Brandon Sanderson, a prominent voice in the fantasy genre and creator of the Mistborn series, has shared his perspective on the various portrayals of the Joker. Known for his intricate character development, Sanderson has taken a definitive stance on which interpretation of the Clown Prince of Crime deserves the title of the best.
Originating alongside his iconic nemesis Batman, the Joker has undergone numerous transformations across a multitude of media, including comics, films, video games, and animated series. While some representations portray him as a harmless trickster, others depict him as a ruthless killer. Sanderson acknowledges this evolution and emphasizes that only one version can be crowned as the ultimate Joker.
Sanderson Declares The Dark Knight’s Joker the Best
Heath Ledger’s Interpretation Stands Out as “The Best Version”
In a recent episode of their podcast, Intentionally Blank, Sanderson and fellow author Dan Wells engaged in an insightful discussion about various villains, including the Joker. They outlined their criteria for evaluating these characters based on design and depth, utilizing a tier chart with four distinct categories:
- Good design/good character
- Good design/flat character
- Poor design/good character
- Poor design/flat character
As the conversation unfolded, they ranked an array of iconic villains. Notably, characters like Gollum and Darth Vader landed in the “good design/good character”tier, while others, such as Bowser and the Xenomorphs from Alien, fell into the “good design/flat character”category. The MCU’s version of Thanos, despite being popular, struggled with design. Eventually, their focus shifted to the Joker’s standing.
Both Sanderson and Wells reached a consensus that the portrayal of the Joker in The Dark Knight qualifies as a “very good character”with a commendable design. Sanderson defended this iteration against claims of him being merely a caricature, referring to Batman: The Killing Joke as a counterexample. Ultimately, they concurred that this Joker belongs in the “good design/good character”tier, with Sanderson dubbing him “the best version.”
It’s worth noting that Heath Ledger’s performance earned him an Academy Award, further solidifying the effectiveness of his portrayal.
Determining the Best Joker: A Challenging Inquiry
What Factors Influence the Selection of a Favorite Joker?
Sanderson’s endorsement of The Dark Knight’s Joker is understandable, given the film’s enduring acclaim more than a decade post-release. Ledger excelled in portraying Christopher Nolan’s complex interpretation of the character. However, numerous fans hold different preferences, championing other live-action interpretations by Jack Nicholson or voice performances by Mark Hamill. This variety stimulates enjoyable discourse, yet it often overlooks the rich source material that inspired these portrayals.
Comic book fans are aware of the extensive history of the Joker in Batman narratives, with highlights such as The Killing Joke regarded as a quintessential Joker story. Other works, like Batman: White Knight, present a reimagined Joker with a touch of sanity, while Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth features a more grotesque representation. Despite this, pinpointing a favorite Joker from comics is undoubtedly more challenging than naming those from films or shows.
Fans will always find new interpretations of the Joker to resonate with them…
Ultimately, appreciating a multi-dimensional character like the Joker invites a wide range of personal preferences. Whether one is drawn to Heath Ledger’s portrayal, Mark Hamill’s vocal performance, Barry Keoghan’s cameo in The Batman, or any comic version, all viewpoints hold merit. The Joker embodies a uniquely captivating essence that ensures every incarnation has its advocates and critics alike. Therefore, the quest to identify the “best Joker”is largely subjective, hinging on individual preference.
The Joker’s Complexity: Why One Version Can’t Be the Sole Best
However, Having a Favorite Is Still Possible
The remarkable adaptability of the Joker allows him to fit seamlessly into various narratives, making it feasible for anyone to have a favorite version. While certain adaptations may garner more acclaim and possess an ‘it factor’ that stands out, every interpretation of the Joker carries its own unique traits. Sanderson acknowledges the merit of The Dark Knight’s Joker, but ultimately, the title of “best”will always hinge on personal taste.
Source: YouTube