The Joker was inspired by a sympathetic hero from Victor Hugo's 'The Man Who Laughs'

Joker is undoubtedly Batman's most popular nemesis who has featured in multiple movies, TV shows, comics, and video games. Fans love to hate Joker due to his sistic personality and willingness to kill anyone just to get to Batman. Over years, Joker has become as iconic as Caped Cruser himself, and many fans believe that Joker is best part of Batman franchise.

However, did you kw that iconic and creepy Joker smile was actually inspired by a tragic hero figure? Back in 2009, during a Comic-Con interview, comic creator Jerry Robinson revealed story behind Joker's inspiration. While Joker himself is a sistic maniac, inspiration for his look was a sympatic victim of abuse from Victor Hugo's vel,  Man Who Laughs. Here is a brief history of tragic and romantic hero that inspired look for Joker. 

How  Man Who Laughs inspired creation of Joker

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Artist Bob Kane and writer Bill Finger came up with character of Batman in 1939. two creators based look and me of Batman on some of darkest stories of that time. Batman was meant to be a scary and violent hero, as opposed to Superman, who seemed more approachable and bright. Bob Kane and Bill Finger also created Joker just a few issues into original Batman comics. 

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While creating Joker, two men based look of character on a popular movie of that time. 1928 silent film,  Man Who Laughs, was main inspiration behind Joker's creepy and iconic smile. This silent film was based on a tragic vel written by author Victor Hugo. Contrary to Joker, main character of  Man Who Laughs was a tragic figure who actually tried to help people. 

protagonist of  Man Who Laughs was a man named Gwynplaine, who loses his ble far at a young . Unfortunately for Gwynplaine, he is sold off to a sist called Dr. Hardquanne. Dr. Hardquanne n scars Gwynplaine's face and gives him a morbid permanent grin. Due to se events, Gwynplaine always has a wide and creepy grin on his face and he quickly becomes an outcast. 

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However, unlike Joker, Victor Hugo's character did t turn insane after his disfigurement. Gwynplaine saves a blind girl he finds in wilderness and y both join a freak show to earn some money. Eventually, Gwynplaine develops feelings for girl he saved. But unfortunately,  Man Who Laughs takes an even darker turn when Gwynplaine is kidnapped due to his ble blood.

Victor Hugo's book ends with Gwynplaine and blind girl's tragic death. However, 1928 silent movie has a happier ending with both of m surviving and getting married. Below is a photo of Conr Veidt as Gwynplaine in 1928 movie  Man Who Laughs. 

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[Ims From Man Who Laughs movie]