Batman is one of the most iconic superheroes of all time. However, while he aims to eliminate crime and protect Gotham City, he faces his greatest challenge in the form of his arch-nemesis, the Joker. Debates surround their relationship, and about the fact that whether Batman truly “needs” Joker to give his life purpose. While their battles always come at the price of human lives at stake, Joker pushes Batman to improve as a hero according to some.
For decades now, the maniacal clown has tortured both Gotham and Batman with his psychotic acts of violence. Starting with his debut in DC ‘Batman’ #1, he has murdered many innocents in twisted schemes. In comparison, no one has inflicted as much psychological and physical pain upon Caped Crusader as the Joker. Their interactions always raise the stakes, leading some to argue that Batman has a soft corner for him and considers him to be a “necessary evil” to drive him forward.
Batman And The Joker Have A Mutual Understanding Of Sorts
Joker understands Batman better than anyone, to some extent better than Alfred as well because of studying his opponent for years. He knows exactly what buttons to push to get under the Dark Knight’s nerve, or in this case, his cowl.
Their battles are a test for Batman to always evolve his skills and strategies and his gadgets as well. Without Joker pushing him to his edge, Batman could become complacent and fall short of his goal, which is to protect Gotham.
Related: 10 Times Batman Got Real Superpowers
Other villains like the Riddler or Penguin present challenges, but Joker embodies pure anarchy. His plans are volatile and unpredictable, with no limits to the carnage he will inflict.
This keeps Bruce on alert always, thinking outside the box to counter even Joker’s most unhinged and deranged schemes. Their rivalry depends on who will ‘one-up’ each other, forcing Batman to match Joker’s insanity with determination and resilience.
A Shared Obsession To Provide Purpose
Another key factor is the idea that Batman and Joker actually need one another in a twisted psychological sense. While Batman would never admit to such a thing, Joker fills his void by chasing him to protect Gotham.
Some argue that the Caped Crusader clings to their confrontation as proof of his importance and purpose to the city of Gotham. Joker meanwhile lives only for the challenge of breaking Batman’s unwavering spirit.
In Case You Missed It: 7 Best Lego Batman Movies
Their obsessiveness over each other has become very much symbiotic over the decades. As much damage as Joker causes, he could never truly kill Batman due to their co-dependency. Some of the most memorable Batman runs see them reluctantly joining forces against greater threats.
Joker is the perfect antagonist to drive Batman to constantly sharpen both his physical and intellectual skills. As long as crime exists, which it will, Batman will need the clown prince of crime to be the greatest hero he can be. Their rivalry is tragic yet necessary for both characters to fulfill their true goals.
