The Joker has had some rather iconic costumes, including a few from Batman: The Animated Series. One of those looks has been brought into DC Comics within the pages of Batman/Catwoman #6. Joker is ready to celebrate the holidays – his way.
Batman: The Animated Series began airing in 1992. The award-winning show was responsible for introducing fan-favorite character Harley Quinn, which would lead to her eventual comic debut. It also provided memorable looks for the many characters featured within the show – particularly the Joker. The show most frequently had the Clown Prince of Crime in his traditional purple suit, but it sometimes made some alterations. A few were quite notable and fun, including one that he wore for a Christmas-themed episode.
Batman/Catwoman #6 has the creative team of Tom King, Clay Mann, Tomeu Morey, and Clayton Cowles. The issue features Selina Kyle and the Joker trimming a Christmas tree, as Selina reflects on her past and who she is – via feline Christmas ornaments. While doing so, Joker is seen in a rather festive outfit – one many fans will recognize as a new take on his classic Batman: The Animated Series holiday Joker costume.
The episode, “Christmas with the Joker” features the titular villain kidnapping several of Gotham’s citizens (Commissioner Gordon, Detective Bullock, and reporter Summer Gleeson). It also gave Joker the chance to wear a new outfit fitting of the holiday season. He still wears his purple suit’s pants, but he also wears a red cardigan over a green turtleneck. This outfit was so popular, DC made it into an official DC Collectibles Batman: The Animated Series action figure – called Holiday Joker. It was the thirty-seventh figure in the series, sculpted by Irene Matar. Now the look has found its way into DC Comics, with only a very small tweak having been made to it. Batman/Catwoman #6 trades the buttoned cardigan Joker wore in the show for a buttonless pullover, keeping his purple pants and green turtleneck the same. It also gives him a Santa hat, which he also wears within a few scenes on the show.
Joker is a fashion icon within comics and he has had quite a few interesting looks. From Emperor Joker to The Killing Joke Joker, there is no shortage of incredible, fun, and distinctive outfits for this twisted villain to choose from. However, when it comes to the holiday season, there’s no better choice for Joker than the one he dons here. In addition to being memorable, it would also be a rather easy cosplay choice compared to some of the costumes worn by other Gotham villains. Batman: The Animated Series knew a thing or two about villain fashion design for the Joker, a fact that has been proven by DC Comics‘ continued use of the same looks.
