In DC Comics, Gotham City’s dysfunctional duo ofThe JokerandBatmanhave been at each other’s throats for decades as an iconic villain and hero pairing whose dynamic hasn’t changed much from their first interaction in 1940 until now. In new fan-made concept art,Joker and Batman’s roles are reversed, turning The Clown Prince of Crime into a full-blown hero and The Dark Knight into a vengeful villain!
Fanart shared on X by The Noodle (@onebadnoodle_), this account is all about creating stylishly illustrated pieces of art that highlight the best heroes and villains from across the pop culture spectrum while also uploading original work that shows off their unique artistic talent.
Posting other redesigned DC characters like Harley Quinn and the roster of the Teen Titans, featuring Cyborg, Terra, Robin, and more, Noodle has also revamped Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob and Patrick, Cartoon Network’s Billy and Mandy, and givenThe Powerpuff Girls’ Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup all-new all-grown-up designs, all of which bring new energy to these iconic characters.
Joker Becomes the “Jovial” Hero of Gotham City in Inventive Concept Art
Concept Art Design by The Noodle (@onebadnoodle_)
First crossing paths with Batman inBatman #1, by Bob Kane, Bill Finger, and Jerry Robinson,Joker has — on incredibly rare or out-of-continuity occasions — become a hero in his own right, with his turn as a force of good not usually lasting long in either instance. More recently acting as a positive role model in Sean Murphy’sBatman: White Knightsaga, Joker has also donned Batman’s cape and cowl in the Elseworlds storyBatman: I, Joker, and even becamethe heroic Jokesteron a version of Earth-3, making this fanart a welcome addition to Joker’s short list of good deeds.
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Bringing this version of Joker to life with vibrant hues that adhere to The Clown Prince of Crime’s usual green, white, red, and purple color scheme,Noodle leans intoJoker’s jester rootsby drawing him wearing a theatrical duo-chrome cowl, circus-like cape, flared gloves and boots, a beefy yellow utility belt, and of course, a giant “J” logo on his chest. For once showing Joker grinning in a non-threatening, non-terrifying way, Noodle illustrates this “jovial jokester and nuisance of neerdowells” jumping into action while holding a playing card, one that may even double as a weapon à la Batman’s batarang.
Batman’s “Madbat” Persona Is the Opposite of Joker’s Heroic Identity in Fanart Redesigns
As an added bonus,Noodle shows what a villainous Batman would look like in this alternate Elseworlds-esque continuity, dubbing the new character “Madbat”and giving him a more realistic bat-like cowl, a perfectly realized “bat suit” designed more like a real suit than a costume, clawed hands, and a draped cloak-like cape that’s just as stylish as the rest of Madbat’s outfit. Wanting to “…shroud the world in an eternal darkness,” The Noodle’s (@onebadnoodle_) revampedBatmandoes an excellent job acting as the foil forJoker’s new role as a hero, showing the potential of this new hero/villain combo.
The Joker
The Joker is a psychopathic criminal mastermind with a warped sense of humor. Initially introduced as a remorseless serial killer, the character evolved over time, often oscillating between a prankster and a homicidal maniac. His relationship with Batman is one of the most complex in comic book history, defined by their mutual obsession. Over the decades, the Joker has become an enduring icon of chaos and madness, embodying the antithesis of Batman’s order and justice.
Batman
One of DC’s most iconic heroes, Batman is the vigilante superhero persona of billionaire Bruce Wayne. Forged by tragedy with the death of his parents, Bruce dedicated his life to becoming the world’s leading martial artist, detective, and tactician. Recruiting an entire family of allies and sidekicks, Bruce wages war on evil as the dark knight of his hometown, Gotham City.
