Batman's arch-nemesis, the deluded anarchist known only as the Joker, is every bit a pop culture icon as the Dark Knight himself. He's psychotic, charming, clever, hilarious, and more. Being such an unforgettable figure, he has been adapted in numerous other media outside his comic book origins, the above three being among the most famous. Each rendition of this chaotic clown brings its own flavor and unique quirks to the character, but remains true to the classic elements loved and/or hated by many. These unique elements are reflected in the character's physical appearance in each portrayal. Whether he's a cackling idiot, a homicidal mastermind, or somewhere in between, you can tell a lot about a Joker just by looking at him.

The Joker's first major adaptation outside the comics was in the long-running 1960s Batman television series, in which he is portrayed by Caesar Romero. A lot of this show shed the darker, more mature aspects of Batman mythology in favor of camp sensibilities, and the Joker was no exception. He was now a harmless prankster who built gadgets like giant typewriters and challenged Batman to surfing competitions. This Joker was silly in almost every way imaginable, and his design was no exception. His make-up is a little less creepy and a little more cartoony than the other renditions. It works within the show's universe, but some of the aesthetics bother me. The pink color of the suit and the absence of green hair detract from the overall look a little, but like everything else in the show, the character is fun and entertaining, and that's what matters in the end.

Another famous non-comics version of the Joker is Jack Nicholson's take on the character in Tim Burton's Batman. This rendition was still a little campy, but most of the camp was mixed up with Burton's trademark black comedy. The costume is definitely one of my favorites. There's just enough camp that's appropriate for the character, but the design also establishes charisma and poise. It's interesting to see the two major facets of the Joker's personality reflected in his appearance.

Perhaps the most popular take on the character, however, is the late Heath Ledger's portrayal in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight. This Joker continues the trend of progressively darker renditions by making the character even more sinister and less pranksterish than the Nicholson version, and the design of the costume and make-up capture this really well. The sloppy appearance of the make-up fits perfectly, and the seemingly haphazardly stitched outfit also complements the character's sadistic personality. In this version, all the small details come together and click flawlessly.