Ah, relationships. A battlefield. More treacherous than Gotham City. Just as confusing as the Metaverse in Tokyo. Today, we dive into the romantic entanglements of two Jokers. One from comics and films. The other, a suave phantom thief from Persona 5 Royal. Buckle up! It’s a wild ride through love, chaos, and teenage angst.
Joker’s Ladies: A Rogues’ Gallery of Romance (and Mayhem)
Let’s start with the Clown Prince of Crime himself. The Joker. A name synonymous with anarchy, madness, and a complicated love life. Forget roses and chocolates. His relationships are about dynamite and therapy bills. Or should I say, *his partners’* therapy bills? Dating the Joker guarantees needing serious help.
Harley Quinn: The OG of Joker’s Romantic Entanglements
First, we have Harley Quinn. Originally Dr. Harleen Quinzel, she was treating the Joker at Arkham Asylum. Clearly, that went sideways. It’s like a workplace romance gone explosively wrong. Introduced in 1999, Harley became Joker’s iconic sidekick, lover, and partner in crime. She’s the ride-or-die chick. Except “ride” usually is a stolen vehicle and “die” is a real threat on any Tuesday.
Harley sees herself as Joker’s one true love. Bless her heart. Joker, however, has more complicated feelings. His romantic gestures probably involve leaving laughing gas under your pillow. Their relationship is toxic, co-dependent, and utterly fascinating. It’s a masterclass in what *not* to look for in a partner. But nobody ever accused the Joker of being a relationship guru.
Sophie Dumond: A Fleeting Fantasy in Arthur Fleck’s Mind
Now, let’s pivot to a different Joker – Arthur Fleck from the 2019 film *Joker*. This Joker’s romance is less about crime and more about delusion. Enter Sophie Dumond, Arthur’s neighbor. After his first murder on the subway (charming, right?), Arthur imagines a whirlwind romance with Sophie. Cozy dinners, shared laughter – the whole rom-com package, with existential dread.
Except, plot twist! It’s all in his head. Arthur had full-blown conversations with thin air. Sophie is real, but their relationship? Pure fantasy. It’s a heartbreaking look into Arthur’s fractured psyche. Things get worse for Sophie. After Arthur’s transformation into Joker becomes known, she becomes collateral damage. Harassed by obsessed fans, she has to flee Gotham with her daughter. Talk about a bad breakup. Imagine your ex’s fan club at your door. Yikes.
Jeanie: The Ex-Wife Before the Mayhem
Before the white face paint and homicidal tendencies, there was a guy at Ace Chemical Processing Plant. This guy had a wife named Jeanie. She’s the forgotten ex in Joker’s origin story. He quit his job to pursue stand-up comedy. Spoiler alert: it did not go well. Pre-Joker, pre-madness, he left normalcy behind, which was probably boring for someone destined to become the Joker.
Not much is known about her, but you must wonder what she thinks now. Seeing her ex become the most notorious criminal in Gotham? That’s an ex-husband glow-up – in the most terrifying way.
Natalija Jokic: Wait, *That* Joker Has a Wife?
This one is a curveball. Natalija Jokic. Wife of Nicola Jokic? Wait, is this the basketball player? Yes folks, this is another “Joker.” A talented Serbian basketball player with a wife named Natalija. Not *our* Joker, though. Unless there’s a secret multiverse where the Joker plays basketball? Unlikely. Let’s chalk this up to coincidence and move on.
Punchline: The New Kid on the Block (of Chaos)
Just when you thought Joker’s romantic life couldn’t get more complicated, DC Comics introduces Punchline. Joker’s *new* girlfriend. Apparently, Harley wasn’t enough chaos in one relationship. Punchline is more recent in the Joker’s rogues’ gallery. She’s portrayed as intelligent, deadly, and equally devoted to Joker’s mayhem as Harley. A different edge exists here.
Think Harley’s craziness mixed with calculated ruthlessness. It’s upgrading from chaotic explosions to precisely targeted implosions. Joker has a type: women who embrace madness. Maybe he should date someone who enjoys knitting and quiet evenings for a change. Just a thought.
Rebecca Brown: Almost Mrs. Joker (Maybe?)
Remember Joseph Kerr? No? It’s one of Joker’s many aliases. While under this name, he met Rebecca Brown. Surprisingly, things seemed almost… normal. They dated for months. He even proposed! Rebecca Brown was almost Mrs. Joker. Imagine that wedding registry: toasters, blenders, and maybe a few crowbars? Alas, normalcy is not in Joker’s DNA.
His old self resurfaced, and things turned dark. He nearly killed Rebecca. Thankfully, Batman intervened, convincing him to spare her. Even the Joker has a tiny sliver of a heart somewhere in his chaos. Their doomed relationship shows a flicker of twisted affection. Maybe there’s hope for him yet? Nah, probably not.
Harleen Quinzel (Again!): Arkham Asylum Romance 2.0
And we return to Harleen Quinzel, but now in Arkham State Hospital from the upcoming film *Joker: Folie à Deux*. Arthur Fleck meets Harleen again *inside* Arkham. It feels like their story is starting over, but they are both deep in craziness now. Talk about meeting cute! “How did you two meet?” “We were both patients in a mental asylum. He was a homicidal clown; I was his therapist.” This promises chaotic romance levels.
Persona 5 Royal: Navigating the Treacherous Waters of High School Romance
Now, let’s teleport from Gotham’s grim streets to the vibrant world of Tokyo and Persona 5 Royal. Here, our Joker codenamed Joker, is a high school student and phantom thief. Surprisingly, he’s a heartthrob too. Forget criminal masterminds! This Joker juggles schoolwork, saving the world, and teenage romance complexities. Different chaos, but chaos nonetheless.
Romance Options Galore: A Phantom Thief’s Harem?
Persona 5 Royal throws an overwhelming number of romance options at you: nine in the original and ten in Royal – all female. Sorry Ryuji fans, no bromance options here, at least not romantically. It’s like a dating sim disguised as a JRPG. You fight shadows, steal hearts, and decide who to take to the school dance. Talk about multitasking.
Kasumi Yoshizawa: The Graceful Gymnast with a Secret
Kasumi Yoshizawa, or Sumire as she prefers later, is one new romantic interest in Persona 5 Royal. She’s a graceful gymnast, talented and initially reserved. Her relationship with Joker starts off friendly – a senior-junior dynamic at Shujin Academy. Even when platonic, she’s fiercely loyal and protective of Joker.
There’s a bizarre reference to Mass Effect 2 – apparently Kasumi has a crush on Jacob Taylor. Video game character crushes in a video game? Meta! To pursue romance with Kasumi, reach Rank 5 in her Confidant by December 18th. No pressure! Just save the world *and* manage your social calendar.
Futaba Sakura: The Tech Genius with Brother Complex (Maybe Not?)
Futaba Sakura is a reclusive hacker. She is a romance option. Some fans find this odd. She’s younger and has a “little sister” vibe with Joker. She sees him as a big brother. Romancing her raises eyebrows. Love is weird, especially in video games. Futaba’s brilliance makes her compelling.
Ann Takamaki and Ryuji Sakamoto: The Childhood Friends Who Should Just Get Together Already
Ann Takamaki and Ryuji Sakamoto are childhood friends. Their relationship cries to be shipped. Constant teasing and a “will they, won’t they” dynamic keeps them interesting. Their bickering is flirting. Ann’s reaction when Ryuji sacrifices himself is practically a love confession. They need a push!
Sumire Kakei: Wait, Isn’t That Kasumi? And Boruto?
Sumire Kakei confessing to Boruto is a mix-up. It feels like we’ve wandered into Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. Misunderstanding can happen easily. Back to Persona 5 Royal and Kasumi Yoshizawa, who reveals her true name as Sumire. The multiverse can be confusing.
Yukari Takeba and Makoto Yuki: Persona 3 Throwback Romance?
Yukari Takeba and Makoto Yuki come from Persona 3. Some fans think they are a canon pairing. Why? They share screen time together. This should mean romance, right? However, the actual storylines focus elsewhere. Canon? Debatable. It’s like shipping TV characters based on promotional alignment.
Makoto Niijima: The Student Council President with a Secret Soft Spot
Makoto Niijima is serious and intelligent. She is the student council president. Romancing her means serious work. You need high Charm and Knowledge. During her Confidant, choose the right answers. Makoto is a popular choice. She’s capable and has vulnerability behind her tough exterior.
Ryuji Sakamoto (Again!): The Bromance That Could Have Been (But Isn’t)
Poor Ryuji. He’s Joker’s ideal partner. Loyal and funny, he is always there. Sadly, no male romance option exists for Joker. Ryuji remains a best bro. He has a complicated romantic history from anime references. He’s linked to several girls, but he stays in the friend zone with Joker.
Multiple Relationships: Valentine’s Day Chaos and Cheating Accusations
In Persona 5 Royal, you can date all the girls. But there are consequences. Valentine’s Day becomes tricky. You choose one girl to spend the day with. If you choose no one, you spend it with Ryuji. If you date multiple girls, be ready for confrontations. Jealousy is everywhere.
Canon and Endings: What’s Real and What’s Just Player Choice?
We’ve explored romantic options. But which relationships are canon? In Persona, the answer is generally none. Romance is optional. Player choice reigns supreme. Atlus avoids canon romantic ties for the main character, unless crucial to the story.
Persona 5 Ending: Saving the World, Canonically
The true canon ending of Persona 5 focuses on saving the world from Yaldabaoth. Joker and the Phantom Thieves succeed. Justice prevails. The world remains safe. This ending is definitive for the main story. No romance required, as saving the world comes first.
Persona Q: Canon Crossover Chaos
Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth is a crossover title. It features characters from Persona 3 and 4. Later, Persona 5 joins in Persona Q2. Despite being a crossover, it holds canon status. The events actually happen within the Persona universe, though it feels like an offbeat side adventure.
True Ending P5R: The Royal Treatment (of Endings)
Persona 5 Royal provides a “true” ending. To unlock it, you need to manage Confidant ranks carefully. Reaching specific ranks with characters is essential. Then, refuse the antagonist’s offers later. Do all this, and you achieve the real true ending. It’s conclusive and arguably the most canon, but still lacks canonical romance.
Joker’s Background and Characteristics: Peeling Back the Layers of Madness (and Style)
Now, let’s delve into the backgrounds of our two Jokers. Beginning with the original Joker, the Batman villain. Who exactly is this pale-faced agent of chaos?
Real Name: Jack Napier (Sometimes)
Jack Napier is the Joker’s name in Tim Burton’s 1989 *Batman* film. It’s an accepted name across adaptations. “Jack” sounds regular, almost humanizing. Imagine asking, “Hey Jack, wanna rob a bank?” Doesn’t sound as menacing as expected. It’s a glimpse of Joker’s past.
Age (Persona 5): Teenage Angst and Phantom Thievery
Persona 5’s Joker, named Ren Amamiya, is 16 years old. He is in his second year of high school. Most teens worry about typical issues. Joker focuses on saving the world and stealing hearts. In the sequel, he’s 18, aging up slightly but still fighting material issues as a stylish rebel.
Twin? The Valeska Brothers and Joker Origins
Twin brothers tied to Joker’s origins sound like a comic tale. Jerome and Jeremiah Valeska are notable figures related to his story. Their backgrounds hold great significance and shape the mythos of this iconic character.
The TV series *Gotham* features two versions of the Joker. They are neither traditional nor the same, but both share traits of chaos. They also share an actor, Cameron Monaghan. This clever choice allows exploration of the Joker’s origins without settling on a single backstory. Two Jokers create twice the chaos.
Mother: Penny Fleck and a Delusional Past
Penny Fleck, Arthur’s mother, plays a vital role in the 2019 *Joker* film. She claims Thomas Wayne is Arthur’s father. She alleges they had an affair. She suggests lawyers forced her into signing an NDA. Yet, is she truthful? The film suggests Penny may be delusional. She might have invented the affair. She could not even be Arthur’s biological mother. The narrative is unclear and unreliable. Penny is a tragic character. She is trapped in her delusions, leading Arthur deeper into madness. Mother-son dynamics can be complex, mostly when one becomes the Joker.
Possible Father: Thomas Wayne? Doubtful.
Thomas Wayne, Bruce Wayne’s father, as the Joker’s dad? A shocking twist in *Joker*. Penny Fleck certainly believes it. But is it true? The film keeps it vague. Is Thomas really Arthur’s father? Probably not. It appears more likely Penny imagines the connection. The claim about Thomas’ paternity might be just another sign of her mental illness. It ties into the film’s themes of inequality and elite failures. Still, consider the drama if Batman and the Joker were half-brothers.
Mental Illness: A Complex Portrait of Psychological Distress
Arthur Fleck’s mental state is deeply complex and disturbing. Pseudobulbar affect, characterized by uncontrollable laughter or crying, features prominently. He may also suffer from psychotic illness, psychopathy, and narcissistic traits. Society largely ignores him as he battles severe mental health issues. The film presents a nuanced view of mental illness. It does not claim mental illness leads to becoming the Joker. Instead, it examines how neglect and untreated conditions may result in tragedy. Mental health matters in Gotham City.
IQ: Off the Charts Insanity (and Intelligence)
The Joker’s IQ is around 350 while Batman’s is about 290. These numbers come from comic books, not reality. Still, the message is clear: the Joker possesses immense intelligence mixed with chaos. He’s not just a mad clown; he is a cunning, unpredictable criminal mastermind. His intelligence rivals his madness. Sometimes he can outsmart Batman. That says a lot.
White Face: More Than Just Makeup
The Joker’s pale white face stands out as iconic. This visual signature is unsettling and theatrical. It symbolizes his separation from reality, loss of humanity, and acceptance of chaos. Whether from chemicals or makeup, this white face is crucial to his identity. More than just skin-deep, it represents madness in full bloom.
Other Persona 5 Information: Random Tidbits from Tokyo’s Metaverse
Now, let’s conclude with random Persona 5 facts. Because why not?
Kasumi’s Death: A Month Before the Game Starts (Sort Of)
Kasumi Yoshizawa *died* in March of 20XX, just before Persona 5 Royal starts. But it’s more complicated than that. The “Kasumi” we meet early in the game is actually her twin sister, Sumire, pretending to be her. Kasumi died in an accident while Sumire adopted her identity. This tragic backdrop unfolds later in the story. Technically, Kasumi has already died when the game begins, however, Sumire, who becomes “Kasumi” again, remains alive.
Age of Consent in Tokyo: Not 16, Not 17, But 18
Can you romance 16-year-old characters in Persona 5 Royal? Legally in Tokyo, the age of consent stands at 18. So, pursuing a 16-year-old in real-life Tokyo? It’s definitely not appropriate. But within the game? That’s pure fiction! Remember, video game romance differs from real-life connections. Age of consent laws matter greatly in reality.
Persona 6: The Waiting Game Continues
Persona 6 is highly anticipated. Rumors and speculation swirl around its potential release. Announcement may come soon with predictions for early 2025. A summer release? Perhaps later? Atlus remains tight-lipped on specifics. Yet, Persona 6 seems inevitable given its popularity and success. New characters and adventures await in the endless Persona cycle.
Akechi: Redemption Through Sacrifice (Maybe)
Goro Akechi is known for his intelligence and complexity. He redeems himself by sacrificing his life to protect Joker and the Phantom Thieves. He shoots his cognitive double and locks both away behind a barricade. Is he really dead? Video game deaths often prove temporary, especially in Persona. Akechi’s fate remains uncertain. Is his sacrifice genuine? Will he return in future games? In Persona, never say never.
Gender of Canon Persona 3 Protagonist: Male
Persona 3 features two protagonists: one male, one female. However, the “canon” protagonist is male. He appears in crossover games and adaptations as the official hero. Sorry, female protagonist fans! In Atlus’s eyes, the male protagonist holds the title as “true” Persona 3 hero while both characters shine in their unique ways.
Canon Name: Ren Amamiya (The Dancing Star)
The Joker’s canon name is Ren Amamiya. This name appears in Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight, a spin-off officially recognized by Atlus. While you can name him anything in the main game, if you want to maintain “canon,” use Ren Amamiya. It sounds stylish and fits a phantom thief perfectly.
Takemi Age: The Doc is in Her Late Twenties to Early Thirties
Tae Takemi, the edgy doctor, falls between 29 and 32 years old. She’s mature, skilled, and slightly mysterious too! As one of Persona 5 Royal’s older Confidants, her character brings a different dynamic compared to high school personalities. Dating your doctor might seem unconventional, but it’s Persona after all.
Futaba’s Age: Turns 16 During the Game
Futaba Sakura starts Persona 5 at age 15. However, her birthday falls early in the year so she turns 16 throughout the events of the game. She remains a teenager but grows and develops during the story’s progression. Futaba’s age matters, particularly regarding romance options since she ranks among the younger characters.
And there you have it—a dive into various Jokers’ romantic lives and an overview of relationships within Persona 5 Royal. From chaotic love stories to high school crushes set in Gotham and Tokyo’s Metaverse, we’ve covered much ground here. Now I think it’s time for some rest to process all this relationship chaos. Perhaps I will play some Persona 5 Royal next—for research purposes!
