In the expansive DC Universe, the idea of impending doom is all too common. Many villains harbor dreams of destruction, but few come as close as the Joker. Despite Batman’s relentless efforts to thwart his plans, there have been countless moments when the Joker has nearly achieved his psychopathic ambitions.
The Joker stands apart from other villains due to his unpredictable and dangerous nature. Although he is merely human, his actions have had catastrophic consequences across the globe. Over time, the Joker’s schemes have escalated from seemingly harmless antics to catastrophic threats that nearly lead to apocalypse scenarios. Unlike other Gotham villains fixated on control or wealth, the Joker has persistently been a harbinger of chaos, coming alarmingly close to demolishing all that Batman cherishes.
10 The Joker’s Attempt to Drive Jim Gordon Insane
Batman: The Killing Joke by Alan Moore and Brian Bolland
The Joker is a character marked by inconsistency; his traits can shift dramatically depending on the storyteller. However, the one constant in his characterization is his nihilistic worldview that nothing truly matters. His twisted philosophy prompted him to shoot Barbara Gordon, paralyzing her, and to kidnap her father, Jim Gordon. By showcasing photographic evidence of Barbara’s suffering, he aimed to push Gordon into madness.
Ultimately, the Joker’s ambitions fell flat. While the story juxtaposes the Joker’s bleak outlook against Batman’s moral fortitude, Jim Gordon stands resilient, affirming that justice should prevail “by the book”regardless of the Joker’s torment.
9 The Joker’s Fake Murder of Robin Tim Drake
Joker: Last Laugh by Chuck Dixon et al.
The Joker’s perpetual pursuit of chaos includes an apparent desire for death at the hands of Batman. For decades, he has baited Batman to cross the line, although he succeeded in nearly getting another Bat-Family member to do so in Joker: Last Laugh, where he unleashed a virus causing worldwide insanity, seemingly resulting in Tim Drake’s death.
When Dick Grayson finally confronted the Joker, he pummeled him in a fit of rage. Fortunately, Tim was alive and even rescued the Joker by performing CPR. While the Joker’s strategy to force Batman’s allies across the kill line failed, his menacing influence still lingers.
8 The Joker’s Successful Murder of Robin Jason Todd
Batman #426 by Jim Starlin et al.
Initially characterized by a penchant for random, prankster-oriented murders, the Joker evolved into a more formidable foe following events like The Killing Joke. This shift culminated in one of the most significant moments in comic book history with the brutal death of Jason Todd, another Robin.
Though at first glance, killing Jason might seem like a triumph for the Joker, it had complex ramifications. While devastating for the Bat-Family, this loss was not permanent, as Jason later returned as the Red Hood, seeking revenge against the Joker, showcasing the unpredictable cycle of death and rebirth in the comic world.
7 Nightwing’s Brainwashing Under the Joker’s Influence
Nightwing #72 by Dan Jurgens et al.
The Joker’s obsession with Robin extends even to Dick Grayson, despite him adopting the Nightwing persona. During a story arc where Dick is targeted by the Court of Owls for brainwashing, the Joker cunningly gets hold of their techniques and manipulates Dick into believing he was raised by him.
This temporary alteration of Dick’s personality sees him adopt the demeaning name ‘Dicky Boy.’ Luckily, this phase was fleeting, and he regained his true memories, ultimately resuming his role as Nightwing and reuniting with the Bat-Family during the Joker War.
6 The Joker’s Near-Demolition of the Bat-Family
Batman #13 by Scott Snyder et al.
The Joker’s obsession with Batman fuels an intense disdain for anyone who diverts the Dark Knight’s attention. His strategy culminated in a horrifying plot to dismantle the Bat-Family by capturing each member, preying on Batman’s fears to isolate him. Despite his success in physically capturing them, psychologically, his victory proved to be short-lived.
Though the Bat-Family escaped the Joker’s clutches, the emotional rift he created lingered, momentarily fracturing their bond with Batman. In the end, however, this discord was reconciled, affirming the resilience of their unity.
5 The Joker’s Attempt to Turn Superman Against Himself
Action Comics #719 by David Michelinie and Kieron Dwyer
Although Superman was on the brink of crossing his moral line, he ultimately backed down at the last moment, only to discover that the Joker had deceived him; Lois was never in real danger. This exemplifies the Joker’s enjoyment in manipulating heroes’ moral dilemmas.
4 Joker’s Triumph Over Superman in an Alternate Universe
Injustice: Gods Among Us #1 by Tom Taylor et al.
The Joker, relentless in his pursuits, finally breaks Superman in the alternate universe of *Injustice*. Manipulating Superman into killing Lois Lane, who is also pregnant, the Joker’s machinations lead to Superman’s descent into darkness. This catastrophic event triggers Superman to unleash devastating consequences on Metropolis.
The fallout from this event ignited a war between Superman and Batman, demonstrating the far-reaching ramifications of the Joker’s influence. Even though it initially felt like a victory for the Joker, Batman’s resilience eventually prevailed, restoring balance.
3 The Joker’s Ambition to Wreak Global Havoc
Joker: Last Laugh by Chuck Dixon et al.
Despite numerous attempts to reform him, the Joker’s dangerous persona persists. When one of his doctors falsely informs him that he has a terminal, inoperable brain tumor, the Joker responds not with remorse, but by plotting to take the entire world down with him.
His sinister plan to unleash “crazy rain,”a toxic precipitation that sends people spiraling into insanity, threatened global stability. Had it not been for the ingenuity of Kirk Langstrom and Harley Quinn, who devised a cure, the Joker’s malevolent aspirations might have come to fruition.
2 The Birth of the Batman Who Laughs: The Joker’s Near Masterstroke
Dark Days: The Casting by Scott Snyder et al.
Within the intricate tapestry of the Dark Multiverse lies the Joker’s most devious victory—the creation of the Batman Who Laughs. In a twisted reality fuelled by the Joker’s malignant schemes, Batman succumbs to the psychological torment and kills the Joker, leading to his own transformation into a malevolent version of himself.
This new entity not only vanquishes heroes within his own universe but attempts to spread his dominion into the Prime Universe, nearing the obliteration of all existing realities. However, this catastrophic plan was thwarted when Wonder Woman decided to forcibly hurl him into the sun.
1 The Joker’s Temporary Destruction of the Multiverse
Emperor Joker #1 by Joe Kelly et al.
In *Emperor Joker*, the Joker attained unprecedented power, gaining 98% of Mr. Mxyzptlk’s abilities, which allowed him to distort reality to his whim. In an extravagant display of chaos, he imprisoned heroes, turned the Justice League into bumbling fools, and repeatedly killed Batman for his amusement. Eventually, the Joker grew weary of existence altogether and chose to erase everything from reality.
This shocking act left only himself, Batman, and Superman in existence. However, the Joker’s obsession with Batman ultimately prevented him from wiping the Dark Knight out. Eventually swayed by Superman’s words, he relinquished his newfound powers, restoring the universe. In this struggle for dominance, the Joker’s ambition saw him within reach of total annihilation—making this event the closest he ever came to achieving the ultimate victory.