The Batman '66 Comic version of the Joker is a vibrant continuation of the 1966 television series' legacy, primarily featured in the digital-first comic run launched in 2013. This incarnation captures the whimsical, campy nature of Cesar Romero's iconic portrayal, blending Silver Age absurdity with new adventures across the DC multiverse.
La Scena
In the Batman '66 comic series, the Joker is frequently depicted orchestrating theatrical and elaborate crimes that mock the Dynamic Duo. A defining moment occurs in Issue #3 (2013), where the Joker mocks Batman by stealing a version of the Caped Crusader's cowl and dressing as 'Joker-Batman.' Another standout sequence is found in Issue #11, 'The Joker’s Big Show,' where he and Catwoman utilize a brain-wave regulator during a prison talent show. Their goal is not escape, but rather to infect the entirety of Gotham City with a wave of uncontrollable mania, perfectly encapsulating this version's preference for grand, non-lethal psychological pranks.
Significato
This appearance is significant as it bridged the gap between the nostalgic 1960s television era and modern comic book storytelling, allowing the 'Clown Prince of Crime' to engage in scenarios that the original show's budget could never support. By maintaining the character's persona as a prankster rather than a dark serial killer, the comic preserved a specific historical archetype of the Joker. Its success led to high-profile multiversal crossovers with icons like the Green Hornet, Wonder Woman '77, and Archie Andrews, cementing the '66 Joker's place as a cornerstone of DC’s Earth-66 lore.
Design
The design is a meticulous tribute to Cesar Romero’s legendary 1960s look, rendered with a pop-art aesthetic by artists like Mike Allred. The Joker wears his signature pinkish-purple three-piece suit, paired with a bright green wig and a stark white-painted complexion. The most essential and faithful detail is the visible, painted-over mustache, a nod to Romero’s real-life refusal to shave his facial hair for the role. This version favors 'gag' gadgets, such as joy buzzers and non-lethal traps, over conventional weaponry, reflecting the theatricality of the era.
