Breaking His Own Neck
Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns introduces us to an older, grizzlier Bruce Wayne. When he returns to being Batman, though, the Joker quickly awakens from his catatonic state, ready for some more fun with Batsy.
Like clockwork, Batman chases after his nemesis and tracks him down at a country fair. The old Bat pummels the hell out of the clown, leaving him brutalized and paralyzed. But he still refuses to break his one rule. In a final moment of revenge, the Joker breaks his own neck to incriminate his rival for murder. Wow.
To him, it’s always been a game that he refuses to lose. Batman is his favorite playmate, and he always pushes the Dark Knight to break his self-imposed rule. He cheated here, obviously, but he got the final laugh. It’s diabolical, yet somewhat brilliant.
