The Joker: Transmedial Concept of a Comic Book Character

Abstract

This academic paper explores the transmedia narrative of the comic book character of the Joker across various media platforms. It delves into the complex creation and evolution of the Joker, highlighting the collaborative efforts of Bob Kane, Bill Finger, and Jerry Robinson, and the character's profound impact on cultural and societal norms. By examining the Joker's transmedial storytelling, the paper underscores the character's ability to adapt and resonate across different contexts, from comics to films and beyond. It further investigates the Joker's role as a mirror to societal dynamics, embodying themes of chaos, resistance, and critique of biopolitical control. The paper concludes that the Joker's enduring appeal and multifaceted nature exemplify the transformative potential of narrative characters within the transmedial landscape, serving as agents of critique and catalysts for discourse on identity, power, and resistance.