SPOILER WARNING: The following article contains a major story spoiler for Injustice 2, in stores now.


Though his death was one of the inciting incidents of the original Injustice: Gods Among Us fighting game, the Joker is back for the sequel. Of course, if you're wondering how the Clown Prince of Crime returned from having his heart torn out of his chest by an angry-beyond-reason Superman, you're not alone.

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Now that the sequel, Injustice 2, has finally been released, the answer to that question has arrived; as revealed in a scene featuring Harley Quinn and Scarecrow, we learn that Batman's greatest foe is indeed still dead. However, thanks to a fear toxin-induced hallucination, the Joker is a playable character in the game, as we see in the following cinematic sequence.

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5mf884_injustice-2-joker-s-return_videogames

In addition to explaining how players can battle with and against the Joker -- we haven't had a chance to play it ourselves, yet, but we assume similar scenes occur when other characters like Batman or Robin face off with the Scarecrow -- the scene also shows the way in which Harley's original jester-style costume comes into play in the Injustice 2 storyline. It also illustrates her personal growth since the events of the first game, making a point of how she's learned to define herself by her own actions rather than the praise and abuse heaped upon her by her one-time beau.

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Developed by NetherRealm for Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, the sequel to the hit 2013 video game Injustice: Gods Among Us continues the storyline, with Batman and his allies work toward putting the pieces of society back together while struggling against those who want to restore Superman’s regime. However, in the midst of that chaos, a new threat appears that will put Earth’s existence at risk.

Now available in stores or via digital download, Injustice 2 features such playable characters as Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Supergirl, Harley Quinn, Gorilla Grodd and Blue Beetle, with arenas in DC Universe locations like Gotham City, Metropolis and Atlantis.

Power up and build the ultimate version of your favorite DC legends in INJUSTICE 2. With a massive selection of DC Super Heroes and Super-Villains, INJUSTICE 2 allows you to equip every iconic character with unique and powerful gear earned throughout the game. Experience an unprecedented level of control over how your favorite characters look, how they fight, and how they develop across a huge variety of game modes. This is your super Hero. Your Journey. Your Injustice.