has the Joker actually been funny? He may be nicknamed "the Clown Prince of Crime" and "the Jester of Genocide" but no one thinks the Joker is as humorous as he does.

But after appearing in countless stories over the last eighty years, the Harlequin of Hate has had moments here and there where his comic timing was spot-on. He may be a serial killer but sometimes, it's hard not to laugh at some of his silly pranks and over-the-top theatrics. Here are just some of the moments where the Joker was genuinely hilarious.

10. Joker Makes A Movie About Himself - Batman: Legends Of The Dark Knight #163

The Joker
DC Comics

Joker is so delusional and arrogant, it was only a matter of time before he tried to cash in on his life story. In the two-part saga, Auteurism, the sinister jester hires (or forces) the classic filmmaker, Buddy Kantor, to author his life in a biographical movie. When the pair realise no actor can depict the menace or gravitas of Batman, Joker concocts a plan. He stages crimes to draw Batman's attention so they can film him and use the footage for the movie.

This entire situation is obviously ridiculous, but the funniest image is of the Joker breaking into a jewellery store and then impatiently sitting on the sidewalk for the Caped Crusader to swing by and beat the crap out of him. Watching the deranged supervillain complaining to his henchmen because the Batman is NOT attacking him is genuinely comical.

The story concludes with Batman capturing his nemesis while Buddy Kantor wins an Academy Award for his work. The Joker watches Kantor's acceptance speech from prison, and tells Killer Croc he is still peeved that he didn't receive a screen credit.

Contributor
Contributor

James Egan has written 80 books including 1000 Facts about Superheroes Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about Horror Movies Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about The Greatest Films Ever Made Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about Video Games Vol. 1-3 1000 Facts about TV Shows Vol. 1-3 Twitter - @jameswzegan85