The Batman Who Laughs is one of the most iconic and terrifying villains DC has ever produced, earning extra points for being a relatively new addition compared to the publisher’s long list of legacy foes. However, this Batman-Joker hybrid may now have competition, as DC teases a new villain-hero hybrid poised to be utterly catastrophic.
A variant cover by Tiago da Silva for Mark Waid’s Justice League Unlimited #9 (2025) shows the forms of Joker and Martian Manhunter merging into one, with the Joker seemingly embracing the change while J’onn appears to be screaming in pain or horror at what he’s becoming.
This cover teases a much more literal hero-and-villain fusion than the Batman Who Laughs, who was the Bruce Wayne of Earth-22 transformed into a Joker-like figure as part of the original Joker’s dying scheme. However, most would agree that the Batman Who Laughs represents the worst of both Batman and Joker, making him a fitting comparison to what appears to be the birth of The Manhunting Joker.
THE MANHUNTING JOKER: A Joker-Martian Manhunter Hybrid Is a Terrifying Prospect
Main Cover by Dan Mora for Justice League Unlimited #9 (2025)
To clarify, DC has not made any official comment regarding Tiago da Silva’s variant cover for Justice League Unlimited #9 and whether it teases an actual development in the narrative or is simply a piece of stunning, evocative art. As such, the moniker “The Manhunting Joker” is Screen Rant’s nickname for the combined form of Joker and Martian Manhunter, not an official name for the potential character. If The Manhunting Joker does end up becoming part of DC’s ongoing storyline, this could mark the debut of one of the most dangerous characters ever introduced, possibly even succeeding in ways that the Batman Who Laughs never could.
As of April 25, 2025, Martian Manhunter is currently without his telepathic powers, a result of the events of DC’s Absolute Power, with Gorilla Grodd now in possession of those abilities. However, Justice League Unlimited #9 will serve as the epilogue to Mark Waid’s ongoing We Are Yesterday crossover, meaning J’onn may have regained his powers by then. If he and the Joker are indeed merged into one entity at that point, the resulting character would wield the unparalleled might of Martian Manhunter fused with the Joker’s madness and malicious intent, making for one of the most formidable threats the DC Universe has ever seen.
The Batman Who Laughs vs. The Manhunting Joker: Who’s a Bigger Threat?
Main Cover by Dan Mora for Batman / Superman: World's Finest #39 (2025)
There’s no denying that The Batman Who Laughs was one of DC’s most formidable beings, combining Batman’s intellect and relentless drive with the sickness of Joker’s mind. He was a villain who nearly succeeded in his dark takeover, yet even he may pale in comparison to The Manhunting Joker. With J’onn’s abilities, this would be an all-powerful version of the Joker unlike anything seen before, potentially posing an even greater threat than The Batman Who Laughs. However, this remains pure speculation until fans receive confirmation on whether DC is truly bringing a hybrid Martian Manhunter and Joker into the narrative.
Justice League Unlimited #9 is available July 23, 2025, from DC Comics!
