The Red Hood is an alias used by multiple characters appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The identity was first used in the 1951 story line "The Man Behind the Red Hood!", which provides the earliest origin story for the Joker. The storyline depicts an unnamed criminal wearing a red dome-shaped hood who, after a chance encounter with Batman, is disfigured by chemicals and becomes insane, giving birth to his future Joker persona.
Jason Todd as Red Hood on the cover of Red Hood/Arsenal #10 (May 2016). Art by Dexter Soy.
Jason Todd as Red Hood on the cover of Red Hood and the Outlaws #29 (May 2014). Art by Philip Tan.
The Joker is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane, and Jerry Robinson, the character first appeared in the debut issue of the comic book Batman on April 25, 1940. Credit for the Joker's creation is disputed; Kane and Robinson claimed responsibility for his design while acknowledging Finger's writing contribution. Although the Joker was planned to be killed off during his initial appearance, he was spared by editorial intervention, allowing the character to endure as the archenemy of the superhero Batman.
Promotional artwork for Batman: Three Jokers (2020), depicting the incarnations of the Joker from the Golden Age (bottom), the Silver Age (middle), and the Modern Age (top). Art by Jason Fabok.
From the Joker's debut in Batman #1 (April 25, 1940)
Cover of Batman #251 (September 1973) featuring "The Joker's Five-Way Revenge", which returned the Joker to his homicidal roots. Art by Neal Adams.
The Killing Joke author Alan Moore in 2008. The novel has been described as the greatest Joker story ever told.
