James Gunn Celebrates 86th Anniversary of The Joker
Since being named co-head of DC Studios in 2022, James Gunn has inherited an endless supply of amazing stories and characters to adapt. DC Comics has one of the greatest collections of characters in fiction, but its biggest strength may be its villains.
The comic company's marquee character, Batman, has what most would consider the greatest rogues gallery of villains in the history of comics. So much so that several Batman villains have become marquee characters themselves. Over the years, one has ascended to one of the most iconic characters ever in any form of media.
On this day in 1940, 86 years ago, The Joker made his first-ever appearance in Batman #1. Almost nine decades later, the Clown Prince of Crime is one of the most recognizable villains ever created.
Happy anniversary to one of the greatest villains of all time!
— Comics Bulletin (@ComicsBulletin_) April 24, 2026
THE JOKER made his debut in BATMAN #1, written by Bill Finger, with pencils by Bob Kane, and inks by Bob Kane and Jerry Robinson. pic.twitter.com/glaYHmgo3x
While Batman #1 is the first appearance of his greatest foe, it is not for the Dark Knight himself. Batman and Robin both filled the pages of Detective Comics before getting their own title. Batman appeared first in Detective Comics #27 in May 1939, with Robin appearing in #38 in March 1940, just a month before The Joker.
Friday, James Gunn took to social media to celebrate the anniversary of his studio's greatest adversary. Gunn wrote:
"Everyone loves a deeply flawed character with a dark sense of humor … and The Joker's always been a crowd-pleaser. Happy anniversary to one of the Caped Crusader's greatest rogues, who made his comic debut in Batman #1. Written by Bill Finger, with pencils by Bob Kane, and inks by Bob Kane and Jerry Robinson."
Everyone loves a deeply flawed character with a dark sense of humor… and The Joker's always been a crowd-pleaser. Happy anniversary to one of the Caped Crusader's greatest rogues, who made his comic debut in BATMAN #1. Written by Bill Finger, with pencils by Bob Kane, and inks… pic.twitter.com/m8sLLtTn9r
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) April 24, 2026
Fans are excited to see when and where The Joker will make his first appearance in Gunn's DCU. There will be high pressure on who will wear the famous grin.
Since The Joker first debuted in 1940, the character has been one of the most coveted ever to play, write and illustrate.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published April 24, 2026 at 4:44 PM.