#ComicBytes: Who are the creepiest serial killers in Batman universe?
Murder, mystery, the macabre, humans have always been fascinated by the depravity of human nature. Serial killers thus hold a 'special' place in our quirky minds. The Batman comics are no exception and as a superhero, one would expect Batman to face a few serial killers. Most notably, these comics are known for exploring criminal psychology. Here're five creepiest serial killers in Batman comics.
According to the FBI, serial killing is, "the unlawful killing of two or more victims by the same offender(s) in separate events". Killers may be motivated by anger, lust, thrill or attention. Some of them have their specific modus operandi or methods of killing.
Victor Zsasz remains one of the most infamous serial killers in Batman comics. He has no superpowers, just heightened combat skills, great knife skills, and smart and deranged mind. Victor has killed hundreds of victims. He believes that he liberates these victims. A complete nihilist, he makes a tally mark on his body to keep count of the victims. He is evil personified.
Jane Doe is one of Batman's most formidable serial killers. She debuted in 'Arkham Asylum: Living Hell'. Her motivations to kill stem from her feeling of incompleteness and desire to live other people's lives. Her ability to shape-shift and mimic voices and behavior, makes her anonymous and untraceable. Known for the gruesome shooting of Commissioner Jim Gordon in his office, Jane is truly alarming.
Julian Gregory Day is one of the most disturbed serial killers in Batman comics. Known as Calendar Man, he is obsessed with holidays and dates. His notable appearance is in 'Batman: Arkham City'. The Calendar Man gave gruesome details of murders, which he committed on real-world holidays. To make things creepier, he ages with seasons and sheds his skin every spring.
'Gotham by Gaslight' was an alternate story arc, placing Batman at the time when Jack the Ripper was operating. Jack came to Gotham and began his killing spree. Unfortunately, Bruce was suspected of being the Ripper and got arrested. Racing against the clock, he managed to unmask the Ripper's true identity. Jack, notorious for his real-life reputation, was no match for the caped crusader.
The deranged, psychopathic clown has to be the most obvious choice on the list. Yes, we are talking about Batman's archnemesis, the Joker. With his choice of switchblade, poison, crowbar, the Joker claimed many lives including Batman's sidekick, Jason Todd. The maniacal laugh Joker emits, while killing, gets under reader's skins and tells them that this is someone they would not wish to encounter.
