The Joker, a character so iconic that he's become a cultural phenomenon, has always been a bit of a paradox. On one hand, his enduring popularity is a testament to the power of his chaotic brilliance. On the other, his schtick can get old after a while, and the constant repetition of his stories can feel like a never-ending loop. The DC Comics universe, with its vast array of characters and storylines, has always been a playground for the Joker, but the New 52 era seemed to promise something different. It was an opportunity to breathe new life into the character, to take him in a direction that felt fresh and exciting. And then, there was 'Endgame'.
'Endgame' was a story that felt like it was taking the Joker in a more horror-oriented direction. It was a departure from the typical Joker narrative, where he's usually the one causing chaos and mayhem. In 'Endgame', the Joker was the monster, the cosmic horror-level threat to Gotham City. It was a bold move, and it seemed like it could have been the start of something truly special. But, as the New 52 era came to an end, this plot was completely forgotten, and the Joker was relegated to more of the same old stories.
In my opinion, the Joker is a character that needs constant reinvention. He's too big to change, and too many of his stories go in the same directions. But, when a change is made, it's always a good thing. It's like a breath of fresh air, a chance to see the character in a new light. The Joker can get pretty old, pretty fast, and while his best stories are worthy of legend, there are plenty of stories that copy the past too much. The change in 'Batman #7' in February 2016 was so much hype because fans want new kinds of stories with the villain. They want to see him in a different light, to experience him in a new way.
The New 52 era seemed to promise something different, and it looked like DC was going to do something different with the Joker. But, as we know, the era ended, and the plot was forgotten. It's a shame, because Snyder was taking the villain in a direction that played to his strengths, and it would have been amazing if this plot wasn't forgotten when DC Rebirth rolled around. It's a reminder that sometimes, even with the best intentions, things can fall through the cracks. But, it's also a reminder that the Joker is a character that needs constant reinvention, and that change is always a good thing.
