The Joker: 10 Most Famous Comic Book Origins Ranked Worst To Best

1. Alfred Was The Joker

The Joker
DC Comics

Imagine if The Joker was somebody close to Batman? Somebody who had overseen the rise of Bruce Wayne from playboy to superhero. And, with his parents out of the picture, the ultimate betrayer would be butler Alfred Pennyworth. In Whatever Happened to the Caped Crusader, it is revealed that Alfred donned the pale make-up and green hair in a bid to bring a flailing Bruce out of his slump.

Batman himself is struggling to be a vigilante so Alfred pays some associates to try and force him back into action. However, he himself chooses to become the Joker and give Batman a worthy archenemy. The whole comic is told from Bruce's point of view from beyond the grave, with the youngest Wayne already dead. It is worth noting, however, that Bruce does not see Alfred as the Joker, deeming it to be unrealistic, despite the evidence being right in front of him.

Ranking Explained: What a twist. If Alfred was the Joker, it would really be the ultimate betrayal. Just for sheer originality, it sits top of the list.

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