The legend of the Joker's origins

For those who are curious about where Batman's greatest nemesis came from, you end up discovering something most interesting:

- There is no single, universally accepted origin story for this guy.

Granted, there have been hints dropped in actual DC comics, but the Joker's origins differ depending on which comic you're reading or which movie you're watching.

The only story I'm told that comes close enough to satisfy hardcore Batman fans about the Joker's origins is one called "The Killing Joke."

Most of the background stories do have common themes, though. Many of them have the Joker start out as either a lower level crime boss, or a failed comedian with a boring, everyday name that's very forgettable. Some stories include him falling into a vat of some kind of chemical that destroys his facial muscles (hence the permanent smile), bleaches his skin, and turned his hair green. Others leave that out and make the creepy clown look something he personally put together.

Heck, they're even vague on where his girlfriend, Harley Quinn came from! She doesn't have a universally accepted origin story either.

That might by why this movie (along with other Batman-themed films) got so much attention. People were very curious.