Since his introduction in 1940, the Joker has become one of the most iconic faces of comic book villainy, and we mean that literally. He's been drawn by great artists and portrayed in live-action films by the likes of Jack Nicholson and Joaquin Phoenix. Each illustrator and actor has their interpretation of the Clown Prince of Crime.
The same goes for those who create fan art. While some portray Joker from his cornier days, others present images so scary they can cause nightmares. As proof, here are 10 pieces of creepy Joker fan art every DC fan needs to see.
10 Jack and Joaquin (by IndahAlditha)
On the whole, Joaquin's portrayal of Joker in the 2019 film wasn't as much creepy as it was disturbing. He made filmgoers uncomfortable but didn't stop them from sleeping. However, when you combine Jocquain's look with Jack Nicholson's features, it changes the dynamic.
What tops this fan art is the criminal's makeup. For some reason, the slipshod way it's done adds another layer of fear to the image. The painted-on eyebrows resemble the devil's horns.
9 Velvet Joker (victter-le-fou)
In the late 1960s and early 70s, velvet paintings were the big thing. Among the items illustrated on the soft fabric were plates of fruit, landscapes, and extremely frightening clowns. This piece of fan art reminds us of this period of time.
If we were younger, we wouldn't want to pass this creepy image of Joker without a parent by our side. One look at it would make us cry. It's more menacing in low light as the white makeup probably glows without illumination.
8 Laugh It Up (alanasdasd)
This piece of fan art is creepy from near and far. When you look at a smaller version, it seems like this Joker's mouth stretches out and runs down his arm. Think of it as a Plastic Man version of the Clown Prince of Crime.
Upon a closer look, you see that Joker has painted (tattooed) a laughing mouth on the back of his hand. On top of that, he wrote several "Has" on his arm. Not only is it disturbing but it also gives him the air of a serial killer.
7 Wrinkled Joker (sachinun)
Based on an earlier work by Joe Madureira, this piece of fan art is creepy for two reasons. The Joker's proportions are one of them. With a mouth filled with large uneven teeth, his face is downright grotesque.
The Joker's large amount of wrinkles is another creepiness factor. A painted clown image is scary enough. A drawing of an old clown can cause even the most steadfast individual to seek therapy.
6 Two-Face Joker (Shishie)
Images of the Joker are scary enough. They get skin-crawling creepy when combined with other features. In this piece of fan art, his normal features are split to show one-half as a skull.
You could probably call this piece "Life and Death Joker." The man is responsible for the demise of thousands of individuals. So, when you strip off his face, Joker does resemble the Grim Reaper. All he needs is a scythe that shoots out Joker toxin.
5 Killing Joke (duc-phil-nguyen)
Inspired by Brian Bolland's version of Joker in The Killing Joke, this piece of CG-based fan art is not only creepy but also amazingly lifelike. It's a menacing view of this Batman villain. In the end, you wouldn't want to see those shiny lips and white teeth coming at you from a dark alley.
The eyes add to the horror of the image. They reflect the fear in those the Joker encounters, and that's fine with him. He wants to see their abject terror as he critically injures or kills his victims.
4 Joker Transformation (Leila)
If you want to trace the transformation of Joker from campy television villain to maniacal killer, look no further than this piece of fan art. Though not as creepy as the other images, it provides an example of how the villain has changed over the decades.
We have to wonder if changes within our world caused illustrators and movie directors to create darker versions of Joker. The 1960s TV version came before the apex of Vietnam and Watergate, so there was a lighter touch. On the other hand, the latest version of the criminal represents the abandonment of normal people in an ever-growing oligarchy. Then again, it could be how much makeup Joaquin wanted to wear.
3 Joker of Dark Fantasy
The Clown Prince of Crime is scary enough. Now, think of him as a blood-thirsty creature with multiple mouths of sharp teeth. Most likely this piece of fan art is what you would see in your nightmares.
At least there's some hope in this image. Though others cringe in the Joker's presence, a certain Dark Knight stands tall to confront the creature. Overall, there's no doubt that this Batman will defeat the smiling monster.
2 The Joker Who Laughs (Serg Acuña)
Sometimes, classic simplicity can be creepy. This piece of fan art shows this. Based on Joker designs from the comics, it shows him laughing. No smeared makeup or other elements to ramp the fear. It's him and his trademarked cackle.
Thing is, his laugh isn't contagious unless he utilizes his Joker venom. What it does is send chills down everyone's back as he enters a room. That's his standard way of intimidation. His gadgets are nothing but a showpiece.
1 No-Face Joker (Adbettley)
Remember when the Joker ripped his face off during his first appearance in the New 52 era? You probably do, because it was one of the villain's creepiest moments. To pull off one's skin is not something a sane person would do. The fact is, some insane criminals wouldn't do this.
For those who don't recall the event, this fan art should be a reminder. It's not the stretched skin that makes the image horrific. Instead, it's the way Joker pulls it back and ties it up to reveal his unfunny smile. Overall, it makes you long for velvet clown paintings.