10 Secrets About the Joker Even Hardcore Fans Might Have Missed

The Joker is one of the most famous villains in comic book history. Since his first appeared in
Batman #1 (1940), the creepy villain has been causing chaos ever since. Over the years, his
character has changed from a simple prankster to a terrifying criminal mastermind. His wild,
unsettling smile and twisted relationship with Batman have made him a fan favorite for
decades.

Most fans know the Joker’s biggest stories: his origins, his fights with Batman, and his most
brutal crimes. But even with all the comics, movies, and TV shows about him, there are still
things many people don’t know. From hidden facts to strange storylines, here are ten
surprising secrets about the Clown Prince of Crime.

10. The Joker Was Supposed to Die in His First Story

When the Joker first showed up in Batman #1 (1940), he was supposed to be a one-time
villain. In the original script, Batman defeats him, and he dies at the end of the issue. But DC
editor Whitney Ellsworth thought the Joker had potential, so he asked the writers to change
the ending.

Because of this, an extra panel was added which shows that the Joker had survived. This
simple change made history, turning him into Batman’s most famous enemy. If the writers
had stuck to their first plan, the Joker would have been forgotten, and the Batman comics
might have looked very different than they are today.

9. The Joker Had His Own Utility Belt

Batman is famous for his utility belt, which holds all kinds of tools and weapons. But in
Batman #73 (1952), the Joker made his own version. Instead of using it to fight crime, he
packed it with deadly pranks.

The belt had things like sneezing powder, trick guns, and fake hands that could grab people.
The Joker even used it to defeat Batman in their first fight. Of course, Batman later turned the
tables and beat him, but it was still a fun twist. It was one of the Joker’s earliest attempts at
copying Batman’s gadgets.

8. He Once Had a Sidekick Named Gaggy

Most people think of Harley Quinn as the Joker’s main sidekick, but before her, he had
someone else: Gaggy Gagsworthy. First appearing in Batman #186 (1966), Gaggy was a
short, clown-like man who worshipped the Joker.

Gaggy helped the Joker commit crimes and had a high-pitched laugh that annoyed even
Batman. But he didn’t last long, because after a few appearances even the Joker got tired of
him and left him behind. Years later, Gaggy returned in Gotham City Sirens, angry at Harley
Quinn for taking his place.

7. He Once Became the Emperor of Space

The Joker is usually causing trouble in Gotham, but in Superman #9 (1987), he took things to
a whole new level… literally. In this bizarre story, he tricked Superman into taking him to
another planet, where the aliens mistook him for a god.

The Joker quickly took control and declared himself the “Emperor of Space.” He ruled over
the planet for a while, but in classic Joker fashion, he got bored and left. This was one of his
strangest adventures, showing that his madness isn’t limited to Earth atmosphere.

6. He Almost Became a Hero

It’s hard to imagine the Joker as anything but a villain, but there was a time when DC
considered making him a good guy. In the 1940s producers considered making the Batman
comics more kid-friendly and decided that the Joker’s dark crimes didn’t fit the new vision.

So, in some issues, he was rewritten as more of a prankster than a killer. He still caused
trouble, but his crimes were more about playing tricks than hurting people. At one point, the
idea was floated that he might even become a hero. Thankfully this idea was scrapped, and
the Joker returned to being a true menace.

5. The Joker Knows He’s in a Comic Book

One of the Joker’s strangest traits is that he sometimes seems to know he’s not real. In
multiple comics, he’s made several comments that broke the fourth wall.

In Emperor Joker, he gains god-like powers and directly talks to the readers. In The Clown at
Midnight, he hints that his personality changes because different writers tell his story. These
moments make the Joker even creepier, because what if he really does know?

4. He Was Inspired by a Silent Film Villain

The Joker’s design is based on Gwynplaine, a character from the 1928 silent film The Man
Who Laughs. Gwynplaine was a man with a permanent grin, forced to smile no matter what.
His eerie was what look inspired artists Jerry Robinson, Bill Finger, and Bob Kane when they
created the Joker.

Although the characters are different, the influence is quite clear. Gwynplaine was a tragic
figure, while the Joker enjoys his madness. But both share the same chilling, unforgettable
smile.

3. There Are Three Different Jokers

For years, fans argued over why the Joker’s personality kept changing. Was he a goofy
prankster, a ruthless killer, or something in between? In Justice League: Darkseid War
(2015), Batman used the Mobius Chair (a device that gives answers to any question) to ask
about the Joker’s true identity. The answer shocked both him and readers all around the
world: there were actually three Jokers.

Later, in Batman: Three Jokers (2020), this was explored further. The story revealed that
three different men had played the role of the Joker, each with their own style. This idea
explained why the Joker has been so different over the years while keeping his history a
mystery.

2. He Once Wore Batman’s Costume

In Detective Comics #365 (1967), the Joker pulled off one of his weirdest stunts: he dressed
up as Batman. After knocking Batman out, he put on the Batsuit and ran around Gotham,
pretending to be the hero.

Of course, he couldn’t resist adding his own touch. His version of Batman had clownish
details, and he still acted like the Joker. The real Batman soon woke up and put a stop to it,
but it was one of the Joker’s funniest disguises.

1. His Real Name Was Finally Revealed?

For decades, the Joker’s real name was a mystery. But in Flashpoint Beyond #5 (2022), DC
finally dropped a name: Jack Oswald White. In this story, Batman discovers that in an
alternate timeline, the Joker was a failed comedian with a struggling family.

This name is a nod to past versions of the Joker, including Jack Napier from Batman: The
Animated Series. But since this was an alternate timeline, it’s unclear if this is his real name
in the main universe. As always with the Joker, the truth is never simple.