To be clear, I don’t have a problem with the design for the Jared Leto incarnation of The Joker for Suicide Squad. He looks a lot like Sonny Crockett lost his mind in a Hot Topic, but it’s different, it’s very Ayeresque, and that’s important. Let’s reserve full judgement until we see how the style works with the tone of David Ayer’s movie and the character of Leto’s Joker.
On the other hand, this Joker design from Rick Baker is disgustingly good.
That’s not surprising, because it’s Rick Baker. With this, he’s channeled Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo’s version of the character from the “Death of the Family” story arc where The Joker has his face carved off. Apparently his cell walls were looking too bare.
Baker shared some of the steps of the creative process on Twitter:
Started working on a #JOKER52 #Zbrush took a few liberties with @GregCapullo cool design,hope you don’t mind Greg. pic.twitter.com/r6tcaAcuSk
— Rick Baker (@TheRickBaker) May 11, 2015
Continuing on my #Zbrush version of @GregCapullo Joker 52 Still working on the sculpt but wanted to start color pic.twitter.com/6HPgyKdgFZ – Rick Baker (@TheRickBaker) May 14, 2015
Ok,I’m calling my #DCcomics #Joker52 Done for now..@GregCapullo hope I did him justice .#Zbrush #Keyshot #photoshop pic.twitter.com/YisTBdm1UR
— Rick Baker (@TheRickBaker) May 15, 2015
Beautiful, grotesque work. Somehow it’s tough to see this version ever making it to the screen, but we can all dream, can’t we? For some reason it reminds me of the Juggernaut from 13 Ghosts. Massive, exaggerated features and a thin muscular face with malice behind the eyes. There’s a hint of Dafoe’s Green Goblin in there, too.
Oddly enough, Baker posted the first Joker entry shortly after sharing a painting of his dog he made for his wife, and now I desperately want to see that dog included in this version of The Joker’s look.
Happy mother’s day. Here is a painting that I did for my wife for her birthday ,which is also today, of our dog. pic.twitter.com/s9wTWIttSx – Rick Baker (@TheRickBaker) May 10, 2015
Baker says he did it to prove that not all of his artwork is monstrous, but there’s still time to use this dog for evil. Give it to The Joker. He needs a pet to put a smile back on his face.
Hat tip: Screen Crush
