Jokerz


The Jokerz is the name of a fictional street gang in the DC animated universe featured in Batman Beyond. The elements of the Jokerz later crossed over into the mainstream comics.

Description

The Jokerz are a notorious street gang 35 years in the future of Gotham City that take their inspiration from the supervillain Joker, who had Batman. They tend to dress in clownish costumes and make-up, as did their namesake, but have none of the style or humor of the original. However, they occasionally clashed with the Dark Knight's successor, and his allies.
The Jokerz are known to be rivals of another street gang known as the T's.

Appearances

DC Animated Universe

In the animated series Batman Beyond, Batman battled different versions of the gang on several occasions. In a Justice League Unlimited episode the member Ghoul stated that there are 9,453 active Jokerz that are divided into approximately 200 separate groups.
There have been three featured groups of the Jokerz:
In the series episode "Joyride" the Jokerz are shown initiating a new member. The initiation involves an abandoned mineshaft. During the sequence the leader of the group shines a flashlight toward the bottom of the shaft. When the bottom of the shaft is illuminated the viewer is shown a close up of a skeleton. The remains of the skeleton's clothing are purple with a white flower over its chest, suggesting that it may belong to the Joker.

Comics

In the comic book series Batman Beyond Unlimited, it is revealed that Doug Tan becomes the leader of the Jokerz gang. Tan declares himself as the Joker King, leading the Jokerz to cause chaos in the Neo-Gotham City, intending to follow the Joker's footsteps but ultimately killed following the first and last battle with Batman and his allies.
In the mainstream comics, Dick Grayson encountered a gang called the Jokerz which is led by a man impersonating the real Joker.

Members

DC Animated Universe version

1st Jokerz Group

The first group of Jokerz was introduced in the series premiere "Rebirth", committing petty pranks and harassment before being framed for the murder of Terry's father. They have appeared throughout the series since.
The second group of Jokerz was introduced in the episode "Hidden Agenda", shown committing more violent and arsonist acts than the first group. They have appeared throughout the series since with the exception of Terminal.
The third group of Jokerz was introduced in ' where they worked for what appeared to be the original Joker. They later appeared in an episode of Justice League Unlimited, now working for Chronos and enhanced with super powers. When Chronos is defeated, this timeline is erased.

Video games