Ranking Every Joker Origin Worst To Best

12. Batman 23.1 - 'Aunt Eunice'

Joker Aunt Eunice
DC Comics

The New 52 changed a lot about what readers thought they knew about the Joker, introducing three potential origins over its five year stay on the stands. One such origin emerged during DC's Forever Evil event, where Joker took over the main Batman comic for a brief issue.

Written by Andy Kubert with art from Andy Clarke, Time to Monkey Shine showcased a detailed look at the Clown Prince's childhood - or at least, what he thinks to be his childhood in that exact moment. We see how J was raised by his cruel and mean-spirited Aunt Eunice, who abused him day and night.

The most shocking moment of all, however, comes when Eunice takes a scrubbing brush, some bleach, and cleans the child with it until his skin turns white. It's such a dark origin for the Joker to have, but there are still some telltale signs that it isn't the actual one - with some of the abuse being borderline cartoonish in places.

In the end, Joker's story of a childhood lost isn't anything knew. Some days it's his father, others it's Aunt Eunice. Don't expect this one to be heading to the big screen any time soon at least.

Advertisement
Content Producer/Presenter
Content Producer/Presenter

Resident movie guy at WhatCulture who used to be Comics Editor. Thinks John Carpenter is the best. Likes Hellboy a lot. Can usually be found talking about Dad Movies on his Twitter at @EwanRuinsThings.