WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Batman/Catwoman #1, by Tom King, Clay Mann, Tomeu Morey, and Clayton Cowles, on sale now.
The Joker has always kept up his appearance. Since his earliest crimes, the Clown Prince of Crime has most frequently appeared in his trademark purple suit or some variation on that classic look. But now, Batman/Catwoman #1 has highlighted the Joker's sinister appeal by casting the character as a charismatic, impeccably dressed villain.
This adds a tremendous amount of context to the Clown Prince of Crime's character. He's not just a rampaging psychopath, he's charming and handsome in a way that makes it easy to see how characters like Harley Quinn and his new sidekick Punchline, fell under his sway.
Batman/Catwoman is a time-bending story that is taking readers through the past, present and future of Batman's relationship with Catwoman. Catwoman has a vibrant past with the Joker just like Batman, and their interactions in these pages show how charismatic and charming the Joker can be.
In Joker's younger years, his wardrobe choice certainly bolsters his charisma and style. A pink collared sits tightly over clean white dress pants and matching suspenders. His magenta shirt and tie and brilliant white hat make him look like a sophisticated crimelord straight out of a '50s gangster movie. Not to mention the strong jawline, high cheekbones, and piercing green eyes -- it's no surprise the Joker is quite the ladies' man.
Taken with the events of Punchline #1 by James Tynion IV, Sam Johns, Mirka Andolfo, Romulo Fajardo Jr. & Gabriela Downie, it's easy to see the kind of intoxicating spell that the Joker casts on all those who fall under his thrall. Before she became his new sidekick, Punchline started out as a hostage in one of Joker's attacks and quickly became obsessed with the dashing maniac. She followed the same exact path as the Joker's most famous accomplice, Harleen Quinzel. She fell in love with a psychopath and became an instrumental pawn in his heinous plans for Batman and Gotham City. While Punchline saw herself as a cut above Harley Quinn, it's clear the two shared the exact same journey to Joker's side.
Despite the inherent danger of falling into orbit around someone like the Joker, the villain still has a deep appeal, both within the DC Universe and the real world. While his nihilistic philosophies to anti-establishment readings of his actions have earned the Joker more than a few followers over the years, his depiction in Batman/Catwoman serves as a reminder that his looks and style probably helped his cause, too.