<P> In his comic book appearances, the Joker is portrayed as a criminal mastermind . Introduced as a psychopath with a warped, sadistic sense of humor, the character became a goofy prankster in the late 1950s in response to regulation by the Comics Code Authority, before returning to his darker roots during the early 1970s . As Batman's nemesis, the Joker has been part of the superhero's defining stories, including the murder of Jason Todd--the second Robin and Batman's ward--and the paralysis of one of Batman's allies, Barbara Gordon . The Joker has had various possible origin stories during his decades of appearances . The most common story involves him falling into a tank of chemical waste which bleaches his skin white, turns his hair green, and his lips bright red; the resulting disfigurement drives him insane . The antithesis of Batman in personality and appearance, the Joker is considered by critics to be his perfect adversary . </P> <P> The Joker possesses no superhuman abilities, instead using his expertise in chemical engineering to develop poisonous or lethal concoctions, and thematic weaponry, including razor - tipped playing cards, deadly joy buzzers, and acid - spraying lapel flowers . The Joker sometimes works with other Gotham City supervillains such as the Penguin and Two - Face, and groups like the Injustice Gang and Injustice League, but these relationships often collapse due to the Joker's desire for unbridled chaos . The 1990s introduced a romantic interest for the Joker in his former psychiatrist, Harley Quinn, who becomes his villainous sidekick . Although his primary obsession is Batman, the Joker has also fought other heroes including Superman and Wonder Woman . </P> <P> One of the most iconic characters in popular culture, the Joker has been listed among the greatest comic book villains and fictional characters ever created . The character's popularity has seen him appear on a variety of merchandise, such as clothing and collectable items, inspire real - world structures (such as theme park attractions), and be referenced in a number of media . The Joker has been adapted to serve as Batman's adversary in live - action, animated, and video game incarnations, including the 1960s Batman television series (played by Cesar Romero) and in film by Jack Nicholson in Batman (1989), Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight (2008), and Jared Leto in Suicide Squad (2016). Mark Hamill, Troy Baker, and others have provided the character's voice . </P> <P> Bill Finger, Bob Kane, and Jerry Robinson are credited with creating the Joker, but their accounts of the character's conception differ, each providing his own version of events . Finger's, Kane's, and Robinson's versions acknowledge that Finger produced an image of actor Conrad Veidt in character as Gwynplaine (a man with a disfigured face, giving him a perpetual grin) in the 1928 film The Man Who Laughs as an inspiration for the Joker's appearance, and Robinson produced a sketch of a joker playing card (right). </P>

Why did the joker do what he did