The complex relationship between Batman and the Joker is explored from a new angle in Batman: Going Sane. In this Legends Of The Dark Knight arc, the Joker finally succeeds at killing the Caped Crusader. The villain subsequently abandons his evil persona and attempts to live a normal life as an ordinary resident of Gotham.
This series explores the dichotomy between the Dark Knight and the Clown Prince of Crime. It highlights their similarities and the twisted, co-dependent connection they share, as well as containing countless unforgettable moments.
10 The Joker Blows Up A Crowd Of People
Batman: Going Sane begins with the Joker up to his usual villainous antics. The Clown Prince of Crime stages a circus parade in the suburban area of Park Ridge. Whilst dressed as a clown, Joker activates several bombs. The explosion kills and injures multiple people.
This damning act is the latest addition to Joker's terrorizing acts against Gotham. The Dark Knight is forced to seek out his archenemy in retribution.
9 The Kidnap Of Councilwoman Kenner
After blowing up the people of Park Ridge, Joker sets his sights on a powerful political figure in Gotham. The deranged villain kidnaps Councilwoman Kenner whilst pretending to be a taxi driver, before taking her to the cinema and forcing her to watch films starring classic comedians.
The Joker takes Kenner's lack of laughter as an insult. The Clown Prince of Crime savagely beats the innocent woman, highlighting the extent of his evilness.
8 Batman Dies?
In a shocking twist, the Joker seemingly succeeds in killing Batman after luring his foe into an exploding building. The Caped Crusader's body is dumped in a river, as the iconic villain contemplates life without his enemy.
Batman's death prompts the Joker to abandon his identity and seek a normal life. The connection between the characters is evident; one cannot exist without the other.
7 The Joker Loses His Memories
Following Batman's apparent death, the Joker loses his memories and reverts to the alter-ego of Joseph Kerr. Joseph is a mild-mannered man with a love of 1930s memorabilia, who displays none of Joker's trademark traits.
Joseph is plagued with nightmares and odd moments yet pursues an ordinary life away from the criminal underworld of Gotham. His new identity is almost unrecognizable from the iconic DC villains fans know and love.
6 The Joker's Nightmares
Although the Joker attempts to live a normal life after he seemingly murders his arch-rival, he is haunted by nightmares that hint at his history. The ghoulish images leap off the page in an explosion of color that depicts both Batman and the Joker haunting an unsuspecting Joseph.
Joker has nightmares of the Caped Crusader as well as himself. This further highlights the strange bond between the characters.
5 A New Romance For The Joker
One of the most shocking aspects of the Joker's new, normal life is his romance with Rebecca. Whilst living as Joseph Kerr, he falls in love with his neighbor and later proposes to her.
Joseph's relationship with Rebecca is nothing like his tumultuous and toxic romance with Harley Quinn. The DC villain lives a happy and ordinary love with his new girlfriend, both of them oblivious to his dark past.
4 Bruce Bonds With Dr. Lynn Eagles
In another, less unexpected twist, Batman is revealed to have survived his explosive collision with the Joker. The Dark Knight washes ashore in the small town of Accord, where he is brought to Dr. Lynn Eagles.
Lynn and Bruce bond during their time together. The doctor helps Bruce recover from his injuries and, like the Joker, the Dark Knight almost gives up his alter-ego to remain in the small town. Inspired by Lynn, however, Bruce decides to return to Gotham and don the cowl once more.
3 The Joker's Comeback
As news reaches the residents of Gotham about Batman's return, Joseph Kerr's grip on sanity shatters. Batman's survival triggers the Joker's memories, and the Clown Prince of Crime subsequently returns to his villainous roots.
The Joker abandons Rebecca and seeks out his former foe. His jilted fiancee is left heartbroken, wondering as to the whereabouts of her lost lover and unaware of his true identity.
2 Batman Saves The Joker
Batman and the Joker share similarities, but they differ in vital ways. The Clown Prince of Crime attempts to kill his rival for the second time after their comeback. The villain nearly drowns in the aftermath until Batman saves his life.
Batman's no-killing rule largely defines his character. Allowing the Joker to die would signal the moment that the Dark Knight truly becomes the same as his nemesis.
1 Batman Reveals His Identity
Although Bruce Wayne longs to settle down with Lynn and live a quiet life in Accord, he cannot turn his back on his responsibilities as Batman. He departs from the small town, though leaves a bouquet of roses and a card emblazoned with the Bat-symbol on Lynn's doorstep.
Bruce trusts Lynn with the truth of his identity. In an alternate scenario, the Caped Crusader could have pursued a small-town life with the doctor. However, as long as the Joker exists then Batman must too.