Multiple sources, including Bill Finger’s son Fred and Carmine Infantino, claimed that Bill derived some inspiration for the Joker from a grinning figure at Coney Island, in Brooklyn—specifically at an amusement park called Steeplechase Park.
Here is how I think the clown went down, though the proper order of the first two is lost to time:
But I’m not aiming to start a debate. Rather I recount this simply to set up an image that I was jazzed to see.
DC Comics will be reintroducing a Harley Quinn series. And the first promo (possibly cover) image released features a fun nod to history that many will not pick up on…but those who do will, well, grin.
Here is how I think the clown went down, though the proper order of the first two is lost to time:
- Bill mentioned the grinning character he saw at Coney Island to the Bat-team (Bob Kane and Jerry Robinson).
- Bill showed the team a photo book featuring Conrad Veidt in the 1928 film The Man Who Laughs.
- Jerry designed the Joker caricature that would appear on his signature playing/calling card.
- Bill wrote the first Joker story in late 1939 or early 1940. The character looked primarily like Veidt with an aura of the Steeplechase mascot.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_49Bsv7Eef5tM7v-135KuStP_guIXjVN58BpkSEHHlBoGZPx2dgrdDUGu0YmwCIB1KqHg4kr_RkvzHoeGYNh_-owHLPw-qJz8XIcwBBVz3gSE_MSUbca_VVomM5nH4_N9DqVLhgHODQT/s400/Conrad+Veidt+in+THE+MAN+WHO+LAUGHS.jpg)
But I’m not aiming to start a debate. Rather I recount this simply to set up an image that I was jazzed to see.
DC Comics will be reintroducing a Harley Quinn series. And the first promo (possibly cover) image released features a fun nod to history that many will not pick up on…but those who do will, well, grin.
1 comment:
Awesome article! So true, I am a native to NYC, grew up near Coney, and am surprised to realize that not many people know much about Coney Island's rich history or influence.
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