Batman: The Brave and the Bold gave a huge twist to this classic comic book

Emperor Joker rings a bell for many DC fans, without a doubt. The classic comic book was the inspiration for the Batman: The Brave and the Bold episode of the same name. But there are a lot of differences between the two, making them each a completely unique story.

The most obvious difference between the two is Superman. Emperor Joker, the comic book, is actually a Superman story. Superman is pitted against the Clown Prince of Crime when he gains ultimate power and becomes the emperor of reality after tricking Mr. Mxyzptlk into giving him almost all of his powers. In the TV episode, however, Superman is nowhere to be seen. Rather, the main character is Bat-Mite, the 5th dimensional trickster.

Batman: The Brave and the Bold's unique Emperor Joker storyline

Batman is of course a critical element of both stories. The Joker, despite his ultimate power, cannot destroy Batman, as The Joker cannot exist without Batman. Bat-Mite takes the role of hero in the TV adaptation of Emperor Joker, teaming up with Harley Quinn to change everything back to normal.

The Joker is a highlight of both the comic book and the TV episode. His unpredictable and chaotic nature is full force when he has ultimate power. The Joker even has a musical number in Batman: The Brave and the Bold, similar to the famous Music Meister who debuted on the very same series.

Harley Quinn gets a whole new portrayal in The Brave and the Bold, too. She appears as part of Joker's new gang, who look like old black and white movie characters. Harley has never had a character design quite like this.

Bat-Mite is another highlight of the episode, despite not even appearing in the original comic book. Bat-Mite is both the reason The Joker gets his powers, but is also the hero who defies him to save Batman and take the powers back.

Emperor Joker is a classic story, whether it be on the small screen or on the printed page. Joker is brought to new heights, quite literally, as Batman is brought to new places. Whether it be Superman or Bat-Mite playing the role of hero, there is a lot to love about Emperor Joker.