13 Comics Highlighting the Complex Relationship Between Batman and Joker

The relationship between Batman and Joker is electric; they are interdependent, akin to Two-Face’s dual sides. As the unstoppable force meets the immovable object, their dynamic could easily be described as one of the most compelling enemies-to-lovers narratives. Their bond is articulated through an array of stunning comic manifestations.

1. The Killing Joke

In The Killing Joke, Alan Moore captures the essence of graphic novels, treating readers to a cornerstone of Batman versus Joker confrontations. The story reveals Joker’s chilling belief that anyone can be pushed to madness by one exceptionally bad day, which he seeks to illustrate through the torment of Commissioner Gordon, unless Batman intervenes.

2. The Dark Knight Returns

Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns stands out as one of the preeminent Batman tales. The narrative unfolds with an aging Batman facing off against Superman, battling a new generation of criminals, and culminating in a fateful confrontation with Joker, where only one of them will emerge alive.

3. A Death In The Family

A Death In The Family represents an extremely grim chapter in the Joker saga. Transitioning from his comic roots to a darker portrayal, Jim Starlin explores Joker’s horrific act of violence against the second Robin, Jason Todd, leaving the reader reeling, much like witnessing a catastrophic accident.

4. Death of the Family

In a shocking twist, someone actually removed Joker’s face—yes, like Hannibal Lecter. Scott Snyder’s Death of the Family depicts Joker’s eerie return to Gotham after his supposed demise, targeting Batman’s allies to inflict profound psychological torment on the Dark Knight.

5. Endgame

Cover art for Batman's 'Endgame' — (DC Comics)

This isn’t your typical Marvel cinematic finale. Scott Snyder’s Endgame offers a dark narrative, featuring Joker’s scheme to obliterate Gotham and take Batman down along with him due to their tangled past. This tale explores Joker’s nefarious motivations and his twisted obsession with Batman.

6. White Knight

In a surprising turn, the Joker is depicted as an unexpected hero in Sean Murphy’s White Knight. Here, he is presented as a reformed character free from his madness—could this transformation have been influenced by Batman?

7. Arkham Asylum: A Serious House On Serious Earth

Instead of typical action sequences, Arkham Asylum: A Serious House On Serious Earth delves into psychological horror. Batman must confront a riot in the infamous asylum, discovering that the boundaries between his psyche and that of the inmates are alarmingly thin.

8. Mad Love

Lightening the mood is Mad Love, a celebrated story loosely based on the version of Joker and Harley Quinn from the beloved 90s animated series. It chronicles Harley’s spiral into madness, beginning from her role as Joker’s therapist to becoming his infatuated accomplice.

9. The Deadly Duo

Unexpectedly, Batman and Joker find themselves as allies in The Deadly Duo. With Harley Quinn kidnapped and grotesque monsters roaming Gotham, Joker proposes an unprecedented partnership to confront the chaos together, testing the boundaries of their volatile relationship.

10. The Joker War

The Joker War is arguably one of the Joker’s most cunning strategies. In an effort to undermine Batman, he targets Bruce Wayne’s fortune, leveraging financial warfare against the Caped Crusader. With his assets seized, Batman must rethink his strategies while grappling with a new level of vulnerability.

11. The War Of Jokes And Riddles

In The War Of Jokes And Riddles, Tom King portrays a fierce competition between Joker and Riddler, both striving for supremacy in Gotham’s villain hierarchy. As Batman gets caught in their feud, he must cleverly navigate the rivalry without losing his edge.