Turns out the Joker isn’t just lucky Batman hasn’t used deadly force to stop him. Batman’s no-kill rule gives his rogues’ gallery a direct ticket to Arkham, which also means Gotham’s biggest criminals are guaranteed to live another day. The Joker, in particular, seems to be incredibly tough and resilient.

The Joker is technically one of the weakest villains in the DC Universe. Yet, throughout the decades, the Clown Prince of Crime has cemented himself as a nearly invincible criminal. One bullet would be enough to stop the Joker, but nobody has been able to truly land a finger on him.

DC Confirms The Joker’s Superpower Is Not Caring About Death

DC K.O. Red Hood vs The Joker

It was only a matter of time until Jason Todd got his chance to unleash his rage upon the Joker and delight himself in killing his killer. In DC K.O.: Red Hood vs The Joker, Red Hood describes the Clown Prince of Crime, highlighting the Joker’s three strengths: he’s fast, he’s unpredictable, and above all, he’s not afraid of death. Even worse, the Joker genuinely enjoys being constantly on the verge of death.

It’s in the Joker’s nature to disregard all respect for life, both his and others’. There’s nothing that can make the Joker remotely empathetic to anybody, including Harley Quinn and Punchline. The Joker is the kind of villain who jumps headfirst into a certain death, and somehow comes out alive, precisely because he never cared whether he lived or died.

Facing the Joker knowing this information is especially painful for Jason Todd. The Joker’s death won’t mean anything outside the tournament, and the villain likely won’t even feel mad or frustrated over it. However, if Jason doesn’t succeed, his second defeat at the hands of the clown would likely follow him forever.

The Joker And Batman Have A Similar Superpower

The Joker & Batman Are Virtually Invincible

Batman and the Joker stand out over the rest of the DC Universe due to their lack of superhuman abilities. Yet, they’re always at the center of DC Comics, and they rarely die for good. Batman always comes out on top through prep time or sheer resilience, and the Joker always survives due to his chaotic nature. Batman is always in control, even when he isn’t. The Joker is never in control, and he always returns as if he were a force of nature.

These traits have a similar origin. If Batman and the Joker were realistically integrated into the DC Universe, they’d be among the first to die in conflicts like DC K.O. In fact, DC K.O. already subverted Batman’s invincible nature by having the Joker kill the Dark Knight. Now, it’s up to Jason Todd to avenge his former mentor and his own self.

Created By

Bill Finger, Bob Kane, Jerry Robinson

First Appearance

Batman (1940)

Alias

Red Hood, Clown Prince of Crime, Ace of Knaves

RELATIONSHIPS

Batman (archenemy), Harley Quinn (former psychiatrist, on-and-off girlfriend), Penguin (frequent collaborator), Two-Face (frequent collaborator)

Alliance

Injustice League, Legion of Doom, Injustice Gang

POWERS

Criminal Mastermind, Expert Chemist, Weaponized Props, Psychological Manipulation, Combat Skills, Unpredictability, High Pain Tolerance, Charisma, Escape Artist