No Laughing Matter: Fan Recreates Jared Leto As 'The Killing Joke' Joker

As possibly the most infamous villain to ever grace the pages of comic books, there is no denying that the Joker does for Batman what Darth Vader does for Luke Skywalker. The world of the Caped Crusader just wouldn't be as dark without the Clown Prince of Crime haunting him from the shadows; however, while Joker from the comics has always been a fan-favorite, #JaredLeto's recent performance in Suicide Squad wasn't quite as lauded. While some fans may never be won over by Leto, there is one way he could claw back his Joker reputation in style.

The Joker's on you.

For once, we aren't turning to fan artist BossLogic to create a new version of a comic book character, but instead c.collectibles has imagined what Leto would look like as the Joker from Alan Moore's acclaimed Batman: The Killing Joke.

Using a 1/6 scale Hot Toys figure, c.collectibles has given Joker a makeover to revamp the supervillain with one of his most iconic fashion choices. We can still see Leto's punky Joker — complete with metal grill and edgy tats — but he is sporting his classic TKJ outfit.

The scene in question sees Barbara Gordon's tenure as Batgirl cut short when a psychotic Joker comes to her apartment and brutally shoots her in the spine. You may also spot a camera round Joker's neck, which he later uses to photograph a paralyzed Babs and then torture Commissioner Gordon with the images. Complete with jazzy Hawaiian shirt and that purple fedora, you have to admit that the possibility of Leto starring in The Killing Joke is an interesting prospect. Given that The Killing Joke left Barbara paralyzed for over two decades, it is an incredibly influential storyline that is just crying out for a proper adaptation.

Killing Me Softly

Given the equally mixed reception of Leto's Joker and 2016's animated version of The Killing Joke, could a live-action portrayal turn the series around? As one of the greatest #Batman storylines out there, #TheKillingJoke is the ultimate Barbara Gordon arc and involves some of DC's most graphic imagery. With scenes of nudity, torture, and that infamous crippling of Babs, an adaptation of The Killing Joke could fit in with the DCEU's upcoming darker slate of movies. We know that #JossWhedon is bringing a #Batgirl solo film to the comic book powerhouse, so even if we don't get a full version of The Killing Joke, Leto could still star in a brief flashback scene — it just wouldn't be a Barbara bonanza without Joker's act of violence.

Just like Suicide Squad itself, Leto's portrayal of Mr. J may have divided critics, and despite rumors that Leto is on his way out, it doesn't look like he is going anywhere anytime soon. With that in mind, you can't blame fans of the #DCEU for looking ahead at what Joker storylines #GeoffJohns and co. could bring to our screens to redeem the malicious maniac. It may all be a pipe dream, but you can't deny that Leto looks pretty sweet as TKJ Joker.