A new level of human exists within the comic book universe. For years, we have seen multiple instances where the conflict between good and evil takes a stand on a new threshold. As the years progress, the idea of the superhero vs. supervillain has transformed from the comic books onto the cinema platform, creating a great deal of character iteration. Even though new versions of characters depict and reflect the time of its creation, the beloved characters still retain their original charm in some way that appeases to the older fans, while the foundation of a younger fan base is established simultaneously. But one of the most interesting and forever changing characters to have ever grace every aspect of media, happens to be one of DC Comics most treasured heirlooms.

The king of "jokes," the leader of all that's psychotic and the arch enemy of the dark knight himself (caped crusader, if I may), The Joker is the essence that grows with Batman, making him like a disease that mutates throughout the years. What truly makes this complex character so sinister yet very pivotal to the story of Batman is that he is literally the dark mirror of the vigilante. The intelligence, ingenuity and lustful drive that rages on between the duo is a complete match. I'm not focusing on the origins of the Joker, but I will point out that originally the clown was killed off, then brought back to be Batman's eternal nemesis. This is crucial because from that point on, the representation of the neurotic criminal became exceedingly layered throughout each generation.

Though the Joker was featured through various outlets, I believe what stood out the most and what people debate on the greatest happen to be the movie adaptions. The four Jokers that are displayed above have made their impression mirror not only the time period in which their films were released, but created a cultural impact that propelled what it truly meant to be a villain. Since there is often discourse among individuals about who played the best Joker, some would forget about the character itself and the constraints of a generation surrounding the eccentric being.

But what can be conclusive about each of these actors that played the Joker is the fact that they introduced a new concept to the madman. In the original Batman film (1966) Cesar Romano brought the Joker to life. Though slightly goofy, he took the spirit of the clown and made it his own. Fast forward years later to Tim Burton's adaption of Gotham's hero (1989), Jack Nicholson's version of the iconic trickster brought a darker yet humorous connotation to the spirit of the Joker. In 2008, Christopher Nolan expounded on the darkness of Burton but made the most realistic Batman film yet (The Dark Knight). More importantly Heath Ledger's performance of the addictingly lovable psycho, merged the modern thematic of domestic terrorist with the classic neurosis we have gotten to know about the Joker through multiple generations. Finally comes Jared Leto, who looked the part. He was intertwined with a gangster-like look and even had a grill and some tattoos. When Suicide Squad came out this year and his acting didn't really match the appearance nor the time period, one positive that came out of this new iteration is his insane relationship with Harley Quinn. Maybe he just needed more screen time, but Leto portrayed an interesting Joker to say the least.

With this said, the "Clown Prince of Crime" is a mantra a few have taken a hold of. Regardless of performance, the infinite versions of this crazed individual will always have some form of its grassroots visible because that's what makes the Joker attractive in the first place. He will always and forevermore be the clown with the final laugh.