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From Campy to Terrifying, Joker no Longer a Laughing Matter

Reuters

   LOS ANGELES - There are no capes, no special powers and no battles
   between good and evil in the new "Joker" movie, whose portrayal of the
   most famous villain in comic book history is the most chilling twist on
   the character in 50 years.

   The Joker has been depicted on television and in movies since 1966 and
   has undergone a series of ever darker transformations from his early
   days as a campy clown with a mirthless laugh.

   "It's barely the same character," said Matthew Belloni, editorial
   director of the Hollywood Reporter. "I think the Joker has reflected
   the times in which he is portrayed."

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