Joker is dead, or at least, in the context of Rocksteady Studios’ self-contained Arkhamverse, a separate continuity of a variety of DC Comics animated films, comic books, and video games. Batman’s nemesis met his untimely death due to the effects of the modified version of Bane’s serum, which he injected onto himself in Batman: Arkham Asylum. But, he would continue to live on in Batman’s mind in Batman: Arkham Knight, tormenting his lifelong obsession throughout the entire game. While Batman ultimately got rid of this mental version of Joker, it appears that Rocksteady has plans to bring Joker back in a future DLC for Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League.
This new “rumor” comes straight out of the horse’s mouth following a recent Discord AMA session where Rocksteady’s community manager, Darroch Brown, teased what seemed to be Joker-related DLC for the game. He shared a concept art piece featuring Harley Quinn in front of The Daily Chuckle, a Joker-themed building, which fueled speculation about the iconic villain’s involvement in the game.
Naturally, Joker’s potential return from the dead in the Arkhamverse is raising plenty of questions. His aforementioned demise “confirms” that this is merely a Joker-themed DLC. Not to mention, with Mark Hamill refusing to voice Gotham’s Clown Prince of Crime after Kevin Conroy, Batman’s long-time voice actor, passed away, means that Mr. J is unlikely to appear. However, DC Comics isn’t above using the multiverse. Rocksteady could bring Joker from an alternate universe. This idea aligns with the narrative of Brainiac potentially bringing characters from different universes into the game’s storyline. The possibility of the Joker being a playable character, armed with his iconic Thomson 1921 submachine gun, adds to the anticipation and speculation among fans.
And… This 👀 pic.twitter.com/QZrENJ75GH
— Darroch Brown (@DarrochBrown) January 12, 2024
Rocksteady is purposely keeping Joker’s involvement ambiguous, but it’s clear that, with Harley Quinn at the forefront, something big is going on. Is he going to be a playable character? Or is his former lover out to investigate The Daily Chuckle to see if the rumors about there being a new Joker true?
Narratively, Joker hasn’t worked well without Batman, so it’ll be interesting to see how Rocksteady Studios will handle his characterization.
Maybe, just maybe, Joker will have a bone to pick with the guy who got to Batman first.
With that said, the concept art’s reveal points towards the Joker-themed content potentially being part of the not-so-live-service game’s first season post-launch. However, it’s unclear whether Joker will appear as a villain in a new location for the Suicide Squad to conquer or if he’ll be a new playable character. The idea of Joker joining the Suicide Squad isn’t completely out of the realm of possibility given his complex history in the DC Comics universe.
The development of this DLC comes amidst the mixed reactions from fans and previewers about Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. The game’s approach as a live-service game has been a topic of debate. The introduction of a character as significant as the Joker could be a strategic move to try and minimize the backlash, although we’re not putting it up above fans to revolt if Rocksteady fumbles the ball.
Whether this involves a resurrection, an alternate universe Joker, or a new character taking up his mantle, the prospect of adding one of DC Comics’ most iconic villains to Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League is interesting, to say the least.
We’ll likely find out more about Joker’s potential involvement in the upcoming DC Comics title on February 2 (you can pre-order it to enjoy Early Access on January 30).
