According to sci-fi figure Brandon Sanderson, there’s a clear winner when it comes to which version of theJokeris the absolute best. TheMistbornauthor is well-versed when it comes to rich characters and he’s airing his thoughts on which interpretation of the Clown Prince of Crime stands above the rest.
The Joker is almost as oldas his adversary Batman, and over the years, the villain has gone through multiple changes. Not only has he been everything from a pesky prankster to a cold-blooded serial killer in the comics, but movies, video games, and cartoons have also tried their handat reinterpreting the Joker. But as Sanderson points out, only one can be the top clown.
Brandon Sanderson NamesThe Dark Knight’sJoker as the Greatest
Heath Ledger’s Interpretation Was “The Best Version”
Brandon Sanderson and fellow writer Dan Wells took the time to discuss the Joker (among other villains) on the 166th episode of their podcast,Intentionally Blank. After a brief introduction, Sanderson discusses how they’ll be talking about villains and ranking them. Sanderson clarifies that the two won’t just be discussing whether these villains are good, but if they’ve got a good design as well. During the discussion,Wells and Sanderson place each villain on a tier chart consisting of four categories: Good design/good character, good design/flat character, poor design/good character, and poor design/flat character.
Throughout the conversation, Sanderson and Wells talk about a swath of popular villains. Foes like Gollum and Darth Vader easily reach the ‘good design/good character tier’ while other villains such as Bowser, Cobra Commander, andthe Xenomorphs fromAlienonly make it to the ‘good design/flat character’ tier.Ducktales’Flintheart Glomgold and the MCU interpretation of Thanos don’t get points for their design, but they are noted for having good characters. Villains like the MCU M.O.D.O.K., however, are placed on the worst poor design/flat character tier. The duo save the best for lastand finally discuss where the Joker falls.
…both agree thatThe Dark Knight’sJoker is suited for the good design/good character tier…
The duo immediately agree thatThe Dark Knight’sinterpretation of Joker is a very good character. Sanderson does note that Joker has been interpreted a number of times in various different media like Batman: The Animated Series or theBatman: Arkhamseries and that there are some versions that fall flat. However, Sanderson pushes back when Wells calls the Joker a ‘caricature’, specifically name-droppingBatman: The Killing Jokeas a counter to the accusation. But at the end, both agree thatThe Dark Knight’sJoker is suited for the good design/good character tier, with Sanderson calling him“the best version”.
To be fair, Heath Ledger did win an Academy Award for his portrayal of the Joker inThe Dark Knight.
The Best Joker is a Hard Question to Answer
How Does One Even Begin to Pick a Favorite Joker?
It makes sense why Sanderson would pickThe Dark Knight’sJoker as the best, as that movie has remained a critical darling for well over a decade after its release. Heath Ledger gave his all in bringing Christopher Nolan’s interpretation of the Clown Prince of Crime to life. That being said, there are obviously going to be fans who disagree, citing another live-action Joker like Jack Nicholson or a voice actor like Mark Hamill as their favorite. And while this is a healthy and fun discourse,it sadly ignores the source material these Jokers are all based on.
Granted, comic readers know that there’s a ton of Batman stories that feature amazing interpretations of the iconic villain. Sanderson namedThe Killing Joke, seen by many as the definitive Joker tale. But there are plenty of other stories that reinvent the Joker in new and creative ways likeBatman: White Knightthat shows off a sane Joker orArkham Asylum: A Serious House on SeriousEarththat has the Joker acting and looking like a mad ghoul. Butit’s a lot easier for fans to name a favorite Joker from a movie or show than a comic.
There’s always going to be plenty of Jokers to go around…
Of course, there’s no wrong way to enjoy a character as multifaceted as the Joker. Those who like Heath Ledger’s interpretation of the character are no less valid than the ones who enjoy Mark Hamill’s Joker, Barry Keoghan’s cameo inThe Batman, or the one seen in the monthly ongoingBatmanseries.The Joker is a force unto himself and the truth is, every incarnation is going to have his supportersas well as his detractors. There’s always going to be plenty of Jokers to go around and naming the best ultimately just comes down to personal preference.
The Joker is Too Complex to Have One Be the Best
But That Doesn’t Mean One Can’t Have a Favorite
The good thing about a malleable character like the Joker is that he can be whatever he needs to be for any story. And that means that any version of him could potentially be someone’s favorite. While certain stories might be better received or have an ‘it factor’ that can’t be matched, every Joker generally has something going for them. Some will like particular incarnations while others won’t and that’s fine. Sanderson makes a point thatThe Dark Knight’sJokeris very good, but the best one ultimately comes down to personal preference.
