Joker Origin Movie: 7 Comic Storylines DC Could Adapt

3. Gotham Central: Soft Targets

Gotham Central is just about the best Batman series published in the 21st century, and it barely even features the Caped Crusader to begin with.

Written by Greg Rucka and Ed Brubaker, with art provided by Michael Lark for the series' majority, Gotham Central is all about the average joes who work for the G.C.P.D. It's a fascinating dynamic to explore, as everyday officers are forced to contend with a world chockfull of villains with freeze-rays, umbrella guns and, in one particularly troubling occasion, a purple and green suit.

Joker's arrival in the comic coincided with a particularly gruelling period for the force, who'd already had to contend with both Mister Freeze and Two Face by this point. To make matters worse, the Clown Prince commenced his killing spree during the run up to Christmas, and this wasn't any ordinary rampage. The Joker, equipped with a sniper rifle, targets key elements of Gotham's legal and political systems, including the mayor.

It's a fantastic story, made even better by Gotham Central's already stellar premise. Batman does get involved of course, but if DC are looking to make this particular film one all about the Clown Prince, shifting the focus to Gotham's finest could be just the trick they need, with the comic having also inspired elements of The Dark Knight.