The's character has gone through some significant changes in interpretation over the years.

He began as a homicidal foil toin the 1940s, then transformed into a goofy and mischievous prankster in the 1950s and '60s, before finally reverting back to his original murderous and maniacal form in the 1970s. Throughout his years as one of the most iconic and recognizable villains in pop culture, Batman's greatest nemesis has also underwent some significant changes in appearance, a visual evolution that includes a variety of different artistic interpretations of the character.Sure, the basics have always been there: The Joker's maniacal grin, his green hair, red lips and purple suit. With that said, like any character that's been around for so long, the Joker's look and feel has changed with each writer, artist and director that has handled him. With The Dark Knight arriving on DVD Decemeber 9, IGN Stars updates our popular Many Looks feature with more of the razor-scarred Mr. J.

Golden/Silver Age Joker Batman #1 (1940)While the Joker's overall facial and body structures have changed since his first appearance in the debut issue of Batman ( the Dark Knight had appeared exclusively in the pages of Detective Comics until then), his specific facial features – white skin, ruby red lips and green hair – have remained a trademark of the character, as has his signature purple suit. Although writer Bill Finger remains officially un-credited for his role in creating Batman (as well as the Joker and a variety of other iconic Batman villains), the story goes that he gave artist Bob Kane a picture of actor Conrad Veidt in the silent film The Man Who Laughs, based on Victor Hugo's novel, and Kane combined the actor's pale face and eerie grin with the basic look of a joker playing card. Thus, the most iconic villain in all of comic book history was born. It would take years, however, until the Clown Prince of Crime would take on the lankier, awkward body structure that has become standard.

1960's Television JokerBatman – Episode 5, Season 1 (1966)When the Dark Knight was brought to life on ABC's campy and ridiculously zany Batman television show, starring Adam West (flabby physique and all) in the title role, alongside Burt Ward as Robin, it didn't take long for this popular villain to get the small screen treatment. In the fifth episode of the first season, entitled "The Joker Is Wild," actor Cesar Romero stepped into the role of the Clown Prince of Crime. Romero's appearance as the Joker did not differ much from his comic book incarnation at the time, with one strange and rather baffling exception: Romero refused to shave his mustache for the role. So in each of his eighteen featured episodes, the Joker's white face paint was applied directly over Romero's ridiculous facial hair.