Detective Comics #168 (1951) introduced the Joker's first origin story as Red Hood: a criminal who, during his final heist, vanishes after leaping into a vat of chemicals to escape Batman. His resulting disfigurement led him to adopt the name "Joker", from the playing card figure he came to resemble.
First appearance: Batman #1 (April 25, 1940)
Created by: Bill Finger; Bob Kane; Jerry Robinson
Abilities: Criminal mastermind; Expert chemist; Uses weaponized props and toxins