The Joker character was created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane, and Jerry Robinson, debuting in Batman #1 as a villainous character in DC Comics.
The graphic novel 'Batman: The Killing Joke' by Alan Moore further developed the Joker's character, exploring his origin and his complex relationship with Batman.
Heath Ledger's portrayal of the Joker in 'The Dark Knight' won critical acclaim and an Academy Award posthumously, redefining the character for a modern audience.
The standalone film 'Joker,' starring Joaquin Phoenix, explored the character's origin in a gritty, realistic context and earned Phoenix an Academy Award for Best Actor.