The three essential Joker storylines areThe Killing Jokeby Moore/Bolland (1988),A Death in the Familyby Starlin/Aparo (1988) andDeath of the Familyby Snyder/Capullo (2012-2013).
The Joker never had a regular continuing series until 2021, but his impact can be measured in legendary storylines scattered throughout the Batman titles. Each great era of the Dark Knight is defined by his confrontation with the Clown Prince of Crime, producing some of the most memorable pages in American comics.
This ranking lists the essential story arcs featuring the Joker, from his first appearance in 1940 to modern reinventions. To the collector, these issues represent the pinnacle of the DC market — coins that never lose value.
Top 1 — The Killing Joke (1988)
Screenwriter:Alan Moore |Designer:Brian Bolland |Number :Batman: The Killing Joke (one-shot) |Period :1988
The definitive exploration of the Batman/Joker relationship. Moore offers an origin story of the Joker as a failed actor driven to madness, while paralyzing Barbara Gordon. Bolland delivers boards of absolute technical perfection. This narrative redefined the Joker as a tragic and unpredictable character for all subsequent interpretations.
Key numbers:The Killing Joke (1st printing, Bolland cover).Market value:1st draw in NM: €150-300 | In CGC 9.8: €600-1,200.
Top 2 — A Death in the Family (1988-1989)
Screenwriter:Jim Starlin |Designer:Jim Aparo |Numbers:Batman #426-429 |Period :1988-1989
The Joker murders Jason Todd (Robin II) with a crowbar — and readers voted by phone to let him die. A unique moment in the history of the medium that shows the pure cruelty of the character. The emotional impact on Batman will resonate for decades. Emblematic numbers from the late Bronze Age.
Key numbers:Batman #426-429 (full arc), #427 (iconic cover).Market value:#427 in NM: €60-120 | Complete bow in NM: €150-300.
Top 3 — Death of the Family — Snyder & Capullo (2012-2013)
Screenwriter:Scott Snyder |Designer:Greg Capullo |Numbers:Batman vol.2 #13-17 |Period :2012-2013
The Joker returns after a year of absence – his cut face sewn back together like a mask – to prove to Batman that his “family” makes him weak. Snyder creates a suffocating horror thriller, while Capullo delivers nightmarish images. The psychological tension between the two antagonists reaches a new peak.
Key numbers:Batman #13 (Joker returns, die-cut cover), #17 (finale).Market value:#13 in NM: €15-30 | Complete bow: €40-80.
Top 4 — Batman #1 — The First Appearance (1940)
Screenwriters:Bill Finger, Bob Kane |Designer:Jerry Robinson |Number :Batman #1 |Period :1940
The very first appearance of the Joker (and Catwoman). In two stories from the same issue, the character is already fully formed: theatrical murderer, permanent smile, criminal genius. One of the most valuable pieces of the Golden Age. An absolute holy grail for any Batman collector.
Key numbers:Batman #1 (1st appearance Joker + Catwoman).Market value:In Good: €50,000-100,000 | In CGC 6.0: €300,000+.
Top 5 — No Man's Land — Joker's Last Laugh (1999)
Screenwriters:Greg Rucka, collective |Designers:miscellaneous |Numbers:Detective Comics #741, Batman #563-574 |Period :1999
In a Gotham devastated by an earthquake and abandoned by the government, the Joker emerges as a warlord. The murder of Sarah Essen (Gordon's wife) in Detective Comics #741 is one of the franchise's most shocking moments. The Joker as a force of pure anarchy in a world already in ruins.
Key numbers:Detective Comics #741 (dead Sarah Essen), Batman #563 (debut NML).Market value:DC #741 in NM: €15-25 | Complete NML arch: €200-400.
Top 6 — Morrison — Batman R.I.P. / Batman & Robin (2008-2010)
Screenwriter:Grant Morrison |Designers:Tony Daniel, Frank Quitely |Numbers:Batman #676-681, Batman and Robin #13-16 |Period :2008-2010
Morrison reinvents the Joker as a “super-sane” — a being who constantly reinvents himself. In R.I.P., he orchestrates the psychological destruction of Bruce Wayne. In Batman and Robin, he returns as "Gravedigger" for a Dick Grayson Batman. An intellectual and terrifying vision of the character.
Key numbers:Batman #680-681 (final RIP), B&R #13 (Joker Returns).Market value:Batman #676 in NM: €8-15 | Complete bow: €30-60.
Top 7 — Three Jokers — Geoff Johns & Jason Fabok (2020)
Screenwriter:Geoff Johns |Designer:Jason Fabok |Numbers:Batman: Three Jokers #1-3 |Period :2020
Johns finally answers the question asked in Justice League #50: there are three Jokers. The Criminal, the Clown and the Comedian represent three eras of the character. Fabok delivers prestige quality boards. The narrative unifies the Joker's various incarnations into a cohesive mystery, providing answers that have been waiting for decades.
Key numbers:Three Jokers #1-3 (complete mini), multiple variant covers.Market value:#1 (1:25 varying) in NM: €30-60 | Complete set covers A: €25-50.
Find our guide toJoker key numbersand theeditorial history of the characterto place these arcs in 80 years of publication.
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