While strolling through a toy aisle recently, I came across what looks like the cutest toy of the Joker that I’ve ever seen. I’d applaud Fisher-Price for taking the character in this direction, but I’m starting to think this was just done to shamelessly make some money.
Of course, it was pretty cute when the Joker beat Robin to within an inch of his life with a crowbar and then left him to be blown to pieces. And it was really cute and precocious of him to shoot Barbara Gordon and paralyze her in order to drive Commissioner Gordon insane. Or what about that time when the Joker kidnapped all of Gotham City’s babies and went ahead and killed Commissioner Gordon’s second wife Sarah when she tried to save one? Aww! And I’d certainly be remiss if I didn’t mention the time the Joker was able to re-create the universe in his own image and used it to torture and kill (and then resurrect) Batman on a daily basis. These are just a few examples, too; the adorable, homicidal examples could go on forever.
So I guess I stand corrected in this case. If there’s one thing the Joker has been throughout his comic history, it’s cute. Fisher-Price simply created a figure that best embodies Batman’s arch-nemesis that could be enjoyed by children all over the world. With that in mind, this would make for a great Christmas present this year, but if you’re looking to buy it for your child, make sure to turn it into a package deal with The Killing Joke.
