THE JOKER’s 85-Year History Through 13 CLASSIC COLLECTIBLES

[Earth 2 Chris]

Since both he and Catwoman debuted in 1940's Batman #1, it's the Joker's 85th Anniversary too. And you don't want to leave out the Clown Prince of Crime! So here are 13 jolly jesters from across the decades...and my house!

https://13thdimension.com/the-jokers-85-year-history-through-13-classic-collectibles/

[warlock664]

IMG_5648.jpg Fantastic job, Chris ! Thanks for these entertaining toy history lessons !
Honorable mention for the 2001 Hasbro 9” Joker ?

[TRDouble]

Great article! And a reminder that I do still like the character of The Joker, but I just have Joker fatigue and hate how a character of his... um, character, is promoted on merchandise, etc.

I am a big fan of both Mattel's Batman: The Brave & The Bold Pop Gun The Joker and the DC Universe Classics-based Batman Legacy Edition Golden Age-style The Joker.

warlock664, that Hasbro Joker, and that whole DC Line (moreso than Hasbro's corresponding Marvel line) was fantastic and the Hasbro DC 9" Batman is brought me full blown into collecting as an adult (being sick and homebound with nothing to do but surf eBay way back in 1999!).

[Earth 2 Chris]

I like the 9" Joker, although the headsculpt always seemed slightly "pinched" on the sides? But he almost made the cut. The 9" Hasbro stuff was a lot of fun, and I still have a fondness for that line.

I also like that Batman: The Brave and the Bold Joker...but they kind of goofed his hair up on that figure, and didn't follow the model sheet very well.

I avoided "Best of" and went for a more random selection with these lists to avoid getting pummeled for leaving out someone's favorites. I appreciate everyone being nice and kind here!

[Werewolf]

I don't think Mego 8 inch or Super Powers Jokers will ever be topped. This all reminds me, I really miss super villain clown prince of crime Joker. I have zero interest in the modern serial killer psychopath Joker.

[Earth 2 Chris]

I don't think Mego 8 inch or Super Powers Jokers will ever be topped. This all reminds me, I really miss super villain clown prince of crime Joker. I have zero interest in the modern serial killer psychopath Joker.

Mego and SP are all timers for sure.

You'll notice no "face cut off" Joker made my article, because I can't stand it, and it totally violates the character's established vanity. I think they've made the Joker so monstrous in the modern comics, that Batman seems like an enabler just letting him continue to live. I don't want him any darker than the Bronze Age return-to-form murderous Joker, personally. He may kill you, or just jolt you a bit with a joy buzzer. Basically the animated series version, even if they only got away with murder in Mask of the Phantasm.

[sprytel]

Another great article!

I have had a problem with a lot of Joker toys, and I think it is because the character usually looks "wrong" if you try to portray him in 3 dimensions while being accurate to the comics... the thin cheeks, the wings on the hair all that... But if you try to make him look more "normal", he loses a lot of his sinister/maniacal qualities and he just looks like a happy clown. Obviously, it is easier if you are going for more of an animated look... or if you are basing it off of a live-action version of the character. But only a few figures really walk that fine line.

I totally agree with you on your call out for the Mezo One:12 version. That is one that pulled this off exceedingly well. And I agree with Warlock about the Hasbro 9" figure too. That is another one that I think really nailed the assignment.

[monitor_ep]

th (56).jpg Great article.

I hated the first Toybiz Joker. He looked like a knock-off figure.

The Batman Returns looks so much better.

[TrekStar]

I always thought the Joker was the number #1 villain of all time, until maybe Darth Vader? but of course that’s another whole universe. I had the Ideal Joker, CAH Joker and of course Mego Joker, I think they all look great.

[Earth 2 Chris]

th (56).jpg Great article.

I hated the first Toybiz Joker. He looked like a knock-off figure.

The Batman Returns looks so much better.

I agree the Kenner Dark Knight Collection Joker is a nicer figure, but he's got the same body (minus the knee articulation) of the Super Powers Joker. Toy Biz KINDA copied that same Joker body, but the story behind a then-unknown company getting the Bat-license is just fascinating to me.

[monitor_ep]

I see your point. Bob turned out great and he was the first henchmen to get released.