RetroInspection - Fantomas pt. 1 - The Novel

Created in 1940, most likely by the combined efforts of Bob Kane, Bill Finger and Jerry Robinson—though the actual details are sketchy—the Joker eventually became the Batman’s arch nemesis. Depending on which reputed creator you asked, the inspiration for the Joker was either Conrad Veidt from the film The Man Who Laughs, the SteepleChase Face from Coney Island or the classic Joker from playing cards. However, as often is the case, inspiration comes subtly from sources not always acknowledged, and so it is with Joker, who may actually have his genesis inspired by the French master villain, Fantomas.
Written by Marcel Allain and Pierre Souvestre in 1911, Fantomas appeared in 43 total books spanning the first half of the 20th Century. Eventually, the character reached across all media and found fame across the world including in America. A criminal genius who delighted in crimes of all kinds, Fantomas found his own nemesis in Inspector Juve of the Surete.
Fantomas, like the Joker who came later, was no mere thief, however. He loved the money he stole, but his flamboyant sadism made him one of the earliest literary arch-criminals.
Did the Joker’s creators find inspiration in Fantomas?
That is for you, the reader, to decide.

Out of respect to Rumble, we will not post the YouTube link to the Fantomas film here. Search for it there.

Fantomas paperbacks: https://amzn.to/3xE6lLB

Fantomas Bluray: https://amzn.to/45TW0rg

The Dark Knight trilogy: https://amzn.to/3VTmogC

Joker Bluray: https://amzn.to/4cQzJgj

The Batman, Joker © DC Comics

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