The Joker

In an article about Harley Quinn, an illustration of a couch surrounded by Harley Quinn's weapons

‘Harley Quinn’ Shows the True Heroes and Villains of Gotham

Caroline Ocampo, The University of Texas at Arlington

While Batman is often depicted as a protagonist, HBO's animated series offers a different take on the caped crusader and his enemies.…

November 3, 2022

In article about She-Hulk, three MCU villains with their pictures crossed off

‘She-Hulk’ Exposes the MCU’s Difficulty With Using Villains to Their Full Potential

Kwami Maranga, Binghamton University

The Disney+ series reveals an underlying issue with the cinematic universe's treatment of its antagonists — they are killed off much too quickly.…

September 26, 2022

in an article about the Joker, three Jokers sitting around a table in a bar chatting

The Cinematic History of the Joker and What’s in Store for Him Next

Jesus Garcia, Boston University

Since the 1960s, several actors have portrayed The Clown Prince of Crime, for better or for worse. What can fans expect from Batman's nemesis in the future?…

April 18, 2022

In an article about villains in media, Harley Queen stands with her back to the viewer, watching a city burn.

Harley Quinn, the Joker, and Loki: Why We Love Villains

Lauren Sung, University of Georgia

With the success of movies like 'Joker,' series like 'Loki,' and characters like Harley Quinn, we've got to ask — what is it about villains that is so endearing to audiences?…

August 3, 2021

The Snyder Cut Could Restore the Original Vision of 2017’s ‘Justice League’

Sarah Esquivel, University of Texas at San Antonio

While the 2017 original theatrical release left many underwhelmed, the original cut from the initial director, Zack Snyder, may redeem the film.…

December 1, 2020

Illustration of the Joker from the 2019 film featuring Joaquin Phoenix

Todd Philips’s ‘Joker’ Could Be the Start of a New Movie Trend

Brendan Bell, Towson University

The clown prince of crime’s cinematic success could pave the way for similar movies.…

October 21, 2019

The Joker could be more famous than Batman himself. (Image via Behance)

As Social Anxieties Change, So Do Portrayals of The Joker

Cassie Rowett, Southern New Hampshire University

From the simple villainy of the original Joker to the cerebral sadism of Heath Ledger, the villain has always been a reflection of his audience.…

November 6, 2018

2 New ‘Joker’ Films Are Struggling to Compete with Ledger’s Legacy

Carly Ristaino, Union College

Ten years after Heath Ledger’s legendary performance as the Joker, Warner Brothers is (once again) trying to recast him.…

June 26, 2018

Imagining the Next Joker

Benny Diaz III, Southern New Hampshire University

A malevolent clown, a depraved bastard and a troubled boy: Are one of these actors sinister enough to channel the Clown Prince of Crime?…

November 6, 2017

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The Joker