* JOKER SPOTLIGHT* Wouldn't Want To Meet Him In A Dark Alley: Joker Ain't No Light-Weight!

[lovedatjoker]

I don't have a scanner so I'm afraid you have to cope with my crummy photos taken in my badly-lit apartment. Soz!I have observed on occasion that some members of fandom are under the impression the Joker is a total light-weight, unable to hold his own in physical battle, floored before the fight even begins

Comments

[gladrial]

I am reminded of a comic who's name escapes me...something Apprentice or something. Anyway, in it Joker is basically teaching someone how to kill people. There's a scene where he's showing the guy a bare-handed technique commenting, "I swear, you wouldn't know what to do without a knife." (I'm sure that quote was not verbatim, but close enough.

Let us not forget that mere intimidation may be the difference between victory and defeat in such fist fights.

[lego_joker]

I believe that the comic was entitled "The Joker's Apprentice". One of those underrated one-shots written by a nobody author that really proves itself to be a treat if you're lucky enough to get your hands on it.

[gladrial]

It really was a good one-shot. I remember being surprisingly pleased by it.

[lovedatjoker]

Ha, yeah 'Joker's Apprentice', I've been meaning to review that for here.

[considermecrazy]

Omg this is so true. Just 'cause the Joker's lean doesn't mean he can't fight(it's not like that means he doesn't have some kind of muscle). He's known for fighting dirty but he's also quick, usually takes advantage of the element of surprise and he can def. hold his own with just his bare hands. I mean,the guy's TALL too so I don't get why some people tend to make him out to be a sort of walking floppy string bean.

[lovedatjoker]

I've seen lots of lean guys who have beautiful muscle tone and the Joker is usually depicted like this when he's wearing few clothes. I see him as practicing calisthenics as one of the ways he passes time in his cell. Pushups, crunches, squats, all that are fantastic for building muscle and body strength. No, I don't think he's bulky at all, but I conceive him being in good physical shape.

[grimacounsellor]

100% agree on the in-cell calisthenics. NO way he's just laying about twiddling this thumbs.

[he_is_wild]

I've also noticed (as I'm sure everyone else following this blog has too) that Joker seems to sometimes LET Batman clobber him, at least somewhat. Since if Batman wins, at least there can be a rematch. And I think he enjoys seeing Batman lose it because of him.

It seems like he fights back with more vitriol if anyone else dares to attempt to lay a hand on him.

I've had a theory about Joker that he's in chronic pain (I'm probably not the only one). Not necessarily chronic INTENSE pain, but he mentioned being in pain constantly in Salvation Run. I took it for truth. I don't think he's suffering, since he wouldn't know a life without it, but pain can frazzle your receptors. It may explain why he can take a beating so thoroughly.

((EDIT: Bloke above me covered this, oops))

Iiii....have an ear infection and am a little "derp" from it so I probably am not communicating any of this very well.

[lovedatjoker]

Good theory! It's definitely possible. And yes, I think he likes taking a beat down from Batman now and then!

[grimacounsellor]

I 100% agree. If getting beat fits with what he's trying to do.

oh and i agree with the cronic pain thingy. Theres an old comic that talks about him doing alot of drugs to deal with it. I wish I could find which one it is.

I have cronic pain and let me tell yeah it's not a walk in the park. even with massive pain meds. its the core thing I tap into when I do Joker cosplay....

anywhooooo.... just agreeing with those of you who see the pain issue

[bluepickle]

The artwork in the Gotham Central run is SOOOO good. I never picked up the book until I finally saw those issues. Joker TOTALLY based on Conrad Veidt and such beautiful facial representations... ugh *pants melt*

[grimacounsellor]

ooooo I so need this.. I love it when they go the conrad avenue. He was a handsom fellow.

[grimacounsellor]

*bows*
I love you, I love you, I love you......

God I love your reviews. I only wish you had time for more....