Fake Joker
During the visit to Arkham Asylum, Batman confronts his nemesis and has a conversation about their rivalry. The Caped Crusader meant to talk about their fatal relationship that will end up with either one of them dead. Ironically, the ‘Joker’ the superhero is conversing with is a decoy intended to allow the real Joker to escape. Batman is unaware that he is a distraction until he notices the white chalk on his skin.
Joker Likes the Property
After his escape, the Joker finds a property to act as the center of operations for him and his minions. While consulting with the owner and assessing the circus, he acknowledges the poor condition of the structures. Ironically, he discloses that he likes the property even more due to its current state. The irony of the villain’s sentiments alludes to his unhinged mindset. Furthermore, his attitude towards the owner seems genuine until he divulges that he already owns the property.
Joker’s Plan Fails
In a bid to drive Commissioner Gordon insane, the Joker paralyzes his daughter and later goes on to torture him. The Clown of Prince of Crime believes that it only takes a single bad day to turn any individual insane. Despite the brutal torture tactics, Gordon maintains his sanity and proves the Joker wrong.
Batman and Joker's Relationship
The two characters seem to be direct opposites as they come from different worlds and have conflicting goals. However, the narrative mirrors these characters beyond the hero-villain dynamic where they are just adversaries. In the Batcave, the caped hero asserts that “How can two people hate so much without knowing each other?” This statement is ironic because they both share past traumas that turned them into who they are in the present. Though they might not know each other on a personal level, they have more in common than Batman can admit.
The irony of the Joker
The Joker’s worldview is distorted or rather he chooses to wallow in his own madness. In either case, the villain's response to every aspect of life is incongruous, particularly during his antics. After he shoots Barbara, his attitude towards the ordeal is quite carefree akin to every other situation in the novel. His whole persona is ironic in nature because his reactions are at all times jovial despite the severity of his deeds.
