The 3 essential Joker crossovers:A Death in the Family(murder of Jason Todd, Batman #428),Death of the Family(Snyder/Capullo, the Joker with his face torn off) andEndgame(the immortal Joker, final confrontation with Batman).
The Joker does not participate in crossovers as just another villain. He generates them. Every big Joker event is a personal trauma inflicted on Batman and his family, a surgical attack that leaves permanent narrative scars. The death of Jason Todd, the paralysis of Barbara Gordon, the face being torn off — these moments define Gotham's history as much as Batman's heroics.
For a collector, Joker crossovers produce thekey issues the most popular in the Batman universe. The combination of an iconic character, shocking moments and a lasting impact on continuity makes each Joker event a top investment. This guide lists the essential arcs and their priority numbers.
A Death in the Family (1988-1989) — The Murder of Jason Todd
Jim Starlin and Jim Aparo deliver a 4-issue arc (Batman #426-429) where the Joker beats Jason Todd (Robin II) to death with a crowbar. The reader voted by telephone to decide the character's fate.Batman #428(death of Robin) is an absolutely major key issue: €200-600 in 9.8 CGC depending on the market.
This arc defined the Joker's darkness for decades to come and left Batman with lasting trauma. For theJoker key numbers, A Death in the Family is the pinnacle in terms of value and narrative impact.
Death of the Family (2012-2013) — The Face of Evil
Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo orchestrate the return of the Joker after a year of absence. He recovers his face (ripped off in Detective Comics #1 New 52) and attacks each member of the Bat-Family individually. Batman #13-17 form the heart of the event, with a Joker more terrifying than ever. Batman #13 (die-cut face cover) is an emblematic key issue: €25-70 in 9.8.
Essential tie-ins
Batgirl #14-16, Nightwing #15-16, Red Hood and the Outlaws #15-16. Each tie-in shows the Joker targeting a different family member. Batman #17 (conclusion with the covered board): €20-50 in 9.8.
Endgame (2014-2015) — The Immortal Joker
Snyder and Capullo take the concept to the extreme: the Joker may be immortal, an eternal force of chaos. Batman #35-40 form this arc which concludes with the apparent death of the two enemies. Batman #40 (common death Batman/Joker) is a major key issue of the New 52 era, between €20 and €50 in 9.8. The arc explores the existential question of the Batman/Joker relationship with rare ambition.
No Man's Land (1999) — The Joker claims Gotham
In this year-long event where Gotham is devastated by an earthquake and abandoned by the government, the Joker remains silent for months before striking. He murders Sarah Essen (Commissioner Gordon's wife) in the last act. Detective Comics #741 is the key issue of this final confrontation. No Man's Land is an 80+ issue event, but the Joker outcomes are targeted and identifiable.
Joker War (2020) — Wayne's Stolen Fortune
James Tynion IV launches a 6-issue event (Batman #95-100) where the Joker seizes the Wayne fortune and turns Batman's gadgets against Gotham. The event marks a new status quo: Batman loses his fortune and must operate without his usual resources. Batman #100 (conclusion, 80 pages) trades between €15 and €40 in 9.8.
Summary of Joker Values
Batman #428 (Death in the Family): €200-600 (9.8). Batman #13 (Death of the Family): €25-70. Batman #40 (Endgame): €20-50. Batman #100 (Joker War): €15-40. Detective Comics #741 (No Man's Land): €20-45. Joker key issues are among the most stable on the DC market.
Complete your Joker collection event by event.Every arc, every tie-in, every variation — track it all with My Comics Collection.
Manage my Joker collection