Summary

• The Joker's new origin takes a massive twist in Batman #142, revealing a surprising connection between him and Batman.
• Dr. Daniel Captio, who previously trained Batman, is revealed to have also mentored the Joker, explaining their unending rivalry.
• Joker's secret teacher reaffirms his role as Batman's greatest enemy, on a mission to destroy his greatest student.

The Joker wouldn't be half the man he is today if he weren't trained by one mysterious figure in DC history. With DC finally revealing more of Joker's origins, a new chapter in his murky past reveals a surprising connection Joker shares with his greatest enemy: that Joker, like Batman, was trained by Dr. Daniel Captio.

In Batman #142 by Chip Zdarsky, Giuseppe Camuncoli, and Andrea Sorrentino, the Joker's new 'Year One' origins are explored. Several months after Joker emerged from his iconic chemical bath (as depicted in The Killing Joke), he's still trying to put himself together. Unfortunately, he can't live a normal life anymore, a painful truth shown when when he sees Batman on patrol and is consumed by fear.

The broken Joker laments the incredible fear he's been living with since his transformation. But he's approached by Dr. Daniel Captio, a relatively recent addition to the DC Comics canon. Captio tells Joker he can help him improve himself, but when Joker asks what makes him qualified to do so, Joker discovers that Captio has previously trained Batman.

Dr. Daniel Captio was first introduced to Bruce Wayne's origin in Batman: The Knight #8 (2022) by Chip Zdarsky and Carmine Di Giandomenico.

Joker Was Trained By The Same Man Who Trained Batman

Long before Batman patrolled the streets of Gotham, Bruce Wayne learned everything he could from some of the best teachers on Earth. In addition to training his body to the point of physical perfection, Bruce also trained his mind. He sought out Daniel Captio, who understood the mind and how it operates better than anyone. Under Captio's tutelage, Bruce learned how to master pain. Captio also taught Bruce about fear, and while Captio couldn't help Bruce conquer his fears, the doctor taught Batman to manipulate the fears of others.

Captio was someone obsessed with a cosmic sense of equality. It's understandable he'd seek out Joker to train him and balance things out in the universe. Not to mention, Joker having a secret tutor like Captio makes sense as he's always seemed impervious to pain, a similar trick Bruce picked up from Caption. Plus, despite Bruce being trained to be one of the greatest fighters in the world, Joker's proven to be an unending challenge to Batman. Now that it's known that the two shared a mentor, it explains how the Joker cemented himself as Batman's greatest enemy.

Joker's Secret Teacher Confirms His Role As Batman's Greatest Enemy

Batman has defeated Gotham's worst criminals and Justice League-level threats. But the one foe he can't seem to find a true solution to is Joker. For years, it seemed like there was nothing really special about the Harlequin of Hate. But fans know that Joker learned how to become the destructive force he is because he trained with one of Bruce's most dangerous teachers. Who knows what kind of surprising or deadly secrets Captio might have ed along to Joker? But one thing is for certain: this connection shows just how deep Batman and Joker's relationship really is.

Batman #142 is available now from DC Comics.