Sometimes, 2-D comic book characters are difficult to translate into three-dimensional characters, especially for film. Though some comic book portrayals have been met with criticism (Halle Berrys Catwoman and George Clooneys Batman), others had the opposite reaction in that they were praised. In the latter case, arguably the greatest portrayal of a comic book villain has been Heath Ledgers take on the Joker. The Joker is one of the most iconic villains in comic book history. His motives have changed over time, from the 1950s due to the Comic Code Authority when he was just a prankster, to more recent portrayals, in which he is a sociopathic mass murderer lacking any empathy whatsoever. In The Dark Knight, Heath Ledgers Joker simply wears clown make-up to conceal the Glasgow smile scars on his face, but this does nothing to conceal the madness that lies beneath. The point is, the Joker is, for all intents and purposes, insane. So which wrestler best fits this description? Kane? Mankind? The Boogeyman? No, it was Sting. During the second half of 2011, Sting began behaving like Heath Ledgers Joker in many ways. He added more layers to his signature face paint, giving him a faux Glasgow Smile that was almost identical to the Jokers. He shifted from being a quiet, brooding character to a madman that tortured opponents psychologically. He also engaged in several quirks that were similar to the Joker, from laughing maniacally to constantly challenging the existing order (if you call the giant stable Immortal the existing order, that is). Stings new gimmick and mannerisms, coupled with his new face paint, were either homage to Heath Ledgers performance, or a direct rip-off, depending on who you ask. Either way, it goes to show just how much of a cultural impact comic books or their characters have had on people, when they start getting emulated by professional wrestlers.
Alexander Podgorski is a writer for WhatCulture that has been a fan of professional wrestling since he was 8 years old. He loves all kinds of wrestling, from WWE and sports entertainment, to puroresu in Japan.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Queen's University in Political Studies and French, and a Master's Degree in Public Administration. He speaks English, French, Polish, a bit of German, and knows some odd words and phrases in half a dozen other languages.
Sometimes, 2-D comic book characters are difficult to translate into three-dimensional characters, especially for film. Though some comic book portrayals have been met with criticism (Halle Berrys Catwoman and George Clooneys Batman), others had the opposite reaction in that they were praised. In the latter case, arguably the greatest portrayal of a comic book villain has been Heath Ledgers take on the Joker. The Joker is one of the most iconic villains in comic book history. His motives have changed over time, from the 1950s due to the Comic Code Authority when he was just a prankster, to more recent portrayals, in which he is a sociopathic mass murderer lacking any empathy whatsoever. In The Dark Knight, Heath Ledgers Joker simply wears clown make-up to conceal the Glasgow smile scars on his face, but this does nothing to conceal the madness that lies beneath. The point is, the Joker is, for all intents and purposes, insane. So which wrestler best fits this description? Kane? Mankind? The Boogeyman? No, it was Sting. 